Hamilton County Park District Commitment to Sustainability and Conservation of Resources

The Hamilton County Park District mission is to preserve and protect natural resources.  That mission extends to educating the public about the importance of natural resource conservation and ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.  For this reason, sustainability is a guiding value of the organization.  As such it is incorporated into all decision making and day-to-day processes.

Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything needed for survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment.  Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which people and nature can exist in productive harmony, fulfilling the needs of present and future generations.

Staff will evaluate, test, and implement proven methods and technologies to produce measurable ecological benefits while being responsible stewards of public funds.   Areas of emphasis for continuous improvement include reducing energy and water use, increasing waste diversion and recycling, and maximizing the ecological benefits provided by Park District green spaces. 

A Sustainability Committee, represented by staff from each division, is charged with presenting goals and initiatives to the Executive Director.   The sustainability goals and initiatives are communicated to the Board, employees, and volunteers on a regular basis.  The Sustainability Committee is also responsible for ongoing evaluation and reporting of results. 

A Few Hamilton County Park District Green Initiatives

	Rumpke Recycling Partnership – The Hamilton County Park District has entered into a partnership with Rumpke Recycling to expand our recycling activities by placing 83 recycling containers and 14 large totes to divert waste generated by park users from the landfill. The recycling cans are located in high-traffic areas throughout the parks. Rumpke has also provided educational signage to be placed in appropriate locations.
	Sustainable Building Design – The Winton Woods Campground Office, built in 2009, has incorporated many green building practices, such as geothermal heating and cooling, dual flush toilets, sensor faucets,high efficiency hand dryers, recycled metal roofing (reflective material decreases energy costs for cooling), certified lumber and wood products, as well as rain gardens to filter parking lot runoff.  The new Miami Whitewater Forest Campground shower building has also incorporated many green features, such as low flow plumbing fixtures, energy efficient lighting fixtures and use of natural lighting, high efficiency water heaters, use of green building materials and use of low VOC paints and adhesives.
	Electric Utility Vehicles – Where practical, all-electric utility carts are being phased in to replace utility carts with internal combustion engines. This includes one all electric off-road vehicle to assist with natural resource management tasks.
	Hybrid Vehicles – The Park District has reduced its fleet overall, while replacing older, less efficient cars with hybrid models.  Currently, the Park District has five hybrid vehicles in its fleet.
	Sustainable Land Use – The Park District manages 80% of its land holdings to preserve bio-diversity and promote wildlife diversity. Regional benefits that result from preserving wetlands, forests and streams include the improvement of air and water quality.