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My husband worked for the park system for more than five years until his passing. We both enjoyed the "family" ties that were formed. 
He enjoyed being outdoors and "getting paid for things he loved doing.”  My thanks to Brian Fowler and all the Painesville Township Park staff.
- Elizabeth Jarvis
Perry, Ohio

I remember how interesting it was to go into the old headquarters off of Jackson St. in Painesville...Gus from maintenance was a jolly ole fellow. Kent Scott was so calm, cool and collected, but with a smile that made his eyes sparkle. And Grandpa [Naturalist Don Strock]? He was all people have said he was and even more! Thank you for all your wonderful comments about him. We are truly blessed to have the Lake Metroparks around us, to share in its beauty with our children and friends.
- Donna Strock-Fiske
Concord Twp, Ohio

As the mother of a special-needs young adult, I can truly say that our experiences with the Lake Metroparks over the years have been very memorable. Since its inception, my daughter, Cade, has participated in numerous adapted recreation programs including track, fishing, volleyball, crafts, cross-country and camping, to name a few. Recreation Specialist Jim Meadows is a devoted advocate for our special-needs population. By scheduling activities at different locations, he not only makes the programs accessible to more children, but he gives us the opportunity to explore our vast park system. We are very proud of our beautiful parks.
-Connie Lewis
Mentor, Ohio
Courtesy of The News-Herald

My wife and I still walk as often as possible at Indian Point Park. We began our walks there many years ago, and we still see wildlife every time we go. When I was younger, I'd fish for steelhead, but now I just enjoy watching them. Indian Point is beautiful at all times of the year but in spring - just a few weeks from now - the bluebells blanket the whole valley floor.
- The Rev. John Mattson
Painesville, Ohio
Courtesy of The News-Herald

For over seven years, I was employed at Farmpark in many capacities. My favorite memory was arriving at work before the park was open to the public, with the sun beginning to burn off the morning mist on the lakes. The animals in the barn and fields would be voicing that they wanted to be fed. The fields, the sounds and the smells were happy reminders that this was a farm, not just a public park. For one brief moment, I could be master of all I surveyed. At the end of the day, the journey down the dusty road back to the main building found me weary, dirty and filled with happy memories of a hard job well done. The crowds were gone, the sheep and cows back in the pastures, the farm still once more. It was a peace I will never forget. It hemmed my day with an intangible joy in the wonder of God's world.
- Joyce Schwartz
Painesville Township, Ohio
Courtesy of The News-Herald

We both like Hogback Ridge and Girdled Road Reservation because they are a bit more remote than the others. Chagrin River Park (off of Lost Nation) is great for walking the dogs. We loved our backpacking trip to their new (Outdoor Skills Center) property with a troop of local Boy Scouts. Farmpark is great because of all the special events (quilt festival, Working Dog weekend, Halloween Hayrides, to name just a few). It's an annual tradition for us to attend the Maple Sugaring Weekend at Farmpark. Mark grew up on a farm in Asheville, N.C., so it is a bit nostalgic for him. During Maple Sugaring Weekend we enjoy the pancake breakfast, take a walk out to the sugar shack and then wander over to the barns to see the new lambs, goats and pigs. We always send some of the syrup we buy to Mark's dad.
- Mark and Sue Gerber
Willoughby, Ohio
Courtesy of The News-Herald

Lake Metroparks’ first naturalist Don Strock was leaving the parks just as I was coming on board. His gift to me was one week in the field together. He took me to some of his favorite park places, pointed out properties that still needed conservation, and tried to pour a master naturalist’s lifetime of knowledge into my spinning brain. I still have my field notes from those days, and some wonderful memories. Don wrote to me from his retirement home in Big Pine Key, always asking when I was coming to visit. I wish I had. Such a wonderful, kind and gentle man.
– Ann Bugeda, Chief of Interpretive Services
Kirtland

I was privileged to be a Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer under the skillful guidance of Ms. Ann Bugeda for 19 years....During that time, I watched the parks system grow and become more accessible to the public. This has always been very important in the ongoing work to preserve and foster wildlife habitats and conservation. I applaud Lake Metroparks and its staff for all of the continuing excellent work! I feel that my experiences at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center have been life-changing and unforgettable!

Thank you Ann and Lake Metroparks! To this day I keep up to date with the park’s website.... CONGRATULATIONS!
- Martha Hall Cremer
Stevensville, Montana