The Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter

• December 22, 2022

Yesterday, I sat down with Ashland County Park District Commissioner, Bob DeSanto and Park Manager, Andy McClure, to discuss the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter coming soon, to the Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, on State Route 60.

“We have reached 70% of our goal.” Bob DeSanto said, “This is a final push to get enough donations to get the last 30% and make Davey’s dream a reality.”

Ashland County Park Commissioner David, “Davey” McClure, passed away in September of 2020. He was an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer and park commissioner. Davey’s passion for introducing children to outdoor education and wildlife knew no limits.

His dream was to establish this facility, and to make it, and all elements of the park accessible to Ashland residents of all ability levels. This vision, to teach children and adults about the importance of natural resources in our community, had a lasting impact on the park district. The park district celebrates his positive impact through this proposed facility.

Park Manager Andy McClure said, “The shelter will be located at Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, at the intersection of State Route 60 and County Road 1754.”

Andy McClure & Bob DeSanto talked about the Friends of Ashland County Parks, how they have helped to raise 70% of the $500,000, to make the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter a reality.

“The park district needs financial assistance for this project to become a reality.” Bob DeSanto remarked, “Please consider making a gift today. Contact the park office at 419-289-3524 for more information.”

Bob DeSanto went on to say, “The primary goal of the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter is to instill in children a love and understanding of their natural world, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. We hope to expose them to the diversity of environments, and how they each interact in the “web of life.” Our outdoor education shelter will do its part, in creating the next generation of conservationists, environmentalists, and nature lovers.”

“Today’s children are more indoor focused than ever.” Bob DeSanto continued, “There is a deficit of free-range nature play in the woods, creeks, and fields. Numerous studies have shown that outdoor education for children reduces childhood stress and increases academic performance, confidence, and problem-solving ability. In our day, our parents would admonish us to ‘Go out and play.’ Today, our education shelter welcomes children to get out and play, and to understand and enjoy nature.”

“Our shelter is not just for children.” Bob DeSanto concluded, “However, it will serve as a public venue for the Park District naturalist to present nature programs. Other groups and organizations can present outdoor education programs, or other public interest events. The shelter will also be available for use by families and the general public.”

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