Boardman Park Sees Busy Year Outdoors

BOARDMAN – Boardman Park saw more visitors than normal, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The park has truly been an oasis during the pandemic, with an increase in visitors benefiting from the four miles of trails, enjoying nature, playing disc golf, and finding creative ways to spend time with family and friends,” says its executive director, Dan Slagle.

Indoor rooms and open-air pavilions were closed between mid-March and June. And most recreational programs, were canceled, resulting in a $200,000 loss – 15% of its annual income, Slagle says. The park, which employs 19, did not fill two vacated full-time staff positions and eliminated overtime.

Boardman Park is taking reservations for its meeting spaces in 2021 and 2022, in accordance with state COVID guidelines for banquet centers, he says.