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History
of O.O. McIntyre Park District
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O. O. McIntyre Park District was created
on March 10, 1975 by Probate and Juvenile
Court Judge R. William Jenkins. The
petition was filed by the Community
Development Study Committee, a group
compromised of local leadership who
organized and conducted meetings with
Ohio State Extension Agent John Stitzlein
and local Extension Agent Bryson “Bud”
Carter to discuss improving the quality
of life for the people of Gallia County.
The Committee, under the leadership
of Thomas E. Jones of Crown City, determined
that creation of an Ohio 1545 Park District
would provide public parks, outdoor
recreation facilities and programs while
protecting natural resources for the
benefit and enjoyment of the citizens
and enhance the quality of life for
all and future generations. The Committee
petitioned Judge Jenkins to create the
Park District. The Gallia County Commissioners
Joe Stewart, C. E. Johnson and John
L. Belville set aside .5 mills generated |
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from Property Taxes to fund the Park District.
Judge Jenkins then appointed the first Board
of Park Commissioners Dr. William B. Thomas,
Mr. Thomas E. Jones and Dr. Clyde Evans for
three year staggering terms of office. Shortly
after the creation of the Park District, Judge
R. William Jenkins made a cash contribution
to the new Park District that established
the District’s Capital Development Trust
Fund for the purpose of receiving similar
donations for development of the Park System
in Gallia County. The Capital Development
Trust Fund continues to be in existence for
the purpose of continued development of Parks
and Natural Areas in Gallia County.
On January 24, 1976, the new Park District
was formally named for O. O. McIntyre, pioneer
syndicated columnist and favorite son of Gallia
County. The public announcement was made at
a Press Conference at the Holiday Inn. Mr.
Emerson Evans, a member of the Community Development
Study Committee played a leadership role in
discussions with Maybelle McIntyre’s
decision to name the new Park District after
her late husband. Mrs. McIntyre supported
the Park District contributing assets of two
properties and a final bequest of McIntyre’s
Memorabilia, library and a fine arts collection.
The Official Logo, registered with the Secretary
of the State of Ohio, was designed by Miss
Ellen Wetherholt who submitted the winning
entry in a contest sponsored by the French
Art Colony in November of 1976. The logo depicts
the top hat, glove and cane, typical 1930’s
attire for O. O. McIntyre, superimposed over
a Buckeye Tree Leaf, the official tree for
the State of Ohio.
It was also in November that the Park Board
adopted official By-Laws prepared by Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney William Eachus.
In April of 1979, Josette Baker was appointed
Director of the Park District by the Park
Board and has served in this capacity for
23 years under the leadership of Judge Thomas
S. Moulton, Probate and Juvenile Court Judge.
Prior to her appointment, Joel Dennis served
as Director from 1977-1978. The current Director
is Amy Bowman-Moore. Ms. Bowman-Moore began
her duties of Chief Administrative Officer
/ Director on July 14, 2003.
The Park District currently includes the 60
acre Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary,
the 700 acre Raccoon Creek County Park and
the 28 mile Gallia Hike and Bike Trail.
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©2005 O.O.McIntyre Park District, All Rights
Reserved. Developed by Steven
Burnette
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