Lampson Reservoir Metropark is now open!

It is a beautiful day to take a stroll!!!

Spring is not far off, get out and enjoy our parks coming alive!!!

Job Posting

Resumes will be accepted via email at agreen@ashtabulametroparks.com through January 6, 2023.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 1
Ashtabula County Metroparks

Summary:

As a non-exempt, full-time employee, the Maintenance Technician 1 is supervised by the Operations Manager.  The employee will perform a variety of maintenance tasks including cleaning, hauling, painting, posting signage, lawn/trail care, using typical outdoor tools.

The employee must have a commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Ashtabula County Metroparks, as well as possess and demonstrate an appreciation of Ashtabula Metroparks philosophy and objectives as an ambassador with good public relations skills.

Essential Job Functions:

The Maintenance Technician 1’s essential job functions are as follows:

• Perform a wide range of building and grounds maintenance functions, maintaining and insuring safety on park grounds and facilities.
• Maintain building and property including basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry and janitorial duties.
• Prepare and maintain building, such as shelters, restrooms, parking lots, roadways, trails playgrounds, including snow/ice control, turf care, tree removal, tree care and plant beds.
• Assist with care and enhancements of natural or wildlife areas.
• Comply with all safety regulations.
• Assist with mapping computerize trails.
• All other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.

Performance Standard:    

The Maintenance Technician 1 is expected to work effectively with other Metroparks staff to meet the needs of the larger community and the Metroparks through work behaviors demonstrating the Metroparks’ values.

The employee is responsible to maintain confidentiality; follow the chain of command; work cooperatively and effectively with members of the public, public agency staff.  Some in and out of county travel is expected.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of every Metropark property, the ability to locate said properties on a map and navigate to each property efficiently and quickly.
• Knowledge of GPS programs.
• Knowledge of how to use and maintain agricultural- and farming-type equipment necessary to perform work duties.
• Knowledge of the proper procedures for operating, inspecting and maintaining assigned equipment.

Required Skills:   

• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to follow planning and scheduling instructions, sometimes setting priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Deal tactfully, courteously, and respectfully with vendors, contractors, members of the public.
• Basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively and safely without direct supervision.
• Ability to read and understand maps, plats, blueprints, and other diagrams associated with maintenance, construction and operations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and make recommendations to senior management and or the board of commissioners.

Education and Experience:

The Maintenance Technician 1 must be at least 18 years old and have at least the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• And, park related experience, or other related fields
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and an insurable driving record
• Maintenance and mechanical skills
• Broad understanding of the park system, flora, fauna, and wildlife of the area
• The employee must have an acceptable general background investigation including local, state, and federal criminal history, sex offender registry check and driving record

Physical Requirements:

• Able to pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen
• Essential functions require the regular and at times, sustained performance of moderately to vigorous physically demanding work
• Essential functions may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment
• Essential functions may require the prolonged periods of operating equipment in operational areas
• Essential functions my require the mobility to work in various park and open space areas

Sensory Requirements: 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture and visual cues or signals

Environmental Exposures:

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials (commonly found in garage and office environments), fire, machinery, vibrations, traffic hazards, toxic agents, welding fumes, animal/wildlife attacks, firearms, water hazards, violence, disease and/or rude/irate park visitors.

Wage Range:  Starting rate $17.00 per hour.  (Rate offered will be based upon qualifications and experience).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A special thank you to Dave Nolan who volunteered to make the Metroparks first “Little Library”.

Please stop in at Red Brook Metropark to take or drop off a book to read!

Thank you Dave!!!

We just completed the staircase that allows access to Conneaut Creek!!!

Next, we will be working on the 1 1/2 mile primitive loop trail.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING HUNTING APPLICATIONS!

All permits have been filled. Please remember to follow the rules and regulations and be safe!!!

FREE WOOD CHIPS

The Ashtabula County Metroparks are giving away free wood chips / compost material to the public.

You may take as much of the wood chips/compost material as you would like, see picture below. There are logs and stumps on the site that are in piles, you may take those as well.

*Please note that the Metroparks will NOT load the material.

The address is 491 Amboy Road, Conneaut, Ohio 44030.

Directions- pull in the driveway and pass both houses, the piles of chips / compost are in the field that is to the east of the white house.

Please call Brett Bellas, Operations Manager at (440) 805-9615 if you have any questions.

Please excuse our dust as we renovate one of our old buildings at Red Brook Metropark (Old Pro Shop).

The Metroparks secured grants to update and add features to Red Brook Metropark, as our contractors work please give them space and do not enter the areas they are working in.

The Metroparks are working to keep areas open so the public can still utilize the trail heads and parking areas as long as it continues to stay safe.

We thank you for your support and look forward to showing our work after construction is complete.

Sincerely,
Brett Bellas, Operations Manager

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING HUNTING PERMIT APPLICATIONS!!!

***Please include a self addressed stamped envelope (4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″) or larger.***

NOTE: Your permit and map will be sent electronically or mailed by way of US Postal Service. Please check your email if you have not received your permit by mail.

As summer is here and more people are out in the parks, we would like to take a moment to remind the public that dogs are allowed in the parks and must be leashed.  Please, do your part by picking up after your pet and take any waste with you when you leave.  

National Trails Day offers hikers the chance to celebrate and help

By Erin E. Williams

May 19, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. EDT

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/05/19/national-trails-day-2022/

“Thriving with Nature”

Introducing “Thriving with Nature” – A Family Wellness Workbook that will help children and adults understand and appreciate the healing benefits of nature.

