Mission Statement of the Hancock Park District is to create, preserve, protect, restore and manage a system of parks, nature preserves, and outdoor recreational facilities to be held in public ownership with a focus on local, natural, historical, and cultural resources and maintained for the leisure use, education and enjoyment of this and future generations.
What's New
New Educational Programs Brochure
If you are an educator, scout or organizational leader in Hancock County, or the surrounding area, check out our new 2010-2011 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS BROCHURE for a listing of current programs that can be requested for your classroom, group or organization. Call Program Coordinator Stacie Roby to schedule a program and make arrangements for a park or classroom visit. Additional information regarding requested programs is located in the EDUCATION section.
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Fall Seasonal Guide now available
The Fall Seasonal Guide, covering September - November, is now available and can be downloaded for review. FALL SEASONAL GUIDE SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2010. Autumn is packed with lots of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy in Your Hancock Parks. Mark your calendar for our annual "Harvest the Past" celebration at Litzenberg Memorial Woods Sunday, October 3 from 1:00-5:00pm. It's a cornucopia of the fall season.
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Fall Color Hayrides at Riverbend
Join HPD for an old-fashioned tractor-drawn hayride at Riverbend during 
September 17 - October 31. Reservations are now being taken at the HPD office on a first come, first served basis. Get a group together, up to 25 adults, and schedule a fall color adventure today. Download a FALL COLOR HAYRIDE BROCHURE for further details.
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Board Minutes now on-line
Minutes from monthly meetings of the Board of Park Commissioners can now be viewed on-line in the About HPD/Board of Park Commissioners section of the website. Please remember that monthly meetings of the Board are open to the public.
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Pit Bull Dogs in the Dog Park
Information has recently been received at the HPD office that individuals with pit bull dogs have been using the K-9 Field of Dreams Dog Park at Riverbend. As per Ohio Revised Code, any dog commonly known as a pit bull is considered a vicious and dangerous dog, and must comply with a variety of laws while off the premises of the owner. For complete details download PIT BULL DOGS RULES. Dog owners are reminded that any other "dangerous or vicious dogs" are not allowed either. We ask for everyone's cooperation in reporting any violations of these laws to the HPD office, Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. After hours, please contact the Service Ranger at 419-412-4924 (enter your phone number after the series of beeps, hang up, and someone will call you back shortly), Hancock County Sheriff's Office at 419-422-2424 or 911 for emergencies.
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Riverside Landing Boat Rentals closes Labor Day with holiday special
The 2010 boating season at Riverside Landing Boat Rentals, in Riverside Park, is coming to a close on Monday, September 6. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats continue to be available for public rentals weekends and holidays 1:00 - 7:00 pm, first come, first serve. During the Labor Day weekend Saturday - Monday, September 4-6, a special discounted rate of $4.00 per 1/2 hour will be available for all types of rentals. Discount coupons can not be used in addition to the discounted rate during this special offering. Canoe group rentals, 6 or more canoes, and all day float trips will continue to be available through the end of October as long as weather and water conditions are suitable. Rates for group outings are set at $20.00 per canoe or individual rentals at $25.00. Call HPD Headquarters for further information.
RIVERSIDE LANDING BROCHURE
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Historic Marion Twp Rd 241 iron bridge preservation project starts
Saving the Township Road 241 Bridge was accomplished in October 2009 with its move off the river and into Riverbend Recreation Area nearby. Now the preservation work starts by the Park District in cooperation with the Hancock Parks Foundation and Ohio Historic Bridge Association. The history of this bridge, as an engineering landmark and preservation work, is attracting much attention around the Midwest. Site work 
to gain access to the structure is planned for spring 2010, along with painting the structure. Volunteers and funds are needed as this project moves forward. A new Historic 1895 Bridge Project brochure (pdf) is now available and can be downloaded from this website. Stop by and watch the restoration progress coming soon.
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