1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June • 2015
Friends meetings held at the Davidson Interpretive Center at 7:30 p.m. on these dates:
Monday, April 20 • Monday, May 18 • Monday, June 15
Ambassadors for our Parks
We read in the papers about the importance of jobs, good shopping opportunities and quality schools in our
communities. Our attention is focused on those immediate needs such as potholes and streets, getting
people employed, and making sure our children are well-educated. These are admirable goals and
clearly need our attention. However, we also need to consider the overall quality of life in our
communities. We rarely see anything about parks, green space, and
recreation. These are activities that often slide down the list of priorities
of our community leaders only to be forgotten and considered when the
last few dollars of the budget are allocated.
If we do an excellent job of recruiting new companies to locate their offices
and factories in our neighborhoods to bring jobs to our community, we have
completed an important first step. However, if the quality of life is not good,
the people who work at these new offices and factories will live someplace
else. They will shop where they live, and we will lose out on opportunities to
offer a complete package of quality living to those companies.
continued on page 2
Index...
Ambassadors For Our Parks ........................... 1 & 2
In Memoriam: Jerry Clark ..................................... 3
Annual Photo Contest ............................................ 3
Daniel Hertzler House............................................ 4
Estelle Wenrick Wetlands Nature Preserve ............ 4
George Rogers Clark Park ..................................... 5
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association ........... 6
Little Miami & Prairie Grass Trails ....................... 6
First Mad River Light Artillery .............................. 6
How You Can Help ................................................ 7
Calendar of Events ................................................. 8
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
Park Ambassadors...
(continued from pg. 1)
Research consistently shows that an important part of decisions
about where companies locate has to do with quality of life
which includes the arts, recreation, and the park systems. We
want people to not only come to this area to work, but to live,
shop, and play.
Every one of us can contribute to this quality of life in our own
ways. We can become active in organizations like the Friends
of the Clark County Park District to help make better decisions
about what events, activities, and programs make the most sense for our community. We can volunteer our
time to help operate programs for the youth in our community. We can take part in community cleanups to
remove invasive plants, pick up trash, and make our parks look as good as they can. Lastly, we can help support
fundraising events that encourage people to use the parks for relaxation and recreation.
This coming Sunday, April 12, the annual running of the Gantlet will be held. This 5K Trail Run/Walk is an
opportunity to get some exercise, explore the parks, and start your spring and summer season with a good level
of healthy activities. It also provides an opportunity to help contribute to the financial needs of the Clark County
Park District through your registration/donation. Encourage your friends and family to come out and take part in
this event.
If you are unable to participate yourself, consider becoming “a ghost runner” and registering anyway and
enjoying the happy feeling of knowing that your money will be well spent to the benefit of our parks system.
Message from the President...
I am so excited for our Spring Edition of the Park Bench. We are geared up and
ready for an exciting year and it all starts this spring. Our Gantlet 5k trail run/
walk is April 12th. Our Fishing Derby and Olde Fashioned 4th are right around
the corner, yet best of all it is my pleasure to invite you ALL to our 25th anniversary
celebration – July 4th at 3:00 pm!
Please come and be our guests to celebrate the birth of our nation and the anniversary of our
organizations support of the Clark County Park District. Fun, games and food will be had by all.
Come celebrate with us and join in the fun. See you in the Park!
2
Bradley Campbell, President
Friends of the Clark County Park District
Email: friends@clarkcountyparkdistrict.org
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
In Memory of Jerry (Gerald L.) Clark
Rosemary Clark, loving wife of Jerry Clark, offered a few fond memories of all that
Jerry offered to the Clark County Park District over the years. A tree will be planted in
the Memorial Garden of George Rogers Clark Park, in Jerry’s name.
In the now forgotten past Jerry Clark was very active in the Springfield Community.
After relocating from Columbus to Springfield, and picking me up at a Y Young
Single’s Dance, we became best friends and married. We both became involved within
the community to get acquainted with our ‘adopted’ home town. We joined and were
active in the Leadership program of the time, the Jaycee’s (or Junior Chamber of Commerce)
Eventually we connected with the Historical Society and the Bicentenniel Committee and was introduced to the
stepchild of the City Park System: George Rogers Clark Park.
Jerry was interested in history, and saw the potential of George Rogers Clark Park when he viewed the proposed
1930’s outline of its development as a state park. That stirred our continued involvement after the 1976
Bicentennial celebration as we worked on funding Project 80 and the re-enactment of the Battle of Pickuwe.
This eventually led to incorporating the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association as non-profit to oversee the
continued support of the park as a historical site.
Parks need money for maintenance and operation. To see that funds were available for the
development of George Rogers Clark Park, the Fair at New Boston was born. The Fair
has grown from its first shaky steps as a pre-fair program. Originally no gate fees were
charged and income from the event came from food and beer sales. Jerry obtained
personal loans to help off-set start-up costs for the event.
It seems appropriate that a small thing like an acorn can
grow into a mighty Oak - it represents how
the efforts of one person can grow into a
long lasting Legacy.
