Historical Timeline

1975 

• The ATPD is created by the passage of a referendum.

• Operations begin.

• An agreement is signed by the ATPD & the Forest Hills School District (FHSD) to allow the residents of Anderson to enjoy the 39 acres of school property as Nagel Park until the FHSD needed the land to build a school.

• Nagel Park is dedicated, marking the ATPD’s first park building venture.
• 11 acres are purchased for Forest Park (later renamed Veterans Park).
• By court order, 2 parcels of land totaling 15 acres are acquired for Laverty Park.

• Elizabeth Juilfs donates the south 8 acres of Juilfs Park.

• The remaining 18 acres of Juilfs Park are purchased from the Juilfs Foundation.

• Anderson Township celebrates the grand opening of Juilfs Park on July 19.
• The ATPD wins the ‘Facility Award, $0-& 75,000’ category for the Juilfs Park Playground.

• Kellogg Park opens; the Anderson Township Trustees donated the 13 acres.

• A replacement tax levy is passed for current operation and to allow for future development. 

• Anderson Township Bicentennial Celebration provides the initiative for the acquisition & development of additional park land.  The ATPD, with early assistance from the Greater Anderson Bicentennial Commission and the Anderson Township trustees, was afforded the opportunity to expand the park facilities by adding Clear Creek Park & Riverside Park.
• The ATPD purchases 11 acres, called ROCE, for the headquarters for the District’s Operations facility.
• The ATPD begins to maintain & manage the Firehouse Fields, which is owned by the Anderson Township Government.
• The ATPD begins to maintain & manage the Beech Acres fields, owned by Beech Acres – The General Protestant Orphans Home.

• Development begins at Clear Creek & Riverside Parks.
• Juilfs Park undergoes a significant expansion project which includes updating the playground, enlarging the parking lots, increasing meeting and summer camp capacity & the addition of public restrooms. 

• 4.5 acres of Laverty Park is transferred to the Anderson Township Green Space efforts.

• Clear Creek Park & Riverside Park open.
• The ATPD begins managing the Heritage Center which is owned by the Anderson Township Government.

• Good bye old friend... August 31 marks the expiration of the Nagel Park lease; construction on the FHSD Nagel Middle School begins shortly after.
• Forest Park gets a new name, Veterans Park, and a face lift with the assistance of a Natureworks Grant.
• The ATPD purchases 25 acres for Beech Acres Park, which it had previously leased & maintained for four years.

• The ATPD wins the ‘Special Project / Management Innovation Award’ from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association for ‘The Oasis’ project at Clear Creek Park.
• The ATPD is awarded a grant from the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation and the Juilfs Foundation to construct 3 tennis courts at Juilfs Park, providing the first courts in the Anderson Park System. 
• The ATPD is awarded a grant for Kellogg Park from the Anderson Foundation for Parks & Recreation.

• The ATPD works with the Ohio River Trail Committee on the feasibility study for the proposed, multi-use trail.
• The ATPD fulfills obligations to Anderson Township Administration for the development of Riverside & Clear Creek Parks, the Bicentennial Legacies deemed by the Township Trustees to be substantially complete & serviceable according to the agreement for the land donation.
• The ATPD is notified of the bequest of William McNeilan Johnson Hills Park, a gem of 137 acres consisting of rolling hills & wooded terrain.  The land is due to change hands early in 2000 and will not be immediately accessible to visitors until a future, to be determined date.
• The ATPD begins the Strategic Planning Process; community input is gathered through focus groups, a public hearing & a random written survey.
• The ATPD works with Job Corps for the reconstruction of a green house installed at the Operations Center.
• Volunteers contributed 6,500 service hours to the various ATPD programs, events, maintenance & projects.
• The ATPD achieves another year of successful programs & events, including some of the following highlights:
• The ATPD serves as a major partner by providing leadership & coordination for the 1st annual, community-wide event - Anderson Days..It’s a Blast!
• 5,090 local teens participate in seven Jr. High Park Parties.
• The ORBiTeR becomes the Ohio River Trail Blaze, expanding to include running, in-line skating and bicycling, in an effort to raise awareness for the proposed, multi-use trail.
• The ATPD establishes a partnership with Anderson Youth Softball (AYS) in order to provide area girls with an opportunity to play Fast Pitch Softball – 5 teams participate.
• The first Concerts in the Park take place at Clear Creek Park.
• The popular Easter Egg Hunt is attended by over 2,500 people at a new site, Riverside Park, under extreme adverse weather conditions.
• The ATPD participates in the Great American Clean-Up.

