Clark County Park District Director Leanne Castillo details park investment and community partnerships

The City Commission of Springfield, Ohio, received an enthusiastic update on local park developments during their meeting on July 1, 2025. Leanne Castillo, director of the Clark County Park District, highlighted significant advancements and ongoing projects that promise to enhance community engagement with nature and recreation.

Castillo began by celebrating the successful merger of two park districts, which was finalized a year ago, allowing for a more unified approach to park management. The Clark County Park District now oversees 33 parks and over 2,000 acres, including 13 nature preserves and a vast network of trails, making it part of the largest continuous paved path system in the United States.

Over the past decade, the park district has implemented more than 5,000 programs and completed numerous projects, including the planting of 2,000 trees and the restoration of 80 acres of prairie. Recent enhancements include the renovation of tennis and pickleball courts, the addition of new playgrounds, and the establishment of a permanent skate park and pump track at Davie Moore Park.

Castillo emphasized the importance of community partnerships, noting collaborations with local organizations to improve facilities and create new recreational spaces. Notable projects include the development of the Mad River Gorge and the installation of a kayak launch at Riley River Plate Preserve.

The park district is also focused on sustainability and proactive management, aiming to meet the diverse needs of Springfield residents. Future plans include further enhancements to existing parks and the exploration of new funding opportunities to expand recreational offerings.

As the meeting concluded, Castillo's presentation underscored the park district's commitment to fostering a vibrant community through accessible and well-maintained green spaces, ensuring that Springfield residents can enjoy the benefits of nature and recreation for years to come.