Presenting Thriving with Nature, a Family Wellness Workbook, a collaboration between Family Pride of NEO and the Ashtabula County Metroparks. The goal of this attractive workbook is to encourage children to get outside and enjoy time in nature while learning about their mental health. This comprehensive workbook covers topics like finding our strengths, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness.  Its creation began a year ago, when Family Pride therapist, Morgan Whitely, recognized the need for families’, especially during the pandemic, to more positively interact and connect with each other. In partnership with Laura Beattie from the Ashtabula County Metroparks, they created a fun, family-friendly workbook for children and their guardians to complete together.

Families can pick up copies of the workbook (and supplies to supplement the activities) from the Metroparks office, 91 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson, Ohio 44047. Families can also pick up a copy of the workbook at Family Pride’s offices at 1110 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH or call 440-576-0717.

Download a copy from www.familyprideonline.org or www.ashtabulametroparks.com .

The Ashtabula County Metroparks were created to conserve, preserve and to protect Ashtabula County’s natural resources and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to Ashtabula County residents. Family Pride of NEO is a non-profit community mental health agency conveniently located in Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga Counties. At Family Pride we focus our mental health services to meet your unique needs. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling services in the home, office, school, via telehealth or in your community!

Calling all Hiking and Bicycle Enthusiasts!

Ashtabula County Metroparks appreciate and support all of the community events. We look forward to seeing you all out on the trails!

2022
Warmer weather is on its way. Bicycle Season Begins in April with Spring Warm UP Rides Every Tuesday.

Park at Austinburg Trailhead of the Western Reserve  Greenway Trail. Arrive early for extra miles, and return for 6 p.m. group start. 

It still is chilly, so dress appropriately. Wear a helmet.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.  We will follow Covid guidelines.  Masks are not indicated while riding bicycles. We will stay on the trail, and you can ride any distance you like. An experienced rider remains at the end of the ride as a sweep.
Map to Austinburg Trailhead of the WRGT
April 5
April 12
April 19
April 26

 When I am in town, I usually arrive at 4, and circle back every hour to pick up interested riders.  Note: It still gets dark early, and can be cold. 

My email is:  nancyvallen@windstream.net
Phone is:  440-855-1017

Please feel free to share ride calendar information, and my contact info if they are interested in receiving email mail notifications.

Spring Bicycle Maintenance and introduction to Cleaning your bicycle, contact me or Ron Schray to arrange a mutual time to learn how to prepare for riding season.

Ask anyone for assistance when you ride with us. A complete summer calendar will be coming out in April.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Nancy

Join us for a hike   Sunday March 13, at 1:00 P.M.   Jordan Creek Park Chair Factory Falls 7250 Alexander Road Concord TWP  44077 The hike will start at Jordon Creek Park.  There are hills, staircases and waterfalls.  The forest has hemlock, oak, maple, shag bark hickory and beech trees.  We will see a yurt that houses the Research Station.  The hike has paved and gravel trails.  For a short distance we will be on the Greenway Corridor heading to Chair Factory Falls.  The hike will be about two hours. Bring a walking stick and wear wataerproof boots. We will meet at Jordan Creek Park 7250 Alexander Road Concord TWP  44077 We are meeting at the large parking lot by the picnic pavilion.  NOT the first small parking lot to the right. Any questions:  Marily:  emee0221@yahoo.com I will have extra walking sticks for anyone who needs one. For anyone interested, we are planning to go to Redhawk Grille for dinner afterwards. 7481 Auburn Road #9703, Painesville Ohio  44077 Looking forward to seeing you.  Marilyn, Sharon, Nancy Saturday,  March 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.  Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge 7001 State Road Ashtabula, Ohio  44057 Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge | Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau (visitashtabulacounty.com) Park at the top parking level.  We will hike down to trails. Bring walking sticks.  Wear water proof shoes with strong tread. Wear crampons if you have them.  It may be icy. There are steps and inclines on this beautiful trail.   Looking forward to seeing you.  Gloria, Sharon, Nancy

 

 

 

 

ASHTABULA BICYCLING CLUB

 

Happy New Year Bike Club

 

Happy New Year Keeping positive I have a growing list of excursions planned. I am looking forward to seeing everyone for socially distanced bicycle rides. Let’s enjoy conversation, and being outdoors. New calendar arrives in March.  April rides start on the Western Reserve Greenway trail in Austinburg at 6:00 pm.   I would love to hear any comments about routes, or scheduling.  I change it up each year.  Send suggestions regarding which routes to keep or remove.  New routes are being developed.  I hope you will find them interesting.  We have a big county. Let us explore it. Looking forward to a better year. Warm up rides return in April.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in the New Year Nancy and Ron

 

For Spring Warm up Rides we will meet Tuesday evenings at the Austinburg Trailhead of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail (off of Route 307, behind the post office).  Riders of all ages and levels are welcome.  We attempt to keep our rides on paved and low traveled roads as well as riding the Metropark’s Greenway Trail in Ashtabula County.  All riders must wear a helmet.

Contact us for weekly email updates on ride information and maps.

For More Information Contact:

Ron Shray     (440) 645-6208     or     Nancy Vallen  (440) 855-1017

rnschray@suite224.net                                   nancyvallen@windstream.net

Schedule: Bula Bicycle Club Schedule

 

 

Connecting through trails!   I hope you look at this link.

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2021/08/ohio-now-has-the-most-us-bicycle-route-mileage-in-america-maps.html

It is so nice knowing that Ashtabula County is a part of this Tourism Adventure!!!