Ashland is well known for its thriving businesses, excellent schools, friendly and always helpful neighbors, and a beautiful park system that continues to evolve.
Over the years, readers have been introduced to several of the volunteers associated with the Ashland County Park District. Each of whom is very unassuming and never seeking accolades. David McClure is one such person.
Dave is an Ashland native and loves his city and countryside. He works with Ashland City Schools as an assistant certified mechanic. In addition, he teaches driver’s education, a task most would find daunting. Parents, you know what I mean.
Dave’s passion is teaching people about the outdoors. He finds his most rewarding activity is teaching the Hunter’s Ed Passport to Fishing, in which he is certified. Dave sits on the board of the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League, is a member of Pheasants Forever, and is a commissioner with the Ashland County Park District. His home church is Hayesville Methodist, but he attends Trinity Lutheran in Ashland.
Dave’s love of the outdoors and helping people didn’t happen by accident. His family has long been known in the area for their interest and hard work in conservation. His dad, Andy McClure, was a game warden in the Marines at Quantico. Andy is still active in conservation and passed on that tradition. Both Dave and Andy are certified in shooting sports. Dave’s mom, Peggy, is right there supporting and contributing her efforts at all events. There will be more about this family tradition in a future report.
As an ACPD commissioner, Dave oversees events, but says he strictly relies on volunteers. He said, “Without the dedicated volunteers, we wouldn’t have the parks we have,” adding, “the love of sharing God’s creation with people makes a difference to me.”
Something unique about the Ashland County Park District, he said, is that each of the commissioners is a working commissioner. Each volunteers his or her time alongside other volunteers; hauling and shoveling gravel, cutting trees and brush to clear trails, teaching and helping young people to fish, hunt, and learn about conserving our natural resources, and man tables at events to highlight the park district.
“It is an honor to me to come up with ideas and help in the parks,” Dave said.
His future vision for the park district includes an outdoor education facility where indoor shooting and archery would be taught not only to youth, but adults, also. “This may come to fruition sooner than later,” he said. ” We are working on it.”
Another vision is “The Jamboree at Freer Field.” This is an event which would include camping and outdoor skills. The goal is to give young people and adventure into camping and outdoor skills.
An upcoming grant program at the Conservation Farm will start the beginning of September and go to Kids’ Day. At Kids’ Day, youth are taught fly fishing, hunting tactics and actual outdoor hunting safety, information about raccoon hunting and trapping.
One of the highlight accomplishments of the Ashland County Park District is the recent addition of project “Everybody Rides.” These are bicycles the elderly and those with disabilities can use to enjoy the parks and get around at other events. A trailer was purchased to transport the bikes to events.
Dave McClure can be reached by email at davyoutdoors007@gmail.com
The parks are here for you every day of the year, dawn to dusk. For more information about our parks, please visit our website at ashlandcountyparks.com. There you will find information about each of our 18 parks, scheduled events, reservation information for the wedding barn at Sauers Farm Park and the Fireman’s Nature Cabin, and information about volunteer opportunities.
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