February 5, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: SANDUSKY, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft was recognized with five “Awards of Excellence” and two individual honors at the annual Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Conference on Tuesday at Kalahari Convention Center. ODNR Director Mary Mertz was inducted into the OPRA Hall of Fame and the Division’s Sustainability Coordinator Heather Bokman received the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation award.
Director Mertz was inducted into the OPRA Hall of Fame, the highest honor given by the organization. Recognized for her leadership in conservation and outdoor recreation, Mertz has championed initiatives such as opening Ohio’s 76th state park, expanding ODNR’s H2Ohio wetland program, and modernizing Ohio State Parks’ infrastructure. Her dedication to environmental education and law enforcement support further solidifies her legacy in Ohio’s natural resources stewardship.
ODNR Director Mary Mertz was inducted to the OPRA Hall of Fame during this year's conference.
“Earning this level of recognition from OPRA is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Director Mertz. “From groundbreaking conservation efforts to making outdoor recreation more accessible, we are proud of what we have accomplished together. These awards recognize our mission to protect Ohio’s natural resources and enhance the experiences of millions of visitors who enjoy our state parks each year.”
ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Sustainability Coordinator Heather Bokman received the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award. Bokman leads the ConServe Ohio initiative, a program embedding sustainability into Ohio State Parks’ operations. Under her leadership, 43 parks earned sustainability certification in the past year, up from 11 the previous year. She has also spearheaded partnerships with universities and led projects like the Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center, promoting environmental education and conservation.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft received five "Awards of Excellence" across a variety of categories at the OPRA conference.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft was recognized with five “Awards of Excellence,” celebrating ODNR’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, conservation, and public safety across Ohio’s state parks.
The division received the first-place honor in the “Capital Improvement Projects - $10 million and up” category for the opening of Great Council State Park in June 2024. Ohio’s 76th and historically significant state park, Great Council is dedicated to preserving Native American and pioneer history. Developed in partnership with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and the Shawnee Tribe, the park highlights the historic site of Old Chillicothe. Its centerpiece is a 12,000-square-foot interpretive center, modeled after a Shawnee Council House, featuring immersive exhibits, a recreated 1770s Shawnee dwelling, and a living stream. This award-winning project represents a major investment in education, recreation, and cultural reflection.
The division also received another first-place honor in the “Adaptive Programs and Events” category for LightSound: An Adaptive Solar Eclipse Experience for All. The 2024 total solar eclipse was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and thanks to the LightSound initiative, it was made accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Through a partnership between ODNR and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), LightSound devices—developed by Harvard University—translated changes in light intensity into sound, allowing participants to "hear" the eclipse’s progression. This groundbreaking effort ensured that Ohio’s state parks and wildlife areas were inclusive spaces where everyone could experience the celestial phenomenon together.
The division earned second place in the “Natural Resources and Conservation” category for the Headlands Dunes H2Ohio Coastal Wetland Restoration Project. As part of the H2Ohio initiative, H2Ohio and ODNR transformed a frequently flooded parking lot at Headlands Beach State Park into a thriving coastal wetland. This restoration replaced seven acres of asphalt with a dune/swale plant community, providing critical habitat for native species and enhancing birdwatching opportunities. Funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, this project stands as a model for sustainable coastal conservation.
The division also earned another second place award in the “Law Enforcement Programs and Events” category for its Ohio State Parks and Watercraft Active Threat Response Training. To enhance public safety, ODNR implemented advanced training programs for its Natural Resources Officers, preparing them to respond effectively to active threats in parks. Officers were trained in "Exterior Response to Active Shooter Events" (ERASE) and "Solo Officer Rapid Deployment" (SORD), ensuring they are equipped to protect visitors in both indoor and outdoor settings. This initiative underscores ODNR’s commitment to the safety and security of Ohio’s parks.
In addition, the division earned was awarded third place in the “Marketing Innovation” category for the Ohio State Parks 75th Anniversary: 75 Years of Making Memories campaign. ODNR’s yearlong celebration of Ohio State Parks’ 75th anniversary blended innovation with tradition. The campaign featured a statewide proclamation by Governor Mike DeWine, engaging social media outreach, and in-person celebrations. This creative and inclusive marketing approach highlighted Ohio’s rich natural heritage while fostering new memories for park visitors.
With a strong commitment to conservation, public safety, accessibility, and innovation, ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft continues to be a leader in Ohio’s outdoor recreation landscape.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
