Ohio parks chief retiring

October 20, 2009 at 3:20p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Officials say the man retiring as head of Ohio’s parks system has opened more green space in more places and at a lower cost to taxpayers during his 12 years than at any time in state history.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced today that Dan West would step down as Ohio’s parks and recreation chief on Oct. 30. He plans to take a parks position in Broward County, Fla., which includes Fort Lauderdale.

West has been a natural resources department employee for 32 years and was put in charge of the parks in 1997. Department Director Sean Logan praises West for having a passion for the outdoors combined with sound management skills.

Ohio State Parks are visited by more than 55 million people each year.