In celebration of MetroParks of Butler County’s 70th Anniversary, join us for a look back at the last seven decades of park history! From its inception, MetroParks of Butler County’s mission of conservation, education, and recreation has inspired millions of county residents and out-of-town visitors to get outside and explore the outdoors. Although the places, parks and people have changed over the years, we remain committed to protecting natural resources, providing meaningful outdoor experiences and connecting communities through nature.

1955

In the early 1950s, as conservation concerns gained national attention, Butler County residents began envisioning a park system that could preserve natural spaces while serving the public through recreation and education. At the heart of this vision was Gilbert E. “Gus” Condo—a lawyer and National Director of the Izaak Walton League. Known to some as a “modern-day Johnny Appleseed,” Condo was passionate about protecting water quality, addressing pollution, conserving soil, and preserving the natural beauty of Butler County. His dedication helped spark the formation of what would eventually become the MetroParks of Butler County.

Condo was not alone in his efforts. He encouraged his friend, Judge Harry F. Walsh, to consider creating a formal park district for the county. That persistence paid off in 1955, when Judge Walsh appointed the first official Board of Park Commissioners. This marked a foundational moment for the Butler County Park District, setting it on a course to become the county’s largest steward of local green spaces for generations to come. The original three board members were:

–Gus Condo (Hamilton)
–Earl H. Thompson (Hamilton)
–Charles W. Denny (Middletown)

Judge Walsh also appointed a 15-member advisory committee during that first year, underscoring the widespread community support for the park district. These individuals represented diverse parts of the county, including Middletown, Hamilton, Oxford, and Lesourdsville. The advisory committee played a crucial role in shaping early park priorities and projects.

(L): Gus Condo. (R): The original Park Advisory Board.

1956

In 1956, with a modest $20,000 budget, the board hired its first director, Bruce Diehl—a Utah State graduate with a background in forestry, a former U.S. Navy Reserve commander, and an experienced conservationist. That same year, three parks opened to the public:

• June 1956 – Four Mile Creek Park opened under a five-year lease on 22 acres off Eaton Road from landowner George Baecker. It featured picnicking, primitive camping, fishing, drinking water, and restrooms.
• August 1956 – Indian Creek Park opened in Reily Township through a land lease with Delores and Russell Marmaduke and Myra Duncan. The 33.9-acre park offered picnicking, overnight camping, creeking, fishing, ice skating, sledding, drinking water, and restrooms.
• October 1956 – Miami River Park opened as a 35-acre space between Route 73 and the Great Miami River, north of Middletown. It became the only park that offered boating in addition to other recreational amenities.

(L): Bruce Diehl making repairs. (R): Four Mile Creek park in Hanover Township. This property is no longer managed or operated by MetroParks.

1959

In 1959, the young park district faced both challenges and new opportunities. In January, severe flooding damaged all three parks—Four Mile Creek, Indian Creek, and Miami River—washing out roads and damaging low-level dams, buildings and picnic areas. As a result, the parks remained closed until March while repairs were made. Despite the setbacks, 1959 also marked a major milestone in the district’s growth. The Butler County Historical Society approached the Park Board with a proposal to preserve an important piece of Ohio history: the birthplace of former Ohio Governor William Bebb. With funding support from Morgan Township residents, the Park Board acquired a 10-acre parcel to relocate and reconstruct the Bebb historic cabin. This effort led to the establishment of what is now Governor Bebb MetroPark, blending historical preservation with outdoor recreation in a meaningful way.

1960

In 1960, the Butler County Park Board made significant strides in both land acquisition and historic preservation. That year, the Board reached an agreement with the State of Ohio to acquire a 50-acre portion of the Pater Lake property in Reily Township. Though modest at first, this parcel would eventually grow to nearly 200 acres, becoming a valuable part of the park system. Meanwhile, in April, the Pioneer Church Restoration Committee approached the Park Board seeking support to help preserve the historic Pioneer Church and its adjacent cemetery, also located in Reily Township. This request signaled a deepening of the Board’s role in safeguarding not only the county’s natural spaces but also its historical landmarks.

(L): The Bebb Cabin during reconstruction. (R): Pioneer Church circa 1960.

We are far from done with park history, so stay tuned for more blog posts coming soon!