Fourth Annual
Friends of the Clark County Park District
Photo Contest
Take your camera and look for those perfect images that will be the
winner of the first prize or best of show in this year’s photography
contest. Photographs taken in any of the Park District’s properties
are eligible. For those wishing to hone your skills, show off your
work, and collaborate with other area photographers, we encourage
you to explore the Mad River Photographic Society. Information
about the meetings of this growing group of photography enthusiasts
can be found on Facebook.
Entry Forms and Rules can be downloaded from our website
(www.fccpd.org). Entry Deadline is October 30, 2015.
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
3
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
Daniel Hertzler House
Quilt Show: Featuring Connie Ark, Sunday, April 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Hertzler House Museum, $5.00 Donation.
View beautiful, handmade quilts at the Hertzler House Museum.
Summer Day Camp: The Hertzler House is taking applications for its summer day camp to be held in June.
This is an excellent opportunity for children in the fourth or fifth grades to spend the day learning about life in
the 1850s. Campers take part in crafts, “chores,” games, and other activities typical for children of this age in
the 1850s. It also includes helping to prepare their lunch which will be cooked in the open hearth fireplace.
You can register your children or grandchildren by contacting the Clark County Park District offices.
The Hertzler House is open throughout the summer for scheduled and unscheduled tours. Special tours can
be arranged at any time of the year by contacting the offices of the Clark County Park District.
Estelle Wenrick Wetlands & Leadingham
Prairie
Songbird Hike at the Wetlands - All Ages - Saturday, April 18,
8:30-9:30 a.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands, Free
Welcome spring as we search for birds in our beautiful wetland site.
International Migratory Bird Day Hike - All Ages, Saturday, May 9,
8:30-10:00 a.m., Leadingham Prairie, corner of Union & Spangler
Celebrate the birds returning to Ohio from their wintering grounds in the south. Join us while we look for
our great blue herons moving back and forth to their nests. Bring binoculars if you have them!
Frog Night Hike - Friday, May 22, 8:00-9:30 p.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands, Free, Donations Welcome!
Dr. Amber Burgett, Assistant Professor of Biology with Wittenberg, takes us on an evening hike to search for
Ohio’s amazing amphibians. This is breeding time for our frogs, so they are very vocal. Join us!
For more information about the Estelle Wenrick Wetlands and Leadingham Prairie Preserve, contact the
Clark County Park District Offices.
4
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
George Rogers Clark Park
The Gantlet 5K Trail Run - All Ages - Sunday, April 12, 2:00 p.m.
$25 Registration Fee, register at www.speedy-feet.com
Run the Gantlet! This challenging 5K trail run/walk takes you to the most
beautiful and challenging corners of George Rogers Clark Park. There is
no mistaking the start signal - a cannon shot from the First Mad River Light Artillery lets everyone know when
it is time to hit the trail. This annual event is sponsored by the Friends of the Clark County Park District, with
participation from the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association and the First Mad River Light Artillery.
Campfire Chat: Beetlemania, Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center, Free
Learn about the ever-present June beetles that come like zombies to the light on our porches and bang against
our screens. Discover the world of beetles with specimens from the insect collection at the Dayton Society of
Natural History. A craft is provided for kids to enjoy.
Fishing Derby - All Ages - Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Hosterman Lake, Free
Anglers of all ages are invited to join us for our annual Fising Derby. Every year the Friends of the Clark County
Park District stock the lake with Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill and more. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest
catch of each species and most fish caught. Please bring your fishing pole if you have one. Special “thanks” for the
volunteer support of the Clark County Park District Rangers, Explorer Post 930, and other volunteers and donors.
Pickin’ for the Parks - July 15, 2014: George Rogers Clark Park is the site of the second annual “Pickin’ for the
Parks” Bluegrass Festival. Presale tickets are available at the Security National Bank, the Champion City Guide
and Outfitters, and the Davidson Interpretive Center. Presale tickets are $15 or $20 at the gate.
This all-day bluegrass jamboree begins at 11:00 a.m. and features several local bands including Lonesome Meadow, Mad River Railroad, Chapel Road,
McCoy Grass, Berachah Valley, Lafferty Road and features Ted Shelton who
will take the stage at 7:00 p.m.. Food and beverage vendors will be available
on-site and this event will occur rain or shine. Bring your lawn chairs and
settle in for a full day of lively music and great entertainment!
For more information about events and activities at George Rogers Clark Park,
contact the Park District Office at 882-6000 or visit our website at www.fccpd.org.
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
5
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
George Roger’s Clark Heritage Association
Spring At New Boston! Plant Sale - May 2 & 3: Visit the Gathering House from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. at George Rogers Clark Park for a wonderful opportunity to buy rare, historic breeds of plants that are appropriate to this area.
Dinner at the Crabill House - June 20, 4:00 p.m. The Crabill Homestead committee of the George Rogers
Clark Heritage Association is hosting a Tavern Dinner at the Crabill Homestead in Buck Creek State Park.
