Lake Metroparks

The Lake County Probate Court Judge, Mark J. Bartolotta, appoints a three-member board of citizens to govern Lake Metroparks. Lake Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners Gretchen Skok DiSanto, Frank J. Polivka and John C. Redmond serve, without compensation, for three-year alternating terms. In March of each year, the Board of Park Commissioners appoints an Executive Director who serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the park district. The current Executive Director is Paul Palagyi.

Portions of two state designated wild and scenic rivers -- and many tributaries -- flow through and are protected by Lake Metroparks. In addition to protecting watersheds and open space, Lake Metroparks annually provides more than 3.3 million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities including an agriculturally-themed park, a nature center, a state-of-the-art education and wildlife rehabilitation center, two golf courses, more than 50 miles of trails including a 4.8-mile paved bike/hike trail, six parks on Lake Erie's shoreline and a cross-country ski center.

MISSION

To conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County while providing a variety of safe, affordable and enjoyable educational and recreational programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in Lake County now and for the generations to follow.