Ohio Department of Natural Resources Assistant Director Rich Millison (left), Chris Grupenhof (center) and Ohio State Parks Acting Chief John Hunter (right). Grupenhof was recently named State Parks Manager of the Year.
This is the first time Ohio State Parks has awarded the statewide award, which recognizes outstanding leadership of staff and volunteers, as well as community relations.
Grupenhof has served as the regional manager at Shawnee since February 2009. He is a 24-year veteran of the Ohio State Parks system, having served previously as assistant park manager at Hocking Hills, manager at Scioto Trail and Great Seal, park officer at Lake Alma, and naturalist aide at Lake Hope. Grupenhof resides in Hamden, in Vinton County.
“Chris Grupenhof is an extremely dedicated manager, and has risen to many challenges over his career,” said Ohio State Parks Acting Chief John Hunter. “He is very skilled at motivating employees, involving the community, and finding innovative ways to provide added value for park visitors.”
The Shawnee State Park region hosts more than 400,000 visitor occasions each year, and features a full-service lodge and 25 vacation cottages, an 18-hole public golf course, a marina on the Ohio River, and a family campground with 107 sites. More than 60 miles of trails traverse the 1,095-acre park and adjacent state forest, which, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, lies in one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the state.
FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232 or flewis@heartlandpublications.com
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