Join us for an overview of the 2025 Annual Reports from Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. We’ll highlight key accomplishments, share future park plans, and provide an update on the upcoming parks millage. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how we’re working together to protect and enhance Ottawa County’s parks.
Speaker: Jason Shamblin, Parks Director
Jason Shamblin is the Director of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission, bringing more than 25 years of experience in parks and recreation leadership with a focus on conservation, public access, and high-quality visitor experiences.
Jason’s appreciation for the outdoors was shaped early in life growing up on a farm in rural southeastern Ohio, where he developed a lasting respect for natural systems, working landscapes, and public lands. Since joining Ottawa County in 2019, he has led efforts to expand access to parks and trails, advance large-scale conservation initiatives, and strengthen the County’s role as a regional partner in greenway planning and natural resource stewardship.
Prior to Ottawa County, Jason served as Assistant Director of MetroParks of Butler County, Ohio, and held municipal leadership roles, including Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Reynoldsburg. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and regional agencies to build trust-based partnerships, align shared priorities, and deliver long-term public value.
Jason is a graduate of Ohio University and Hocking College. He lives in Ottawa County with his wife and three children. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, attending baseball games, and spending time in local parks, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Ottawa County Parks Foundation 2025 Annual Report
- Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission 2025 Annual Report