Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Park District of Ottawa County is proud to announce they have been awarded a Destination Development Grant, presented recently by Shores & Islands Ohio, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties.
Nearly $575,000 in grants were awarded to 30 different recipients in Erie and Ottawa counties under this program, a major component of Shores & Islands Ohio’s strategic plan that focuses on supporting efforts to enhance the destination for visitors and residents alike.
This grant program is for the purpose of assisting Shores & Islands area businesses, organizations, and communities in developing activities or projects that will attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners, and generate economic growth for their communities and the region through travel and tourism development.
The Park District of Ottawa County received a grant for the purpose of constructing the Bob’s Pond Trail Loop at Islander Woods and Trailhead, a 7.6-acre parcel of property located in Catawba Island Township. The pond on the property was named “Bob’s Pond” after the late Bob Johnson who owned and loved the property for more than 50 years.
Phase One and Phase Two of the park’s master plan for the property include a parking area, restroom building, walking path loop around Bob’s Pond, fishing outcropping, wildlife overlook, nature play area, and the first section of the Catawba Islander Trail to connect with the Twin Oast Brewery property on the eastern border. With much of the eastern portion of the property delineated as a wetland, boardwalk sections and specialized trail surfacing materials will be installed.
The park district has budgeted $236,353 for the first phase of the Islander Wood and Trailhead construction. Several other funding sources are also secured for the project, and with the $5,000 Shores and Islands Ohio Destination Development Grant, the Park District has $281,443 to complete the first phase of improvements on the property and construct the Bob’s Pond trail loop. The first phase of construction is expected to begin this fall and the park district strives to open the park area to the public in 2026.
Shores & Islands Ohio received applications for a variety of projects from across the two counties including expansions, restoration, signage and infrastructure improvements, start-ups of new tourism-enhancing businesses, marketing, and more. The grants support tourism industry and community collaborations that maximize the economic return on public and private investments, spur increased visitation and enhance the quality of life for residents.
For more information on the Park District of Ottawa County, contact Executive Director Jannah Wilson at 419-707-4051 and jwilson@ottawacountyparksoh.org. Visit www.ottawacountyparksoh.org to learn more, and follow the Park District of Ottawa County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/parkdistrictofottawacounty.
