Dan Monahan was recently appointed to the Board of Park Commissioners of the Centerville-Washington Park District. He has been appointed to serve a three-year term through May 2016. Mr. Monahan is the 16th individual to serve as a park commissioner since the district’s formation in 1959. He replaces Bill Williams, who retired from the board after serving his third three-year term.

Mr. Monahan holds a B.S. from Ball State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Dayton. He is currently Senior Director of Global Professional Services at Teradata Corporation. He has also been active with the Centerville United Soccer Association (CUSA) as the Mead CUSA Cup tournament director for the past 13 years.

Nearly 30-year residents of Washington Township, Dan, his wife and 4 children, have enjoyed spending time in the Centerville/Washington Park District’s parks. “Our parks are a great source of pride for this community,” said Dan. “We are lucky to have dedicated open-space nature areas where our residents can enjoy all that nature offers. The Park District maintains a wide variety of competition venues for the community, including baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and tennis. And let us not forget the many neighborhood parks that offer our residents areas to relax and play within walking distance of their homes.”

Studies show that children who play outside on a daily basis demonstrate increased creativity, better problem solving skills, more focus and flexibility, and better cooperation in groups. Hidden Meadows Day Camp offers eight weeks of camp for kids ages 3-12 to experience the outdoors and take advantage of these benefits.

Each week brings new opportunities to make friends, explore Grant Park, play games, and make fun crafts. In addition, campers will be treated to guest speakers, animal shows, and activities related to the weekly theme. Snacks are provided, but campers need to bring a filled water bottle. All-day campers should also bring a packed lunch that does not require refrigeration. All campers receive a T-shirt during their first week. Campers may request one camper friend of similar age.

Registration for Hidden Meadows Day Camp is now underway. Participants can register online, by phone at (937) 433-5155, or in person at park headquarters. A valid email address is required for online registration. Payment can be made with a debit or credit card.

Starting April 26, 2013, Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law (ORC 3707.511) requires youth sports organizations to provide an information sheet regarding how to recognize a concussion to the parent or other guardian of an individual who wishes to practice for or compete in an athletic activity organized by any youth sports organization.

A youth sports organization is defined in the following language within the law: Sec. 3707.51. As used in sections 3707.511 and 3707.52 of the Revised Code, "youth sports organization" means a public or nonpublic entity that organizes an athletic activity in which the athletes are not more than nineteen years of age and are required to pay a fee to participate in the athletic activity or whose cost to participate is sponsored by a business or nonprofit organization.

The following links will help you learn how to recognize a concussion, and general information about the Ohio’s Return to Play Law, including fact sheets for coaches and parents, and frequently asked questions.

ORC 3707.511 in Substitute House Bill 143

Youth Sports Concussion Information Sheet for Parents

Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law:  What Coaches and Referees Need to Know (Youth Sports Organizations)

Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law:  What Parents/Guardians Needs to Know (Youth Sports Organizations)

Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law:  Frequently Asked Questions

The preliminary plan for Robert F. Mays Park was reviewed by residents at an open house on March 6, 2013. The master plan was revised to include suggestions offered by the public. The revised plan includes a park shelter, playground, lacrosse fields, walking paths, native plantings, and parking. The Park District welcomes comments at or (937) 433-5155.

Open space preserved by the Centerville-Washington Park District has increased once again with the addition of a new community park in the southwest area of the district. “The Park District master plan called for community parks to be spread throughout the district to be convenient for the residents,” said Park District Director, Carol Kennard. “Yankee Trace Golf Course was developed over the targeted area in the southwest region and preserves a large expanse of green space, but until recently, adequate land for a community park was not available.” When the Park District became aware of Divided Ridge, Ltd.’s interest in selling property along Social Row Road a plan came together. In January the Park District purchased 23 acres, using funds obligated for park land acquisition.

Around the same time, the Park District was contacted by a local family who was interested in making a donation to provide a significant contribution to the Park District for the benefit of the community. Robert Mays raised his family in Washington Township, and the parks were a big part of their everyday lives. In his early years, Bob and his friends helped develop a new park in Sidney and now he was interested in helping create a “jewel in the crown of the parks” for the Centerville/Washington Township community. “My family spent many enjoyable hours in our local parks as the kids were growing up,” said Bob Mays. “We have always felt proud of the value our parks bring to the community, and I feel fortunate to be able to support park growth.”

When the idea came up to develop a new park, Bob Mays was dedicated to helping make a difference. He made a substantial commitment to the Park District for the initial development of this new park. “This is the largest private donation ever received by the district,” said Bill Williams, Park Board President. In recognition of Bob’s generosity, the Park Board officially named the new park Robert F. Mays Park at their January meeting.

The Park District also became aware of a new non-profit group, Washington Township Trails, Inc., dedicated to providing multi-use trails in the community. The approved multi-use trail master plan for providing community connections includes a trail along Social Row Road, with connections to neighborhoods and activity centers. Divided Ridge, Ltd. donated land along the perimeter of the new park area to the trails group, establishing another partner in the development of this new park. By purchasing the new park land and partnering with the trails group, another section of multi-use trail will be developed for the community’s use.

Next is the exciting process of developing a master plan for the park. As with other community parks in the district, basic plans will include athletic fields (identified need is for lacrosse/soccer), adequate parking, picnic shelter with restrooms and storage, all-access playground for year-round use, multi-use trail, and trees/plantings to provide shade, natural beauty and an attractive buffer for the adjacent neighbors. The Park District is interested in the community’s involvement in planning the park and identifying other potential amenities to include in the master plan. Watch for an announcement of an Open House where residents can view the preliminary plan and provide input and suggestions.

“The new Robert F. Mays Park is the district’s 49th park,” said Kennard, “and brings the total preserved open space in the Park District to 996 acres. It is wonderful to have 23 acres of preserved green space along the busy Social Row Road corridor that will only get busier as development increases.” The generosity of Bob Mays and the partnership with Washington Township Trails is the perfect combination for furthering the mission of the Park District to provide quality parks, outdoor education, and recreation, while preserving open space.

Owlexander's Wetland Walk is now open at Oak Creek South Park, 790 Miamisburg Centerville Road (State Route 725). This Nature Literature Trail follows a paved path accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Owlexander and his friend Wally the Water Drop will teach you about life at the wetland - the soil, flowers, birds, water, animals, and more. While targeted at upper elementary-aged children, the Wetland Walk is fun and educational for all.

This permanent trail was made possible through a partnership with the Washington-Centerville Public Library and was fully funded by the William & Dorothy Yeck Family Foundation.

The Mark Kreusch Nature Playce is now open at the Grant Park Nature Nook, 6588 McEwen Road. The playground was made possible by a grant from the Mark Andrew Kreusch Memorial Fund of the Dayton Foundation.
 
The Mark Andrew Kreusch Memorial Fund was founded by his family to honor his life and spirit. Mark was four years old when his life suddenly ended in a boating accident on August 11, 2007. Mark loved his family, his friends, and embraced life by enjoying all that he did. His zest for life shined through his smile and giggle.

Mark's parents vowed to keep his spirit alive by enriching the lives of other children. Their dream is to continue his legacy through various projects that the fund will "Leave a MARK on a child's life."
 
All elements of the play area have been built with natural materials making it a truly outdoor experience in the woods. The different elements include stump jumps, climbing logs, a digging pit, fort building area, a bug hotel, and more.

Learn more about this project by viewing an interview on Centerville Reports Today.