2000

• The ATPD celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
• The Township conveys the Hahn parcel, 34+ acres at the north end of Clear Creek Park, to the ATPD making Clear Creek Park at total of 101.5 acres.
• Greater Anderson Promotes Peace receives approval from the Board of Park Commissioners to construct a peace pole at Veterans Park.
• Greater Anderson Days, one of Anderson Township’s largest community events, moves to Beech Acres Park for its second year and the ATPD becomes the Greater Anderson Days event coordinator. 
• Anderson area parks receive a perfect score in Cincinnati Magazine’s survey of the Best Places to Live in Cincinnati – the only park system of 92 neighborhoods to receive a perfect score.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accept the failure of Riverside Park’s riverbank as a section 14 project which will enable the ATPD to receive funding for 65% of the repair costs.
• The ATPD adds free concerts to the Movies in the Park series. 
• The park district’s mascot is renamed “Buddy.” 
• The ATPD and the Mt. Washington Church of Christ combine resources to construct a shared parking lot on the east side of Beech Acres Park to create 107 paved spaces.
• The ATPD Sports Alliance, a group made up of members from each ATPD field user group, forms to improve communication between field user groups as well as discuss and cooperatively resolve field issues as they arise. 
• ORT Blaze (formerly the ORBiTeR) is discontinued after a 6 year run, having raised awareness for the need of a multi-use trail along the Ohio River.
• The ATPD’s Operating Levy passes, allowing the ATPD to continue operations for the next 7-10 years and providing some funding for the development of Beech Acres and Johnson Hills Park.
• ATPD proudly announces the winners of the first Chip Rosser Coaches Award:  Ron Doss and Ken Martinez.  The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports.  It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the ATPD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.

2001

• Public planning meetings begin to discuss preliminary design concepts for the development of Johnson Hills Park; design firms are hired to create a visual representation of these discussions and to assist in the master planning of the park.
• Beech Acres Park Development: 
  • Public planning meetings are conducted and committees formed to plan the construction of Beech Acres Park.
  • A design concept is completed for Beech Acres Park and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners.
  • The ATPD and the Mt. Washington Church of Christ partner once again to build an extension to the existing parking lot on the east side of Beech Acres Park.  The 17,000 cubic yards of excavation was completed totally by ATPD staff; the largest excavation project the ATPD staff has undertaken to date.
• ATPD receives an ODNR NatureWorks Grant of $16,777 for Riverside Park.  Work must be completed by 12/31/02. 
• Juilfs Park trail and basketball court repaved. 
• In cooperation with the Mt. Washington Church of Christ and the Calvary Chapel of Northern Kentucky, the ATPD launches Skate Fest, a weekly session for skateboarders, bladers, and bikers to practice their sport on a portable skate facility at Beech Acres Park. 
• The ATPD and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begin preparing design alternatives for the riverbank erosion section 14 project at Riverside Park.
• The ATPD Recreation Department adds four new programs to the year-round activity calendar:  Daddy Daughter Dance, Earth in Art, Big Back Yard, and Fall Art Fair.  Each is extremely well attended for a first-year program.
• The ATPD’s website receives four stars in the category of Best Parks and Recreation Website from ParksNRec.com
• The ATPD, Township Government and other community entities in begin discussions for a Family Center in the Anderson area.
• Members of the ATPD staff participate in a renovation project of Hillcrest Cemetery as part of Make A Difference Day.
• ATPD receives program awards for SkateFest and Greater Anderson Days from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

