History of O.O. McIntyre Park District

The O. O. McIntyre Park District was created on March 10, 1975 by Probate and Juvenile Court Judge R. William Jenkins. The petition was filed by the Community Development Study Committee, a group compromised of local leadership who organized and conducted meetings with Ohio State Extension Agent John Stitzlein and local Extension Agent Bryson “Bud” Carter to discuss improving the quality of life for the people of Gallia County. The Committee, under the leadership of Thomas E. Jones of Crown City, determined that creation of an Ohio 1545 Park District would provide public parks, outdoor recreation facilities and programs while protecting natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens and enhance the quality of life for all and future generations. The Committee petitioned Judge Jenkins to create the Park District. The Gallia County Commissioners Joe Stewart, C. E. Johnson and John L. Belville set aside .5 mills generated

from Property Taxes to fund the Park District. Judge Jenkins then appointed the first Board of Park Commissioners Dr. William B. Thomas, Mr. Thomas E. Jones and Dr. Clyde Evans for three year staggering terms of office. Shortly after the creation of the Park District, Judge R. William Jenkins made a cash contribution to the new Park District that established the District’s Capital Development Trust Fund for the purpose of receiving similar donations for development of the Park System in Gallia County. The Capital Development Trust Fund continues to be in existence for the purpose of continued development of Parks and Natural Areas in Gallia County.

On January 24, 1976, the new Park District was formally named for O. O. McIntyre, pioneer syndicated columnist and favorite son of Gallia County. The public announcement was made at a Press Conference at the Holiday Inn. Mr. Emerson Evans, a member of the Community Development Study Committee played a leadership role in discussions with Maybelle McIntyre’s decision to name the new Park District after her late husband. Mrs. McIntyre supported the Park District contributing assets of two properties and a final bequest of McIntyre’s Memorabilia, library and a fine arts collection.

The Official Logo, registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, was designed by Miss Ellen Wetherholt who submitted the winning entry in a contest sponsored by the French Art Colony in November of 1976. The logo depicts the top hat, glove and cane, typical 1930’s attire for O. O. McIntyre, superimposed over a Buckeye Tree Leaf, the official tree for the State of Ohio.

It was also in November that the Park Board adopted official By-Laws prepared by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney William Eachus.
In April of 1979, Josette Baker was appointed Director of the Park District by the Park Board and has served in this capacity for 23 years under the leadership of Judge Thomas S. Moulton, Probate and Juvenile Court Judge. Prior to her appointment, Joel Dennis served as Director from 1977-1978. The current Director is Paul Covey who became  Director on February 4, 2009.

The Park District currently includes the 60 acre Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary, the 700 acre Raccoon Creek County Park and the 28 mile Gallia Hike and Bike Trail.