Metroparks Director Steve Madewell Stepping Down
After four and a half years, Steve Madewell announced that he will be stepping down as executive director of Metroparks of the Toledo Area. Madewell’s transition occurs following discussions with the Board of Park Commissioners that began late last year and allowed for his oversight and completion of several major projects in the first half of 2016 prior to his departure. Madewell will remain engaged with Metroparks over the next several months through the final stages of the transition. “We thank Steve for his tremendous vision, innovation, and enthusiastic devotion to Metroparks,” said Scott J. Savage, president of the board. “We are fortunate that Metroparks has an experienced and committed senior leadership team and staff who will continue their high-quality work and dedicated service to the park district and its visitors.” During the transition, Dave Zenk will serve as interim executive director. Currently deputy director of operations, he has served Metroparks since 2005 and has overseen the development of three new parks opened in the last year, and three other parks still in development. Zenk has a Masters of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University and an undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University. During Madewell’s tenure, Metroparks has developed a comprehensive plan setting the course for increased services, completed many existing and new park projects, formed a long range vision for the future, and unveiled a new website and logo. Metroparks is also developing multiple new parks, Middlegrounds Metropark in downtown Toledo, Blue Creek Metropark in Whitehouse and Howard Marsh Metropark in Jerusalem Township. Since Madewell joined Metroparks in 2012, the estimated number of park visitors has grown from 2.6 million in 2012 to a projected 5 million in 2016. During that time, the park system’s land holdings have expanded to more than 12,000 acres. Three new Metroparks opened in 2015: Wiregrass Lake in Spencer Township, Westwinds in Holland and Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee. “Metroparks has many exciting projects in the works, and its leadership, staff and Board are well-poised and ready to undertake the adventures ahead,” said Madewell. “I leave Metroparks proud of the goals we have accomplished and confident in the great work to come.”
Press Release Contact Name: Steve Madewell
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-407-9717
Organization Name: Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Website or Link: MetroparksToledo.com