Enjoy historical tavern games, music, dancing, and a menu including pounded cheese and sippets, cornish hens
with roasted vegetables, buttered peas, spring greens with vinaigrette, plus dessert. Costumed participants will
be providing service giving you an authentic experience of dining with your friends at a local tavern. Tickets are
available through the Crabill Homestead website (www.crabillhomestead.org) or by contacting our reservations
department at 882–9216. Cost is $40 per person. Reserve your place today! Seating is limited.
Visit the George Roger’s Clark Heritage Association website at www.grcha.org for more information.
First Mad River Light Artillery Little Miami & Prairie Grass
Trails
The First Mad River Light Artillery is active around
the region providing opportunities to demonstrate the
use and operation of a Revolutionary war candidate.
They will be starting the Gantlet on Sunday, April
12 at 2:00 p.m. at George Rogers Clark Park. Other
upcoming events include:
• Cannon Encampment: May 29, 30 & 31,
Crabill Homestead
• Tremont City Memorial Day Parade, May 24,
10:00 a.m.
• Springfield Memorial Day Parade, May 25,
9:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact the Clark
County Park District offices.
6
With springtime arriving, it is time to break out the
bicycles and running shoes and explore the paths we
have around our community. The Clark County Park
District is responsible for the Little Miami Trail heading from Beatty Station south into Yellow Springs as
well as the Prairie Grass Trail which passes through
South Charleston on its way from Xenia to London.
Consider volunteering to serve with our safety patrol.
Walkers and cyclists can contact the offices of the
Clark County Park District to become a member of
this volunteer group designed to help keep an eye on
trail conditions, help with understanding maintenance
needs, and to be an “Ambassador,” for the safe,
friendly trails that we have in our community.
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 4, Issue 2 • April thru June, 2015
Ways You Can Help...
The Friends of the Clark County Park District are always in need
of additional resources to pursue our mission of promoting and
preserving the facilities and programs of the Clark County Park
District. Resources come in various forms.
The Clark County Park District always needs help in many ways. Many important projects require specific
funding that may not be within the operational budget of the Clark County Park District. If you have an idea
for a project, feel free to share it with the Clark County Park District or the Friends of the Clark County Park
District to learn more about how you can become part of making your idea part of our reality.
Volunteers are always welcome! Activities and events for our youth as well as various events that happen
throughout the year and can only happen with your support not only as participants but as an active part of the
organization and execution of these events. If you like any event, consider becoming part of making this event
happen in the future. We should always be ready to ask “what can I do to help make this a better place for my
family, friends, and neighbors?”
You can learn more about the Clark County Park District by visiting their website at www.
clarkcountyparkdistrict.org. Our staff can be reached at 937-882-6000. You may also visit our offices at the
Davidson Interpretive Center located on Lower Valley Pike near George Rogers Clark Park.
Not a Member? Join Today!
Friends of the Clark County Park District
Membership Form
p Single: $10.00
p Supporting: $25.00
p Ranger: $50.00
p Commissioner: $100.00
p Life Member: $500.00
Please make checks payable to: Friends of the Clark County Park District
Mail To: Friends of the Clark Co. Park District, P.O. Box 1832, Springfield, Ohio 45501
Name(s):___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
State:___________________________________________________________ Zip:________________________________________________
Phone:________________________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
7
CALENDAR
EVENTS
Of
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
The Friends of the Clark County Park District
3rd Monday of each month
7:30 PM, Carlton Davidson Interpretive Center.
The George Rogers Clark Heritage Assoc.
1st Wednesday of each month
7:00 PM, The Gathering House located in GRC Park
Clark Co. Park Dist. Board of Commissioner
2nd Monday of each month
7:30 p.m., Carlton Davidson Interpretive Center.
The Hertzler House Committee
4th Thursday of each month
7:00 PM, The Hertzler House
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 11-18 Stargaze (clearest night)
Davidson Interpretive Center, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
May 3 & 4 - Spring at New Boston Plant Sale
George Rogers Clark Park
April 12 - The Gantlet
George Rogers Clark Park, 2:00 p.m.
May 12 - Campfire Chat - “Beetlemania”
Davidson Interpretive Center, 7:00 p.m.
April 18 - Songbird Hike at the Wetlands
Estel Wenrick Wetlands, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
May 11-18 - Stargaze (clearest night)
Davidson Interpretive Center, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
April 26 - Quilt Show
Hertzler House, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
May 22 - Frog Night Hike
Estel Wenrick Wetlands, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
May 2 & May 3 - Spring at New Boston
The Gathering House, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
May 23 - Fishing Derby, Hosterman Lake
George Rogers Clark Park, 9:00-12:00
April 26 - Quilt Show
Hertzler House, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
June 20 - Dinner at Crabill House
Crabill House, Buck Creek State Park, 4:00 P.M.
May 9 - Migratory Bird Day Hike
Leadingham Prairie, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
July 15 - Pickin’ for the Parks Bluegrass Jamboree
George Rogers Clark Park, gates open 12:00 noon
To subscribe to this electronic newsletter please send an e-mail to:
newsletter@clarkcountyparkdistrict.org.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to everyone you know who is interested in
the Clark County Park District and shares your vision that this is a valuable resource in
our community that demands our support.
Layout & design of The Park Bench provided by Julie Nau, Nau Graphics, naugraphics.com