Three Ohio parks and recreation professionals have been elected to the Board of Directors of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) in voting by members which concluded in late May.

Re-elected to three year terms on the OPRA Board are Sarah Arold, Facility Manager with Strongsville Parks, Recreation and Senior Services and Ed Merritt, Recreation Superintendent at Grove City Parks and Recreation.  Bill Tschirhart, Director of Business Services at Five Rivers MetroParks was elected to his first term on the OPRA Board.

In addition, James Snider, President of Snider Recreation, Inc. was appointed to serve as the ex-officio corporate board member in accordance with OPRA by-laws.

“We are fortunate as an association to have so many outstanding leaders who are willing to step up and give back to the profession through their work with OPRA,” said Woody Woodward, OPRA Executive Director.  “All four of these people have been active in OPRA and have contributed greatly to our successes.  We are excited to welcome them to the Board.  I know all members will join me in offering them congratulations and support.”

Established in 1934, OPRA is a statewide non-profit organization representing more than 1,470 parks and recreation professionals and citizen board members from around the state of Ohio.

Board members will be sworn in and begin their terms at the June 25 Board meeting which will be held at Shale Hollow Preserve in Delaware County.