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Warren County Park District outlines projects, says outdoor recreation drives roughly $100 million a year to county economy
Summary
Matt Latham, CEO of the Warren County Park District, updated Hamilton Township trustees on park acreage, restoration and trail projects, a strategic plan informed by extensive public input, and an economic-impact estimate that outdoor recreation contributes about $100 million annually to the county.
Matt Latham, CEO of the Warren County Park District, told Hamilton Township trustees that the district manages roughly 1,700 acres across 12 parks and is midway through a roughly $1,000,000 stream and wetland restoration at Deerfield Park.
Latham said the district is also investing about $150,000 in trail renovations in its northern wooded park to upgrade mountain-bike and multiuse trails. He described partnerships with Cincinnati area organizations and the state on multiple projects and noted the district’s strategic plan, which he said was informed by a statistically valid survey, 365 responses, a 44-member steering committee and numerous focus groups and open houses.
"These activities contribute over $100,000,000 per year to Warren County's economy," Latham said, and he added that the district sees a roughly $5 return in economic activity for every dollar invested in outdoor recreation projects. He outlined new interpretive displays, nature-play features and safer water access planned as part of the Deerfield Park work and highlighted the Park District’s role in regional trail planning, including a study to identify a corridor linking Lebanon, Mason and Springboro.
Latham also described the district’s funding mix: user fees (largely from Armco Park amenities) that are dedicated to that park, grants and donations for capital work, and a share of local government funds allocated by county commissioners. He emphasized that the Park District is an independent special district governed by a three-member board of park commissioners and encouraged trustees to review the district’s strategic plan online.
The presentation included questions from trustees and a brief clarification that Warren County Sports Park is a separate entity from the Park District. Latham said the district had seen visitation increases year over year and that several conservation areas owned by the district are planned future parks.
The board did not take action on any of the items Latham presented; the session served as an informational update and an invitation to collaborate on trail and education programming.
