Ohioans have found a vacation at one of the state's parks will not break the bank during a national economic recession.
In the first 11 months of 2009, state park overnight stays rose by about 50,000 visitors from the first 11 months of the previous year. This accounted for an 8 percent increase in overnight stays, according to a news release from the state of Ohio.
Two primary reasons for the increase are people want to stay close to home for economic reasons, and want to get their kids outside
said Ken Leach, spokesman for the Ohio Department of National Resources.
The economic crisis has delivered a financial blow to Burr Oak State Park in Athens County during the last five years, but things seem to be improving, said Kathy Smedley, general manager of Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center.
In the last six-to-eight months there has been a resurgence in the number of overnight guests at the park but the numbers are still low
she said.
The ODNR has made a commitment to keep all 74 of Ohio's state parks open and free, according to the news release.
The ODNR has been trying to defer maintenance and unnecessary upgrades, Leach said.
We don't want to waste money on mowing the grass
he said.
The ODNR receives grants from NatureWorks and the Land and Water Conservation Fund in order to finance the parks, according to ODNR's Web site.
There is no money to spare on fancy promotional tools; therefore we rely on word of mouth
Leach said.
Ohio has made cuts to keep the parks open. The cuts include a staff reduction of 7 percent, which totals 32 positions.
Keeping these parks open and economically accessible is the ODNR's main concern.
I can't imagine a better use for state dollars. State parks act as schools
health centers and rehab facilities
Leach said.
The busiest time of year for the parks is the summer season between June and October. However, guest numbers are also high other weekends during the year because of specialty weekends and group business trips, Smedley said.
The weekend before last we were full in the lodge
she said.
Weekends like the Appalachian weekend, Valentine's weekend and Thanksgiving weekend keep business afloat all year round, and there is always business during deer hunting season, Smedley said.
The Athens County Visitors Bureau's main interest comes from hikers, bikers, boaters and birders, said Laura O'Neil, the bureau's communications coordinator.
Although those activities can be performed in many other, more exotic places, it is good to know that Athens County and the surrounding area can provide affordable places for recreation, she said.
There are even special events that only take place near the Athens area.
Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County hosts Touch the Earth Adventures that feature guided kayaking and hiking trips, which is one of Athens most sought after attractions, O'Neil said.
The Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits program uses the facilities offered by the parks on a regular basis.
The group mostly goes to Strouds Run State Park in Athens County, Hocking Hills, and Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, said Tom Tesar Jr., the program's director.
Outdoor Pursuits participants go to the parks for day hikes, kayaking and canoeing events. The program also occasionally hosts a special event at one of the parks, he said.
At Lake Hope State Park we held an Adventure Triathlon
which included a trail run
biking and canoeing
