Category: History
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The Butler County Park District’s Next Five Years (1961-1965)
As we continue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of MetroParks of Butler County, we’re taking a journey through time to revisit the pivotal moments that shaped our legacy. In our last blog post, we looked at the formative first five years of the Butler County Park District—years that saw the district’s founding, its first land…
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The Butler County Park District’s First Five Years
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,…
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Gilmore MetroPark’s Wild and Wonderful History
It’s Nancy Clark, your friendly MetroParks of Butler County historian, back with another fascinating dive into park history. Join me for a look at everyone’s favorite birding area and the only MetroPark located in the City of Hamilton, Gilmore Ponds MetroPark. The park has undergone many changes since it became part of MetroParks of Butler…
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Timberman Ridge MetroPark’s Sweet History
One of MetroParks of Butler County’s newest parks, Timberman Ridge MetroPark opened as a part of Forest Run MetroPark in 2014. Join me for an inside look at the park’s history, and what makes Timberman Ridge so sweet! The southwest corner of section 11 of Ross Township was owned by John Timberman according to the…
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The Story of Rentschler Forest MetroPark
Rentschler Forest MetroPark was the fifth park added to the Butler County Park District (MetroParks) system in 1962. The park began with the historic Miami Canal section of just 0.6 acres along the Great Miami River in Fairfield Township. Walter A. and Edith Beckett Rentschler expanded the park through a donation of a twenty-eight acre tract…
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Voices Still Being Heard
Eighty years ago during World War II stood a building and a piece of land owned by the United States government known as the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station. It was here that voices of truth were transmitted by shortwave radio and heard across the world. While families secretly listened to these radio messages broadcast by…
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A History of Governor Bebb MetroPark: Part 2
Thanks for joining us for the History of Governor Bebb MetroPark: Part 1! If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, click the link to get caught up before you read Part 2. Dry Fork Campground In 1962 E. W. McCarty sold the remaining acreage of his farm to the Butler County Park District forming the…
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Paving the Trail: Women of MetroParks
March marks Women’s History Month, a time to honor the meaningful contributions of women throughout history. At MetroParks of Butler County, we’re excited to celebrate the women who have shaped our parks and recreation system, from the early pioneers who advocated for public green spaces to our current employees and volunteers who continue to make…