New nature center named at Fruth Preserve

TIFFIN — Members of the Seneca County Board of Park Commissioners met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday to discuss progress made on the newly constructed Nature Education Center, located at Fruth Wetland Nature Preserve in Fostoria. Park Director Sarah Betts shared that construction continues on the newly named Robert G. Teach Nature Education Center. During the unfinished business portion of the meeting, the commissioners voted on a variety of potential names for the building, ultimately deciding to dedicate it in memory of Robert G. Teach, a substantial donor for the project and long-term supporter of the park district. "The contractors review the punch list — essentially what needs to be completed on their end — and we are still waiting on a set of fireproof glass for some of the windows as a few other minor things," Betts said. Once the windows are installed and other construction is complete, it can be inspected and certified to gain occupancy. Construction is currently anticipated to be completed in early to mid-June. Replacement levy Additionally discussed under unfinished business was the Seneca Parks Levy, set to expire in 2026. The previously passed levy was a 10-year, 0.5-mill levy generating $575,000 per year, and costing the owner of a $100,000 home $17.50 per year. Proposed and approved at the meeting was a replacement 10-year, 0.5-mill levy generating roughly the same income for the parks and costing the owner of a $100,000 home $17.50 per year. Because the levy is a replacement, not a renewal, it resets the property evaluation to current values and may generate slightly more revenue even though the millage is the same — depending on property value increases since 2016. During the programs report, Linda Rose noted that programs are going well, with registrations for programs in weeks to come already filling up. "Our recent Full Moon Hike event went very well, with 31 people in attendance. We were able to see deer, possums, toads, and other critters as well," shared Rose. In the operations report, Betts noted they are still accepting applications for seasonal employees. Qualified applicants should submit an employment application (found on the park district's website) and resume to kwickman@senecacountyparks.com. Starting pay range depends on experience, ranging from $13.50-14.50 per hour. With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned shortly after.