The Ross County Park District was established in 1993 after public hearings and ruling by then Probate Judge Gerald Ratcliffe. The District has charged itself with providing a broad range of parks and recreation facilities and opportunities while maximizing the use of resources available from all levels of government and the private sector. A "Master Plan" was developed to provide a regional trail network, expanded waterway access, improved community recreation facilities and favoring historic preservation.                               

The Ross County Park District is an independent political subdivision guided by a three-member commission appointed by the Probate Judge. The current commission is comprised of Tom White, Ercolo Picciano and Jim Doersam. Retired members are Ed Schiller and the late Ken Dunn. Park District business is administered by Gary Merkamp.

Implementation of the Master Plan has taken form with the development of a  recreational trail known as the Adena Trail, acquisition of lands bordering the Scioto River, Paint Creek and North Fork Creek, early develop of a nature preserve and sharing funds with 36 local community recreational projects. The Ross County Park District holds deed to more than 1500 acres.

The Adena Recreational Trail links Chillicothe to Frankfort and eventually to Washington to Xenia and the Ohio to Erie cross state trail. Current expansion includes a two mile link to the new Adena School Complex and railing and decking of five bridges between Frankfort and the Ross/Fayette County line. Grants including ODOT Transportation Enhancement Funds, ODNR Recreational Trail Fund and ODNR NatureWorks have provided the majority share of the construction costs to date.

The Earl H. Barnhart Buzzards' Roost Nature Preserve started with a gift of 373 acres containing much of the geologically beautiful Alum Cliffs and secondary growth forest. The Preserve now encompasses approximately 1300 acres that include a couple miles of Paint Creek riparian corridor. The Park District and Advisory Committee are already utilizing this diverse area for environmental education purposes. Future development and programming have many residents and naturalists excited.

Ross County has the most miles of rivers and streams of any county in Ohio. Scioto River, Paint Creek and North Fork Creek areas are publicly owned to provide primitive boat launching opportunities for sportsmen. Hopefully a network of sites will be available in the future to improve water resource access.

The Ross County Park District has partnered with many other local governments and non-profit organizations to improve existing recreational opportunities. These are too numerous to name, but include such projects as providing batting cages, picnic shelters, playground equipment and access improvement in community parks.

The Ross County Park District has many opportunities within reach. The trail system will grow, conservation of natural areas will become more important, local parks will improve and new parks will be constructed. All the work will be done with the cooperation of many local officials, community organizations and interested individuals.