Creating Healthy Communities Coordinator Melanie Herron and the CHC Coalition have planned free monthly programs that will help locals get active and stay healthy. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)
BY SHERI TRUSTY
OTTAWA COUNTY – The Creating Healthy Communities Coalition, which is part of the Ottawa County Health Department, has a mission to increase healthy and active living among local residents by offering opportunities to get moving and stay healthy. This year, the coalition is meeting that mission by offering “2026 Recreation Mix,” a series of free monthly recreational programs.
“These monthly events are designed to encourage residents to stay active and provide more accessible opportunities for movement across our communities,” said Creating Healthy Communities Coordinator Melanie Herron. “Each month, we have something scheduled for free.”
The free events are made possible thanks to the participation of the following CHC partners: Park District of Ottawa County, Ohio Department of National Resources (ODNR), Ottawa County Senior Resources, CrossFit Port Clinton, OSU Extension, and Magruder Hospital.
The next event is a free tai chi class hosted by Katie Schlagheck of OSU Extension at the Earl Johnson Ag Complex on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. The complex is located at 240 Lake St. in Oak Harbor.
Ottawa County Senior Resources is organizing the Lucky Trails Leprechaun Hunt and Community Wellness Fair at Riverview Healthcare Campus on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature several local organizations that will provide opportunities to engage the mind, body, and spirit.
On Tuesday, March 24, Martyn Drabik-Hamshare from the ODNR will lead a nature walk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area beginning at 9 a.m.
Dr. James McLean will lead a nature walk at East Harbor State Park in May as part of the 2026 Recreation Mix series of free programs. Although the park is covered in snow now, it will be vibrant with the colors of springs in May. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)
Park District of Ottawa County Executive Director, Jannah Wilson, will lead an Earth Day Bike Ride along the North Coast Inland Trail (NCIT) on Wednesday, April 22, beginning in Elmore at 6:30 p.m. During the guided, group five-mile ride, Wilson will talk about the development and future expansion of the NCIT and will distribute new NCIT maps.
The event is free, but registration is required by calling the park district at 419-707-4051 or online. Registration begins March 16. Participants are required to wear a helmet and must provide their own bike.
Dr. James McLean of Magruder Hospital will host Walk with a Doc, a guided group walk, at East Harbor State Park on Thursday, May 21, at 4:30 p.m. McLean will discuss wellness topics like nutrition and tips to staying healthy.
With the exception of the Earth Day Bike Ride, registration is not required for the programs.
In addition to the free monthly activities, the CHC Coalition is also focusing on efforts to upgrade a local park. The coalition applied for a local grant that, if approved, will fund improvements to Westend Community Park in Port Clinton.
The grant would fund recreational equipment, including a disc swing and a rock wall. The park is across the street from the Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center and would help the center expand programming to the park, impacting families across the county.
“This is one more way we can encourage people to enjoy our community and be active at the same time,” Herron said.
For more information about these programs and other monthly programs throughout the year, visit the Ottawa County Creating Healthy Communities Coalition Facebook page.
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