Board of Park Commissioners

Fairfield County Park District is a separate political subdivision of the State of Ohio organized under Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 1545 and is governed by Fairfield County Board of Park Commissioners.

Fleabane | Nature Connection

Board Members

• Jeffrey Feyko, Chairperson
• Ami Williams, Vice-Chairperson
• David Smith
• Sherry Orlando
• John Watts

“Such board shall be a body politic and corporate…” (1545.07). The board is required to adopt bylaws and rules as they consider “advisable for the preservation of good order within and adjacent to parks and reservations of land, and for the protection and preservation of the parks, parkways, and other reservations of land under its jurisdiction and control and of property and natural life therein.” (1545.09). These [bylaws] were established September 9, 1981; they were amended and restated on October 16, 2023.

See Bylaws of Fairfield County Board of Park Commissioners

The board “may employ a secretary [Director]…” (1545.07)

Current Director

PRESS RELEASE (Printable PDF)

SHAFER NEW FCPD DIRECTOR
By Kimber Caito, Media Coordinator, Fairfield County Park District

December 16, 2021
For Immediate Release

Fairfield County Board of Park Commissioners announces that effective December 18, 2021, Marcey Shafer will take over as new Director of Fairfield County Park District (FCPD).  In June of 2021, Marcey was assigned the role of interim director.  With focus and a clear vision for the direction she wants to take the District; she stepped up to the task.  Board Chairman Jeffrey Feyko said, “After a rigorous selection process, we are proud to announce Marcey was selected from the candidates and offered the position.”

After leaving Ohio State University with a degree in Natural Resources, Marcey started a career in park services.  She worked as a contractor and an intern at Lancaster City Parks & Recreation.  Her experience includes work as a naturalist for 14 years with Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks.

In 2017, she started working as Education Services Coordinator with Fairfield County Park District.  She began the annual Winter Hike at Smeck Park.  The fourth annual hike will be Saturday, January 8, 2022; it is a tradition she hopes to see continued.  Marcey focused on partnership development, volunteer management, school field trips, and creating pandemic-friendly programs.

“My plan is to continue developing and improving the current parks, offering a variety of program opportunities, and opening two new parks within the next ten years,” said Shafer.  “As a long-time resident of Fairfield County, I know this is a great place to live and work.  I am thrilled to lead the park district and will do what I can to help residents and visitors appreciate the treasures we have!”

The purpose of Fairfield County Park District is “to protect and conserve natural and historical features of Fairfield County and inspire outdoor exploration.”  Founded in 1981, FCPD now operates more than 1,110 acres of natural areas and open spaces for education, recreation, and conservation, and preserves and maintains many historical features.”

Monthly Meetings

The regular meetings of Fairfield County Board of Park Commissioners are at 2:00 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. Meetings are open to the public. Check the Calendar page for meeting locations.

2025 Schedule (published 11/2024)
This schedule it subject to change.  Before attending, always check the Calendar of Events page for meeting dates, locations, and notices.

• • 01/13, 02/10, 03/10
  • 04/14, 05/12, 06/16
  • 07/14, 08/11, 09/08
  • 10/13, 11/10, 12/08

In the event no proper business exists, a meeting will be canceled without further notice. Meetings may be adjourned to a later time or date.  Anyone who would like to receive notice of any change of time or place of any regular or special meeting at which any specific type of business is to be discussed should contact Fairfield County Park District at (614) 321-4833 or send a request by email to gcaito@fairfieldcountyparks.org.