The Richland County Park District is dedicated to introducing and interpreting our region's natural history to the citizens of Richland County through free education and public programming. Our goal is pursued by providing recreational and educational opportunities through the protection and preservation of Richland County's natural resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. RCPD operates two main facilities- The Gorman Nature Center and the B&O Bike Trail. RCPD also holds the legal title or conservation easement of several natural areas located along the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail (CFVST) encompassing nearly 600 acres of protected natural areas located in the heart of the Clear Fork Valley. RCPD manages these properties through a partnership with the North Central Ohio Land Conservancy (NCOLC). Other RCPD properties include: Cole Road Prairie, Hartmans Woods, Hemlock Falls, Tugend Road Prairie, and coming soon Fleming Falls Nature Preserve.
Gorman Nature Center |
Featuring 150 acres of deciduous forests, fields, prairies, ponds and streams, Gorman Nature Center provides over five miles of public hiking trails close to the population centers of Richland County. Families and individuals are welcome on the hiking trails from dawn till dusk or in the facilities visitor center from (9am-3pm) Wednesday-Saturday. RCPD staff naturalists sponsor weekly programs for the public featuring a wide variety of topics ranging from naturalist led hikes, field trips, lectures, workshops, and night sky programs. In addition to public programing, the RCPD offers daily on-site or nature center programs for schools, youth groups, garden clubs, seniors citizens, service clubs, etc. |
Gorman Nature Center Rules |
The Richland County Park District encompasses many different park properties; however, RCPD staff is based out of Gorman Nature Center located outside of Mansfield, Ohio. Gorman Nature Center is a multi-use recreational park. The Gorman Nature Center is open free to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9am-3pm. GNC pavilion, picnic areas, outdoor restroom facilities, and grounds are open from dawn to dusk for use year round.
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Richland County Park District B&O Bike Trail |
Come out and enjoy the historic Richland County Park District B&O Bike Trail, part of the public trails that began back in 1983 funded by the US Congress' National Trails System Act. When CSX (formerly Chessie/ B&O) abandoned this track in 1986 the Richland County Park District obtained the right-of-way becoming the 70th Rails to Trails project.
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Richland County Park District B&O Park Trail Rules |
The RCPD B&O Bike Trail is a multi-use recreational trail open to the public daily from dawn to dusk for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Dogs are permitted on the trail but MUST be on a leash (ORC- 1501:46-3-06 Animal Leash Requirement). If you choose to walk your dog on the trail, please pick up after your pet and make use of one of our many dog waste stations placed throughout the trail. Motorized vehicles and horses are not permitted on the B&O Bike Trail.
Important Information and Safety Tips
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