Fund-raisers were plentiful over the summer, for causes that ranged from the parks, to libraries, and homelessness.
AN America 250 event held by the Ohio State Parks Foundation on Aug. 16 at Camp Perry Joint Training Center near Port Clinton launched a History in the Parks endowment for historically significant state parks for purchases of artifacts and to bring speakers. A tour of Camp Perry, including Ohio’s gratitude train car filled with gifts from the people of France in 1949, huts where World War II prisoners of war from Germany and Italy were housed, and more, was given by U.S. Rep.Bob Latta.
Lead event sponsor and OSPF trustee Theresa Popp Braun of Holland introduced the featured speaker, Perrysburg native, bestselling author, and historian Douglas Brinkley, who showcased the Battle of Lake Erie: Its Impact on our Nation. Brinkley didn’t attend in person, but appearing virtually, he discussed the battle in the waters near the camp, led by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in 1813.
OSPF Chairman Marcia Sloan Lattaspoke on the importance of the 76 state parks and the foundation’s funding of accessible playgrounds, kayak launches, pollinator gardens, and programs made possible by private donations. Ohio is one of only six states where the parks are free to enter. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced Ohio had received the Gold Medal for Best State Park System in the nation…