The Park District of Ottawa County (PDOC) has released a survey garnering public input for two of its properties located on Catawba Island Township. The survey, managed by Environmental Design Group (EDG), seeks opinions for West Harbor Preserve and Islander Woods and Trailhead.

West Harbor Preserve occupies a 12-acre parcel located on the Inner Harbor connected to Lake Erie. The Black Swamp Conservancy donated the parcel to PDOC in December, 2023, and it became the first park area owned by the park district. West Harbor Preserve, which occupies a broad marsh and a quarter mile of shoreline on Lake Erie’s West Harbor, provides opportunity for unique public access including a kayak launch, bird observation amenities, trails, habitat restoration and fishing. Development will take up to two years.

Islander Woods and Trailhead contains 7 acres on NW Catawba Rd. and was purchased with monies received from the Clean Ohio Fund and local matching funds. The site will provide opportunity for passive recreation, including picnicking, walking and bird watching and could include amenities like picnic tables, open play areas, benches and fishing access. Islander Woods and Trailhead contains an undeveloped wooded tract with a scenic pond and was owned by the same family for more than 50 years. The site may be connected to other areas as part of the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Phase One Master Plan. The Park District will strive to open Islander Woods and Trailhead to the public in 2025.

The survey is accessible at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParkDistrictofOttawaCountySurvey and will be available through July 12.

“Gathering public input regarding our park areas is crucial to our future planning and wise use of the natural environment. The Park District strives to be part of our Ottawa County communities and develop amenities to meet the needs of those we serve,” said Jannah Wilson, executive director of the Park District of Ottawa County. “Public feedback is also important as we assemble grant applications to fund the park area improvements.”

Survey responses are being collected by EDG, a consulting firm founded in 1984 with offices throughout Ohio, and will be incorporated into a Catawba Park Areas Master Plan. EDG was selected following a Request for Proposals (RFP) and the Board of Park Commissioners approved Resolution 2024-13 Catawba Park Areas Master Plan Consultant Approval in March. EDG disciplines include civil engineering, landscape architecture, planning, surveying, environmental sciences, transportation and construction administration.

Both West Harbor Preserve and Islander Woods and Trailhead remain closed to public access with all park district rules and regulations in place. The rules and regulations are posted on the PDOC website, and can be viewed within the Meetings and Policies tab listed at www.ottawacountyparksoh.org.