Gov. DeWine Announces Parks Week

Gov. DeWine Announces Parks Week

WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Apr. 25, 2022 — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation today recognizing April 22-29, 2022, as Ohio State Parks Week.

“From Maumee Bay to Forked Run, our state parks add so much to our quality of life and make Ohio a great place to live,” said Governor DeWine. “I encourage you to celebrate our state parks by taking time to get outside and enjoy a walk along a Storybook Trail with your family, a day on the water with friends, or a hike to some of Ohio’s most scenic spots.”

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio State Parks Foundation, Governor DeWine is inviting everyone to visit a state park near them from April 22-29, 2022. A full list of programming and activities happening at Ohio state parks is available on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ event calendar. 

Ohioans are lucky to have 75 state parks to choose from where they can visit with family and friends and enjoy, learn about, and support the beautiful landscape and natural features of Ohio. Visitors can experience thousands of miles of trails, mountain biking, beaches, disc golf, and much more.

“Our state parks offer a little bit of everything, no matter what your family is looking for,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “From a hike along the trails at the southern tip of the Buckeye State to a sunset paddle along the shores of Lake Erie, our parks offer tranquility, adventure, and everything in between.”

Governor DeWine announced the purchase and plans for Ohio’s 76th state park near Xenia in 2021. The park will feature an interpretation center developed in partnership with the three federally recognized Shawnee tribes and the Ohio History Connection. Construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2022, and the facility is expected to open in the fall of 2023.

The state of Ohio has a rich history of parks, starting in 1949 when Buckeye Lake was officially named Ohio’s first state park.  The area used to be touted as “Ohio’s Inland Seashore” and the “Atlantic City of the Middle West.” During the early 20th century, the lake shores were lined with hotels and restaurants meant for families who came to experience amusement park rides, a skating rink, and arcade games.

Governor DeWine and ODNR announced the creation of the Ohio State Parks Foundation last year to protect and enhance Ohio’s parks and advocate for their future. Visit www.ohiostateparksfoundation.org to vote for your favorite state park.

Scarlet Gray & Green Fair 2022

Scarlet Gray & Green Fair 2022

WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO, Apr. 21, 2022 — The CFAES Wooster Campus will be home to the 2022 Scarlet Gray and Green Fair at the Seacrest Arboretum Welcome and Education Center:1680 Madison Ave Wooster, Oh 44691. Come celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day on Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop by the STW District table and chat with a Master Recycler and spin the wheel for a prize. Enjoy many FREE, FUN, and EDUCATIONAL activities for the entire family. This event is free and open to the public

  • Exhibitors
  • Recycle
  • Food Vendors
  • Green Car Cruise-in
  • Guest Speakers
  • Tours
  • Entertainment

The Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair is organized by the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network in conjunction with OSU CFAES Wooster. For complete detail of this fantastic event please visit:  https://u.osu.edu/sggf/

Operation CARE Mobilization

Operation CARE Mobilization

COLUMBUS, OHIO, Mar. 15, 2022 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be joining forces with law enforcement throughout the country to focus on traffic safety and crash reduction during the Operation CARE Spring Break/St. Patrick’s Day Mobilization. The initiative began on Saturday, March 12 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through Sunday, March 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Ohio has continued to see an increase in fatal crashes over the last few years. The campaign is used to help law enforcement educate drivers on the dangers of driving impaired, without a seatbelt and distracted.

“We will have an increased presence of law enforcement, as more people travel to and from their spring break destination this year,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “And as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin, please make sure you’re properly wearing safety belts and designating a sober driver. Your actions can influence friends and family to make the same choices.”

CARE, Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort, is a section within the International Chiefs of Police. CARE provides law enforcement with information, training, and a forum for discussion on roadway safety issues.

Major Construction on SR 83

Major Construction on SR 83

WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Mar. 14, 2022 — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 3 is beginning work on the State Route 83 Major Reconstruction project. The project extends from the U.S. 30/SR 83 interchange ramps to just north of Friendsville Road, located in the city of Wooster. The current pavement has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. Beginning March 14, crews will start pavement repairs and pre-phase work, from just south of U.S. 30 to Milltown Road. Minor work will be performed at the bottom of the SR 3 south ramp to SR 83. Traffic will be maintained one lane in each direction with 11’ lane widths.  

The project includes pavement replacement along SR 83 and along SR 3 (Cleveland Road), from SR 83 to Milltown Road. The removal of the deteriorated concrete pavement along SR 83 will be replaced with asphalt pavement, and the concrete pavement along the ramps will be replaced. In addition to the resurfacing work, the project also includes:

  • Drainage repairs
  • Updated pavement markings, raised pavement markers, and guardrail
  • Bridge rehabilitation work
  • Culvert repairs
  • Installing vandal protection fence on the SR 585 bridge over SR 83

As part of the reconstruction work, the shoulders on the SR 585 interchange loop ramps will be widened, and merge areas will be increased on the entrance ramps from U.S. 30 westbound, and the SR 585 ramp to SR 83 northbound. The SR 3 northbound ramp to Cleveland Road will also be changed from a two-lane exit to a one-lane exit. Additionally, the sight distance on SR 83 northbound, south of the SR 3 interchange, will be improved.

**This project was awarded to Kokosing Construction Company Inc. for approximately $30 million and has an expected completion date of October 2023.**

For continued updates to the project, or to view the most current traffic impacts, please visit the project website: SR 83 Major Rehabilitation | Ohio Department of Transportation or visit Ohio Department of Transportation | Ohio.gov and type the Project Identification Number, 91095, into the search bar.

To sign up for continuous email updates, please visit Ohio Department of Transportation | Ohio.gov and click on Subscribe for updates on ODOT, at the bottom of the page.