Over the past year the park district has worked closely with the Davenport family to purchase a 17-acre parcel of woodlands located on Catawba Island. Pictured are, in front, from left, PDOC Executive Director Jannah Wilson, Jerry Davenport, Park Commissioner Trish McCartney, Park Commissioner Judy Indorf and Park Commissioner Jack Madison. In back is John Davenport.

CATAWBA ISLAND – The Park District of Ottawa County (PDOC) is excited to announce its newest property, Davenport Memorial Woodlands, a 17-acre parcel of woodlands located on Catawba Island.

The Park District was successful in receiving grant funding from the Clean Ohio Fund to make this acquisition a reality. The sellers, siblings John M., Jerry M., Jordan M., and Janet M. Davenport, agreed to a $25,000.00 donation at closing to PDOC as part of the naming rights request. Davenport Memorial Woodlands is planned to be an addition to the park district’s Islander Woods and Trailhead property, acquired in March, 2024.

“This incredible piece of property is now forever preserved for the benefit of nature and our communities,” said PDOC Executive Director Jannah Wilson. “We look forward to developing walking trails compatible with the natural environment, public programs, wildlife viewing and birding opportunities.”

Both Islander Woods and Davenport Memorial Woodlands are currently closed to public access with all park district rules and regulations in place. The purchase of the property is a cost share between the Ohio Public Works Commission Clean Ohio Fund and PDOC. The park district received a disbursement of $552,485 from the Ohio Public Works Commission Clean Ohio Fund for the purpose of purchasing the Davenport property for conservation and public use. The remaining funding for the acquisition came from PDOC’s tax levy funds allocated for land purchases.

The naming rights and the purchase were approved at the April 1 public meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners. Closing took place on April 30.

Construction and engineering plans call for habitat restoration, trails, signage and the installation of an area for parking, among other amenities. PDOC is grateful to all those involved who helped save these parcels of wooded land from development and commercial use. PDOC is dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and connecting Ottawa County’s natural and recreational resources for the enjoyment and benefit of all.

To learn more about the Park District of Ottawa County, visit ottawacountyparksoh.org and www.facebook.com/parkdistrictofottawacounty.