• Re-development of Beech Acres Park continues as infrastructure work begins, the design plan is modified, and details are decided regarding the construction of amenities.
• The SkatePark Committee conducts several fundraisers to try to raise $100,000 to match the $200,000 earmarked by the ATPD Park Board for the creation of a skate facility at Beech Acres Park.
• Board of Park Commissioners agrees to move the location of the GAPP (Greater Anderson Promotes Peace) Peace Pole to Beech Acres Park.  GAPP continues fundraising for its construction. 
• Upon the request of the Anderson Township Fireman’s Association and the Memorial Committee, the ATPD Board of Park Commissioners approves Beech Acres Park as the site for the future Fireman’s Memorial.
• 1.5 acres are added to Beech Acres Park in July, increasing the size of the park to 26.9 acres.  The land was sold to the ATPD by Earl Bedel, a neighbor of the park and a long-time Anderson Resident who felt the land would be of greater use to the community as a part of the park.
• Riverside Park gains an additional 0.88 acres after the ATPD purchases the land from park neighbor, Rick Powell.  A NatureWorks grant awarded to the ATPD in 2001 financed part of the cost of this land acquisition.
• The ATPD gains over 68 acres of land to manage through a long term lease with the Hamilton County Park District.  The parcel has been named Broadwell Woods.
• The ATPD receives a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ division of Recycling and Litter Prevention that will go toward the purchase of park benches and message centers made from recycled materials.  The benches and message centers are scheduled for installation in June 2003.
• The ATPD signs an easement with Anderson Township for a section of the Anderson Trails Forest Road Project to accommodate a sidewalk on the eastern front portion of Veterans Park.
• Greater Anderson Days is moved to the Anderson Towne Center due to the re-development of Beech Acres Park.  The event records its largest crowd ever at approximately 80,000 patrons.
• The ATPD introduces the PAYS Program (Parents Association for Youth Sports) to parents of its Youth Basketball Leagues.  The program is a required 30-minute session with policies and procedures designed to promote the enjoyment of the sport for children. 
• The ATPD gives Bret Furtwengler the second Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the ATPD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning.  The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports.  It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the ATPD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
• The ATPD receives two awards for its website: ParksNRec.com gives the site five stars in the category of Best Parks and Recreation Website and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association recognizes the ATPD’s website by giving it the distinction of Meritorious in the category of Tech-Marketing.
• The first Annual "A Day to Remember" ceremony commemorating the September 11th tragedy is held at Veterans Park coordinated by the American Legion Post 318.

