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We recognize the high value Ohioans place on their state parks. Our dedicated state park staff works hard to provide quality experiences for all our visitors. Ohio State Parks also are major attractions for the state’s tourism industry, generating significant revenue for the state's economy.
Reductions in general revenue funding over the last several years, however, have impacted both day-to-day operations and upkeep of state park facilities.
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The Need for New Revenue
Where Funds from Oil and Gas Drilling could be Used
Ohio State Parks has more than $500 million in deferred maintenance projects as of 2010 that need a dedicated source of revenue to address. Deferred maintenance projects directly impact the quality of experience that visitors to state parks enjoy.
Deferred maintenance projects include:
| Waste water system upgrades |
$50,336,440 |
| Shoreline erosion rebuilding, control |
$83,635,200 |
| Dam modernization |
$72,600,000 |
| Modernize vault restrooms to flush |
$47,898,840 |
| Resort lodges, major renovations |
$39,001,600 |
| Add electric service in campgrounds |
$28,862,403 |
| Cottage renovations, upgrades |
$21,268,060 |
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While the amount of revenue from leasing and royalties is uncertain now, proceeds from natural gas activity would be used to address the large backlog of deferred maintenance needs at state parks.
We encourage you to visit this page again as information will continue to be posted on this site about your state parks. Learn about oil and natural gas in Ohio.
Quick Points
An overview of the Ohio State Park System
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75 state parks in 60 counties
174,264 land & water acres
1,030 miles of shoreline
50,000,000+ visitor occasions annually
57 state park campgrounds
Nearly 10,000 family campsites
9 resort lodges
3rd most visited state park system nationally
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518 cottages
6 golf courses
178 boat ramps
78 beaches
37 nature/visitor centers
193 playgrounds
408 trails/1,185 miles
1,858 miles of roadways
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Benefits of Ohio State Parks
- Provide opportunities to explore Ohio’s natural & cultural heritage
- Contribute $1.1 billion annually to state and local economies (2004 OSU Study)
- Support healthy lifestyles through wholesome outdoor recreation
- Improve quality of life of Ohio’s citizens
Public Served
- 83% of Ohioans have visited at least one state park sometime
- 42% of Ohioans visited at least one state park during the prior year
- Approximately 87% of state park visitors reside in Ohio
Budget Realities
A review of Ohio State Parks’ General Revenue Funding (GRF) since fiscal year 2007
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FY 2007
FY 2008
FY 2009
FY 2010
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39,874,841
38,288,841
34,108,241
31,806,918
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FY 2011
FY 2012*
FY 2013*
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32,937,324
30,294,691
30,294,691
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* Proposed in Executive budget
Infrastructure & Equipment
- 2,605 buildings and 140 water/139 sewer systems
- Average age of largest buildings is 38 years and 80% are more than 28 years old
- $573,680,480 needed to address deferred maintenance on existing infrastructure and facility backlog
- 59% of state park vehicles exceed 100,000 miles; the average vehicle age is 11.3 years
Staffing
- 442 permanent employees, 887 less-than-full-time – 39% reduction since 2000
- 33 state parks have no on-site manager
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