DIRECTORY

Title Address Description
Frost Center
3628 Turfside Cir, Huron, OH 44839, USA3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron, Ohio 44839
(419) 625-7783
Maple Grove Center
3107 Hull Rd, Huron, OH 44839, USA3109 Hull Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
(419) 621-4220

The Frost Center

3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron, Ohio 44839

Monday – Friday
8:00AM – 4:30PM
(419) 625-7783

Maple Grove Center

3109 Hull Rd.
Huron, Ohio 44839
(419) 621-4220

Melissa Price

Melissa Price

Executive Director

Melissa has over 20 years of work experience within the public sector, and has worked in various roles for Erie MetroParks since 2002. As the Executive Director, Melissa oversees administration of the park district. Melissa is a member of Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading a good novel, searching for lake glass along Lake Erie, walking in the parks, and spending time with her family.

(419) 625-7783 ext. 227
mprice@eriemetroparks.org

Beth Ferback

Beth Ferback

Financial Administrator

Beth has worked and served the community at Erie MetroParks for over 10 years. She daily aims to ensure accurate and responsible best purchasing practices. During her experience, she has functioned within various roles and committees. She currently operates as the Fiscal Agent of the Board. As an active member of the community and personal nature enthusiast, she enjoys being part of a legacy to preserve parks for public use.

(419) 625-7783 ext. 230
bferback@eriemetroparks.org

Sue Daniel

Sue Daniel

Administrative Coordinator

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Sue has 24 years of experience with Erie MetroParks, holding various positions including Recreation Aide, Volunteer Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator/Administrative Assistant and currently Administrative Coordinator. She works closely with the Director and the Operations Department staff to provide administrative support and keep the Park System running smoothly. She also is the Safety Coordinator and works closely with human resources, policy management, accounting and the Board of Park Commissioners.

(419) 625-7783 ext. 232
sdaniel@eriemetroparks.org

Kippie Loughlin

Kippie Loughlin

Digital Media, Information Technology Coordinator, Marketing & Special Events

Kippie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications & Graphic Design, and has over 20 years of experience in management and design. He is the President and Co-Founder of Sandusky Bay Cycles and sits on many committees and boards, including the City of Sandusky Tree Commission, Erie County’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Creating Healthy Communities Committee. He works closely with the Directors, Program Manager, Naturalists and all other staff to provide digital media, marketing and technical support. He also oversees special events. 

(419) 625-7783 ext. 240
kloughlin@eriemetroparks.org

Sandy Flittner

Sandy Flittner

Visitor Service Coordinator

Sandy will usually be the one to greet you when you visit or call the Osborn MetroPark Frost Center. She is responsible for reserving the facilities, registering visitors for programs, preserving the parks history, completing Special Requests, and assisting with any questions or concerns involving the parks. Personally, she has enjoyed Erie MetroParks programs and facilities for over 30 years and has spent over 20 of those years employed with the MetroParks helping others to discover and enjoy them too!

(419) 625-7783 ext. 221
sflittner@eriemetroparks.org

Roseanne Pole

Roseanne Pole

Accounting Clerk

Roseanne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from BGSU. She began working for Erie MetroParks in June of 2022. As an accounting clerk, she assists with bookkeeping and other duties performed by the accounting office. When not at work, Roseanne enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and reading biographical novels.  

(419) 625-7783 ext. 222
rpole@eriemetroparks.org

Martyn Drabik-Hamshare

Martyn Drabik-Hamshare

Naturalist

Martyn is an ecologist from England, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology and worked as an ecologist, before moving to South Africa to obtain a Master’s Degree in Ecology. He has a passion for reptiles, amphibians, and birds, though he is interested in learning about all aspects of the natural world and passing on that knowledge. Martyn moved to Erie County in 2018 and loves exploring the local parks and wildlife areas with his wife, Morgan.

(419) 625-7783 ext. 224
mdhamshare@eriemetroparks.org

Katie Burnsworth

Katie Burnsworth

Naturalist

Bio

(419) 625-7783 ext. 237
kburnsworth@eriemetroparks.org

Tara Kauffman

Tara Kauffman

Natural Resource Manager

Tara has been with Erie MetroParks since 2011. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife & Fish Conservation & Management her passion for wildlife and the land has carried through to her position as a steward of park property. Some of her various tasks include invasive species control, land restoration projects, habitat/prairie management and protection of sensitive/endangered plant and animal species.

(419) 625-7783 ext. 236
tkauffman@eriemetroparks.org

Cheryl Kilmer

Cheryl Kilmer

Programs Manager | Naturalist

Cheryl loves to be outside teaching others about nature.  She leads programs year round for the public, schools and care facilities throughout Erie County. She oversees programming. She enjoys learning about Ohio’s native wildlife and sharing her knowledge to others of all ages!

(419) 625-7783 ext. 231
ckilmer@eriemetroparks.org

Hannah Mahr

Hannah Mahr

Naturalist

Bio

(419) 625-7783 ext. 223
hmahr@eriemetroparks.org

Brad Phillips

Brad Phillips

Environment Projects Coordinator

Brad has a lifetime of experience in the natural world, and has used it for over 20 years in the park system.  He is responsible for surveys of plant and animal life in all the MetroPark system, and works with the Natural Resource Manager to develop and execute  management plans for each park.

lsphillips50@frontier.com

Troy Nemitz

Troy Nemitz

Park Maintenance Technician

Troy brings many prior years of experience from working with the City of Sandusky and Perkins Township. He works in the day to day operations, as well as overseeing the seasonal mowing crew and grounds maintenance at James H. McBride Arboretum, through an agreement with BGSU-Firelands.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
tnemitz@eriemetroparks.org

Mark Malone

Mark Malone

Park Manager & Capital Projects Specialist

Mark has an Associate’s Degree from Hocking College in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Ranger Services. Mark was a seasonal groundskeeper for several summers with the Park District. Mark works in the day to day park operations as well as manages capital projects throughout the park system.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 125
mmalone@eriemetroparks.org

Jay Yochem

Jay Yochem

Park Manager

Jay has a background in turf management and is a certified law enforcement officer. He graduated from the NCS National Parks & Recreation Maintenance Management School.  Jay started as a seasonal lifeguard and maintenance crew member.  Jay has over 29 years of service to Erie MetroParks as a Park Manager and Park Ranger.  He currently oversees the day to day park operations.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 131
jyochem@eriemetroparks.org

Derek Siesel

Derek Siesel

Park Manager

Derek has a wide range of skills from past employment and operating a family farm.  Derek works in the day to day park operations and is responsible for many mechanical repairs and additions to equipment to increase productivity and safety.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
dsiesel@eriemetroparks.org

Rob Dunn

Rob Dunn

Park Maintenance Technician

Rob has over 23 years of mechanical repair experience.  Rob works in the day to day park operations as well as overseeing the flower beds, the rental of The Coupling MetroPark facilities and maintaining the vehicle and equipment fleet.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
rdunn@eriemetroparks.org

Mike Wheeler

Mike Wheeler

Park Maintenance Technician

Mike has a rich background in upland and wetland land management, as well as intensive aquaculture practices. Mike is part of the Operations Department at Erie MetroParks. At work, Mike performs mechanical and chemical vegetation control, preventative maintenance on equipment, grounds, and other various job duties. Outside of work, Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating. Whether its spending time with family or a simple walk with his dog Mercy, Mike loves the outdoor world, especially when he can share it with the people around him.

(419) 621-4220 ext. 127
mwheeler@eriemetroparks.org