• The ATPD offered 464.22 acres of parkland and facilities in addition to a variety of amenities, events, programs, sport leagues, and classes that enhance the lives of Anderson residents.
• 19,804 players from 65 sport organizations used A.P.D. fields.
• 149 people volunteered 1,364 hours of their time in 2003.
• 162 trees have been adopted since the program began in 1992.
• 12 teams participated in the Girls Fast Pitch Softball Leagues.
• 728 dads and daughters attended the Daddy-Daughter Dance.
• 617 egg hunters filled the fields at the Easter Egg Hunt.
• 123 participants improved their skills during the Tennis Lessons offered by the ATPD at Juilfs Park.
• 53 teams competed in the ATPD’s Adult Soccer Leagues.
• 121 children had weeks of fun in the Summer Camps.
• 930 participants spent relaxing evening as they enjoyed the Summer Outdoor Concert & Movie Series.
• 2629 teens danced with their friends at the Jr. High Park Parties.
• 840 children of all ages had a great time at the Big Back Yard Program.
• An estimated 85,000 people enjoyed a weekend of fantastic fun at Greater Anderson Days.
• 238 canines with their caregivers strutted their stuff at the Hot Dog Parade.
• 553 people viewed and/or purchased original creations by over 60 artists at the Affair of the Arts.
• Affair of the Arts Winners:  Best of Show – Heather Mingo; People’s Choice – Edward Dunn; Greater Anderson Promotes Peace Award for Community Harmony – Sharon Kabbs.
• Over 1,000 patrons spent a fun-filled Day at the Beech.
• 113 participants learned new skills in Instructional Youth Volleyball.
• 1,203 players signed up for Recreational Youth Basketball.
• 698 families participated in the Parents Association for Youth Sports.
• The ATPD gives Ken Glassmeyer the third Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the ATPD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning.  The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports.  It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the ATPD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports. 
• 122 children visited with the Big Man in Red at the Breakfast with Santa.
• Beech Acres redevelopment progresses as the 26 acres are prepared to house a variety of amenities.  Construction begins on the hike/bike trail, the amphitheatre, the ball diamonds, parking lots, restroom/concession building, skate park and more.
• Laverty Park receives a face-lift!  Improvements include a walking trail, new playground, basketball court, and paved walkways.
• Designs are reviewed to solve the erosion problem at Riverside Park.
• Residents begin fundraising for a dog facility at Kellogg Park. By the end of the summer 2003, the committee had raised $8,000 toward the construction. The Board of Park Commissioners agreed to lend $4,000 to the committee so construction could start immediately. Construction began in the fall of 2003. In the meantime, a temporary off-leash dog area was opened in one of the ball diamonds at Riverside Park. The temporary area proved to extremely popular and well-used by both the dogs and their human companions. The Dog Park Committee continues initiating a variety of fundraisers to cover the remaining costs of the park. 
• The Kiwanis Club of Anderson Hills continues fundraising for the re-development of the Lucky Lanier All-Children’s Playground at Veterans Park.  Kiwanis and other local organizations, begin a Community Challenge to match any funds donated by the public up to $10,000.
• Greater Anderson Promotes Peace continues fundraising for the Peace Pole intended to be built at Beech Acres Park.
• The Skate Park Committee also continues fundraising for phase 2 of the Skate Park at Beech Acres Park.  Construction for phase 1 began in the fall of 2003.
• Fundraising also continues by the Fireman’s Association to establish a Firefighters’ Memorial at Beech Acres Park. 

• ATPD enters into a partnership with Beech Acres to lease the building on the northwest secion of the Park. The building, refered to as the Arts & RecPlex contains a gym and classrooms. It allows the ATPD to add 34 additional programs to its annual activity offerings.
• Phase 1 of the Skatepark at Beech Acres Park, consisting of 12,000 square feet is completed in May.
• As part of the re-developement of Beech Acres Park, the soccer and ball diamonds are completed in the spring.
• The Hike/Bike trail is completed in late spring, thanks to a generous contribution from Anderson Township Government.
• The Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center opens at Beech Acres Park.
• Construction for the Fireman's Memorial at Beech Acres Park begins in December.
• The Kellogg Dog Field opens on August 14, 2004 in conjunction with the ATPD's 2nd Annual Hotdog Parade.
• The 4th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 995 fathers and their little girls.
• 685 egg hunters participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt
• 4131 tweens & teens participated in 6 Jr. High Park Parties.
• The summer concert & movie series entertained a combined total of 1846 patrons.
• Summer Day Camp had 723 campers.
• The ATPD had 46 spring & fall co-rec soccer teams.
• 16 teams competed in the ATPD's first Cornhole League.
• The ATPD basketball leagues had 371 players in grades 3-6 and 380 players in grades 7-12.
• 36 children participated in the ATPD's Volleyball League. 57 children enrolled in Instructional Volleyball.
• 3541 baseball and softball players, 9972 soccer players, 302 lacrosse players, and 31 football players used ATPD fields.
• The Grand Opening of Beech Acres Park takes place during the annual Greater Anderson Days celebration in July.
• 52 artists had unique creations on display and for sale to the 2000 patrons who attended the Fair of the Arts event at Beech Acres Park.
• $4.500 was raised at the 1st annual Run to Remember for the Beech Acres Park Playground. The 5K honored Nancy Horn.
• The 20th annual Haunted Hike took place at Kellogg Park. 2004 was the final year for this long-standing terror tradion.
• Kellogg Dog Field wins the Award of Excellence from the Ohio Park and Recreation Association.

