By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
“There are great things about our city and region,” says Toledo Metroparks Chief External Relations Officer Matthew Killam. “Let’s not focus on what we are not, let’s focus on what we are.”
What we are, adds Killam, is an area with “the best park system in the nation.”
In order to maintain that status, to preserve the day-to-day operations that maintain that status – in Ohio’s only “moving” dunes to the 35-room colonial home of an auto baron both of which lie within the 19 Metroparks and 190 miles of trails over a 12,000 acre park landscape – the system is asking area voters to say “YES” to the May 6 ballot Issue 8, a 10-year replacement levy that will cost the homeowner of $100,000 house $1.60 more a month.
The levy will provide funds for the ongoing operations that keep “the trails safe, the air breathable and the water clean,” says Killam.
The services that Metroparks Toledo provides for area residents are indeed extensive – and for all generations. In addition to the wondrous physical attractions of nature, the Metroparks staff host a number of activities for families and children of all ages.
There are activities ranging from archery, to birding, to ice skating and skiing, among many others; there are spring and summer camps for youngsters that focus on a number of activities such as paddling and survival.
“Youngsters participate and get to have a love affair with nature. We get people outdoors and about 1,200 get to experience nature for free. We want the next generation to become educated and gain experience,” says Killam of the goal of all these family activities.
It’s money well spent, says Killam of the funds that the levy brings in, but the Toledo Metroparks does not rely merely on the largesse of local taxpayers. The system has brought in more than $100 million in state and federal grants in the last 10 years.
Metroparks also contributes to the economy, employing, for example, about 225 staff annually, including summer help. The agency has also brought in and expanded businesses such as the various enterprises within the Glass City Metropark.
The achievements of the Metroparks organization have been recognized nationally on numerous occasions. Most recently, the National Recreation and Park Association honored Metroparks with the “Innovation in Park Design Award” in 2024 for the creation of that same Glass City Metropark.
That’s the honor Metroparks received for fulfilling their goals – making trails safe, the air breathable and the water clean, in addition to providing an entertaining, educational experience for so many.
It’s an honor received for fulfilling the Metroparks mission statement which is “to conserve the region’s natural resources by creating, developing, improving, protecting, and promoting clean, safe, and natural parks and open spaces for the benefit, enjoyment, education, and general welfare of the public.”
“We are a conservation agency,” says Killam. “We connect people to conservation.”