It’s springtime! Birdsong fills the parks, wildflowers are poking up through the leaf litter, the trees are awaking from their winter slumber, and families are heading to the Tecumseh Trail to enjoy all of it. Darke County Parks has over 100,000 visitors every year, mostly occurring from springtime through the fall, and the new multiuse Tecumseh Trail is the place to play this spring. The multiuse trail can be used to hike, jog, bike, skateboard, roller skate, ride horses, or take the family dog for a walk. Because more people will be using the trail, the “share the road” sections will have more traffic as well. Please be aware of the increased traffic, and pay extra attention when driving these roads.
With the refreshing spring weather, it’s a good time to remember the basic rules for using the new trail. Official Darke County Park Rules and Regulations are established pursuant to Chapter 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code. Park District rule 2.1 reminds that though dogs are very welcome in all the parks, they must be on a leash and under control at all times. Horses are permitted on the multi-use Tecumseh Trail but are prohibited in all other Darke County Parks. Please pick up after all your animals. Rules 8.5 and 11.5 state that all motor vehicles including, but not limited to golf carts, four wheelers, gators, mules, motorcycles, and ATVs are not to be used on park trails. Rule 3.1a affirms that no one may inconvenience, annoy, or alarm another by hindering or preventing them from moving about the parks or on the trails. The Tecumseh Trail and all the other Darke County Parks, belong to and reflect the citizens of this county; therefore, please do not litter. All the parks are open from dawn until dusk 365 days a year, and it is a violation of park regulations to remain on the property after sunset.
In considering the season, Darke County Parks’ Director, Roger Van Frank, said, “Because of our increased use we want all park visitors to feel that the parks are safe and inviting for themselves and their families.” The basic park rules are posted at every park entrance, and park visitors are encouraged to report any issues or problems to the park office or by calling 911 as the nature of the issue calls for. The Darke County Sherriff’s patrol will respond to all parks except those within Greenville City limits where Greenville City Police will respond. If there is an issue with the park facility itself, the Darke County Parks office is open from 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday and has an answering machine for non-business hours. If you have any questions about Darke County Parks or any of their exciting programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.
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