• Beech Acres Park receives the "Award of Excellence" from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
• Firefighters Memorial at Beech Acres Park is dedicated on June 11.
• Groundbreaking for the GAPP Peace Pole at Beech Acres Park took place on August 25. Construction is completed and the Peace Pole is dedicated at the A Fair of the Arts event on September 24.
• The design concept for the Beech Acres Park All-Inclusive Playground is completed.
• The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 995 fathers and their little girls.
• The ATPD's annual Easter Egg Hunt has 960 egg hunters.
• 4956 Teens and Tweens attend the ATPD's summer Jr. High Park Parties.
• 1970 patrons were entertained at the summer series of concerts and movies in the park.
• 1005 campers participated in the ATPD's Summer Camps.
• 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
• 3541 baseball and softball players, 9972 soccer players, 302 lacrosse players, and 31 football players used ATPD fields.
• The 7th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration takes place once again at Beech Acres Park.
• The 2nd annual Run To Remember takes place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All-Inclusive Playground. This year, the event honored Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $1800 was raised for the playground.
• 72 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 2500 attendees.
• An assortment of new activities were added to the list of ATPD offerings including the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course, Science Camps, StrollerFit, Yoga, Howl at the Moon dog event, Pottery and art classes, Mini Hawk Sport Camps, and more.
• On October 10, the Board of Park Commissioners voted to discontinue the services of the ATPD Ranger Department, effective November 18, and contract with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for patrol services.
• The following Eagle Scout Projects were completed in 2005: Informational kiosks by Tyler Braasch, Will Schwartz, Jason Senko, Luke Keller. Juilfs shelter repair by Matt Brown. Picnic tables & benches by Jordan Meyer. Drinking fountain at Dog Field by Jeff Halpin. Barn door at Johnson by Noah Finney. Bridge at Johnson by Danny Rasfeld. Bench pads by Brian Vonderhaar. Shed door & picnic tables by Corey Downing.
• Pocketful of Puppets had 225 children & adults.
• Wine, Dine & Discover had 30 participants.
• Skyhawk Camps had a total of 116 participants.
• For it's first full year in operation, the dog field had 390 annual permit holders.
• The ATPD began the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center. 275 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary participated.
• The 2nd annual Mother-Son event attracted 143 mothers and their little men.

