Parks District Departments

Community engagement team members are here to serve all park visitors. From welcoming encounters at the front desk of three nature centers and personalized telephone registration, to an abundance of naturalist-led programs in and out of the parks, introductory recreational experiences and self-guided explorations throughout the year, community engagement staff are here to connect you with the natural and cultural wonders of Summit County.

The conservation department at Summit Metro Parks works largely behind the scenes monitoring and enhancing the park district’s green space. This department studies and tracks populations of wildlife, plants and more to ensure that our ecosystem is as healthy as possible. When the environment around us is healthy, people are healthier, too. Summit Metro Parks is the only park district in Ohio with its own cultural resources division – a team of archaeologists who help us understand our lands’ past uses. 

The finance department manages the park district’s funds, accounting functions, payroll and purchasing. This team of detail-oriented professionals manages the State of Ohio’s audit of the park district and because of their diligence, we received a perfect audit score in 2022.  

The marketing & communications department informs, attracts and retains visitors and enhances the Summit Metro Parks experience. The department’s work includes developing designed signs, banners, printed materials and more for events and other initiatives. This team manages the park district’s public relations efforts, web projects, large events and Maple Leaf Gifts shop. 

Summit Metro Parks operations staff maintain your clean and safe parks. They ensure trails and park amenities remain at our high standard. Our operations staff also operate the campground at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park and coordinate boat rentals during summer. 

Summit Metro Parks rangers do much more than prevent forest fires. Our rangers are commissioned peace officers who enforce the park district’s rules, regulations and other applicable laws to protect resources and achieve visitor safety. Rangers also educate and provide information, protect lives and property, administer special-use permits and maintain good order. 
 
Rangers patrol each of our 16 parks and all conservation areas – mostly on foot. On average, the department conducts more than 10,000 hours of foot patrols each year. The department also uses SUVs on roadways and bicycles to patrol the Bike & Hike, Freedom and Towpath trails during peak-use seasons. 
 
Look for a ranger the next time you visit your favorite Metro Park. Uniforms consist of black pants and tan shirts. Authorized jackets and sweaters are also black, while headgear consists of black campaign-style hats and black ball caps with the ranger insignia. 

Students (grades 2-5) can learn more about being safe outdoors with an in-school visit by a uniformed Summit Metro Parks ranger. Topics include summer and winter safety techniques and students receive Junior Ranger badges and other materials. To schedule a visit, please call 330-865-8052. 

The planning & development department is responsible for managing the planning, design and construction of parks and park facilities throughout the park district. Our staff has deep academic and applied experience in a diversity of related disciplines, including urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, engineering, construction management, grant writing, real estate, policy and public engagement.  

The planning & development department plays a critical role in making sure the improvements and enhancements we bring to our park properties are informed by relevant, accurate and useful data and analysis. The team focuses on creating and assessing ways to expand and strengthen our organization and other assets, guided by listening and connecting others to nature; maintaining and investing in our existing infrastructure; and conservation and stewardship of our existing environment.  

The human resources department at Summit Metro Parks manages all personnel and document retention practices. This team performs orientations, manages employee performance and oversees the park district’s robust volunteer program.