Mar 15, 2024 2 min read

As we anxiously await spring, let us remember what a treasure our county park system is to our residents and others in the region.

We have 5,500 acres of park land in Washington County, offering picnic shelters, nature trails, bicycle and bridle trails, hunting and fishing, recreational programs, and special events.

We are blessed to have Mingo Creek, Cross Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and the portion of the Panhandle Trail. All county parks are open yearlong and house two covered bridges.

This year, we have instituted an online shelter and program registration program, making it more accessible and easier to reserve events and programs.

As much positive feedback as we hear about the parks, we must prepare for the future. Washington County is collecting input from park users regarding what amenities they want for future development. Have you been to another park and wished we had the same item or activity at ours?

The county has developed a survey to help us advance a vision for the next ten years and beyond. Input from residents is critical to capture the wants and needs of park users. We invite residents to take a few minutes and provide feedback. The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/washcoparkplan. You can also locate it on the County Parks and Recreation homepage.

As we look forward, I will continue supporting our county parks as an essential part of the community where we work, live, and play.

Electra Janis

Peters

Electra Janis is a Washington County commissioner.