• The Anderson Township Park District partners with Leap Beyond Therapy, LLC, at the Beech Acres Park RecPlex. Leap Beyond Therapy - a brand new company started by two parents of children with cerebral palsy - is a new place for kids with special needs to be active and reach their potential.
• The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 999 fathers and their little girls.
• The ATPD's annual Easter Egg Hunt had 826 child participants; 186 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
• 3055 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Series of Concerts and Movies in the Park.
• 450 tweens attend the ATPD's summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 3824 teens and tweens attend the ATPD's summer Jr. High Park Parties.
• 903 campers participated in the ATPD's Summer Camps.
• 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
• The 8th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration took place once again at Beech Acres Park.
• Jazzin' in JulyTM 5K at Greater Anderson Days had over 230 runners and walkers; $2430 raised for the JWH Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
• 3,359 baseball and softball players, 10,434 soccer players, 265 lacrosse players, and 111 football players used ATPD fields; 1,046 basketball players and 38 cornhole teams' games took place in the Beech Acres Park RecPlex.
• The 3rd annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk took place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground. This year, the event honored Jordan Bonne, Chris Rowswell, Peter Tekulve, Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $9,500 was raised for the playground.
• 62 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 1500 attendees.
• The Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center (JWHOLTC) receives the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association's "Meritorious Award" for Teen Programs and Events.
• 275 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary Schools, and 20 participants from Lighthouse Youth Services participated in the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
• The 3rd annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance attracted 123 mothers and their little men.
• Skyhawk Sports Camps had a total of 142 participants. Camps included multi-sport, golf, tennis, cheerleading, and flag football.
• For it's second year in operation, the Dog Field at Kellogg Park had over 340 annual permit holders.
• Renovation of the “Lucky Lanier All Children’s Playground” at Veterans Park. Fundraising spearheaded by Kiwanis Club of Anderson Hills.
• Phase 1 - Swingset - of the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground is complete.
• Firefighters Memorial at Beech Acres Park: Fundraising for Phase 2 completed.
• Lasting Gift Program: 22 Adopt-A-Trees, 98 engraved bricks, 1 Adopt-A-Bench, and 1 engraved amphitheater seat sold in 2006!
• Additional programming at the Beech Acres Park RecPlex included: Birthday Parties, Friday Mini Camp, Tot Time, Ceramics, Joy of Painting, and Young Rembrandts.
• The Marcus Fiesel Memorial Fund: WLWT- TV Channel 5, Darryl Parks & 700 WLW- The Big One, with Jim Scott leading the charge, organized a fundraiser in the name of Marcus Fiesel, which raised a combined $77,945. This included donations from over 1,100 businesses and individuals around the greater Cincinnati area.
• 594 individuals volunteered over 10,000 hours to the ATPD!
• The following Eagle Scout Projects were completed in 2006: Johnson Park trail clearing and marking by Justin Skinner (Troop 222). Kellogg Park Dog Field extension and fence installation by Alex Clark (Troo 867). 2 Bulletin Boards at Clear Creek Park by Curtis Baker (Troop 867)
• 118 children attended the 1st Annual Santa's Workshop- formerly known as "Breakfast with Santa."

• Best of the City 2007: Juilfs Park - Best Playgrounds: Sand Castles, Cincinnati Magazine
• Phase 2 (Marcus Fiesel Memorial Area) and Phase 3 (Riverboat Shelter and Water Play area) of the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground completed.
• 300% increase in park attendance at the newly renovated “Lucky Lanier All Children’s Playground” at Veterans Park.
• The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 1031 fathers and their little girls.
• The ATPD's annual Easter Egg Hunt had 588 child participants; 206 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
• 2250 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Concerts in the Park.
• 982 campers participated in the ATPD's Summer Camps.
• 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
• 72 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 2500 attendees.
• The 4th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance attracted 186 mothers and their little goblins.
• Skyhawk Sports Camps had a total of 237 participants. Camps included multi-sport, golf, tennis, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, and t-ball.
• The 9th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration took place once again at Beech Acres Park.
• The 4th annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk took place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground. This year, the event honored Tonya Brown, John Naish Jr, Jordan Bonne, Chris Rowswell, Peter Tekulve, Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $2,300 was raised for the playground.
• 255 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary Schools participated in the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
• 547 tweens attended the ATPD's summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 2149 teens and tweens attended the ATPD's summer Jr. High Park Parties.
• 802 individuals volunteered over 10,500 hours to the ATPD!
• Announcement that a Juilfs Park baseball field will be named after Marty Brennaman. The Marty Brennaman Field will debut in the spring of 2008, hosting Little League baseball games in Anderson Township.
• Riverbank restoration project at Riverside Park: Major construction completed in the fall of 2007; expected date of completion set for spring 2008. Grants and in-kind labor funding provided by Anderson Township Park District, Anderson Township, Horizon Community Church, and the Clean Ohio Fund.
• Lasting Gift Program: 21 Adopt-A-Trees, 14 engraved bricks, 1 Adopt-A-Bench, and 1 engraved amphitheater seat sold in 2007!
• 3,306 baseball and softball players, 9,460 soccer players, 289 lacrosse players, and 135 football players used ATPD fields; 927 basketball players and 42 cornhole teams' games took place in the Beech Acres Park RecPlex.
• 12 "exemplary" employees, both past and present, received the Lonnie Bettle Service Award. The following people received the award: Dick Combs ('90 - '05), Amy Bleimund ('97 - current), Richard Haas ('90 - current), Dave Reynolds ('97 - current), Jimmy Longhauser ('93 - '06), Leah Moyer ('01 - current), Brian Jordan ('94 - current), Kristen Schmidt ('02 - current), John Von Wahlde ('94 - current), Rick George ('04 - current), Sheila Fehn ('95 - current), Don Green ('01 - current) and Denny Sutter ('03 - current). The award is named after former employee Lonnie Bettle, who worked with the district from 1988 to 1999 and "was an exemplary employee, and performed his job diligently and admirably."
• 160 children attended the 2nd Annual Santa's Workshop.

