Two Metroparks Toledo projects received first place awards in an annual contest sponsored by the Ohio Park and Recreation Association.
The addition to Howard Marsh, a restored wetland near the Lake Erie shore in Jerusalem Township received first place in the Natural Resources and Conservation category.
The expansion added 228 acres of restored coastal wetland and associated upland habitat. It also included walking trails with a boardwalk extending into the marsh, additional water trail and a kayak launch.
Metroparks has now restored 987 acres of former farmland back to wetland habitat through a publicprivate, local, state and federal partnership. Phase one of the project began in 2018.
Glow-tacular, a nighttime event at Glass City Metropark held in September, won first place in the Recreation Programs and Events category.
The event, attracted more than 2,000 visitors, who were invited to try a 32-foot-tall climbing wall, kayaking in a large pool, archery, a mountain bike course and other activities.