• The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 1,113 fathers and their little girls.
• The ATPD's annual Easter Egg Hunt had 872 child participants; 288 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
• 3,220 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park.
• 285 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
• Riverbank restoration project at Riverside Park is complete! Grants and in-kind labor funding provided by Anderson Township Park District, Anderson Township, Horizon Community Church, and the Clean Ohio Fund.
• The final phase of the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground is underway.
• 1275 campers participated in the ATPD's Summer Camps.
• Greater Anderson Days celebrates its 10th anniversary!
• 459 tweens attended the ATPD's summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 1520 teens and tweens attended the ATPD's summer Jr. High Park Parties.
• 31 players competed in the Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit & Run.
• The Marty Brennaman Field debuted at Juilfs Park in the summer of 2008. The field hosts Little League baseball games in Anderson Township, and includes a press box, bleachers, and new dugouts.
• The ATPD gives Dave Knuth the ninth Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the ATPD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the ATPD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
• Pancakes in the Park returned with 189 participants! The event featured Chris Cakes “Flying Flapjacks”, the fastest pancake maker in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). Chris Cakes has made over 25,000,000 pancakes and served three presidents and more than a dozen governors.
• Grilled Cheese Wednesdays debuted at Beech Acres Park. 625 patrons attended the 3 Wednesdays.
• 453 runners and walkers participated in the 5th annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children's Playground. This year, the event honored Rick Alfieri, Scott Barkley, Erin Marie Borchers Bates, Jordan Bonne, Tonya Brown, Nancy Horn, Gerry Meisman, John Naish, Jr., Chris Rowswell, Jill Sutphin, and Peter Tekulve. $5,993 was raised for the playground (Total funds raised through the Run to Remember since 2004 = $24,293).
• 59 artists had unique creations on display and for sale to the 2000 patrons who attended the Fair of the Arts event at Beech Acres Park.
• 202 'mummies' and their little goblins attended the 5th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance.
• The ATPD’s Operating Levy passes! With the new Operating Levy in place, the Anderson Township Park District will continue to operate and maintain your parks for the next ten years. We will also begin the development planning phase for our newest park, Wm. McNeilan Johnson Hills Park. 
• 28 teams of 2 took a "shot" at winning their Thanksgiving dinner at the 1st Annual Basketball Turkey Shoot.
• 176 children came to visit Santa at the 3rd Annual Santa's Workshop.
• 13 children attended the 1st Annual Kid Drop-Parent Shop.
• Lasting Gift Program: 19 Adopt-A-Trees, 9 engraved bricks, and 2 Adopt-A-Benches were sold in 2008!
• 3,740 baseball and softball players, 11,078 soccer players, 309 lacrosse players, and 278 football players used ATPD fields; 865 basketball players and 54 cornhole teams' games took place in the Beech Acres Park RecPlex.