Episode 60 - Josh Torbeck - Clermont County Park District Levy

Ep. 60 — Josh Torbeck on Clermont County Parks, Trails, and the May Levy We start this week with news from around the county including a Clermont County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, an open seat on the Clermont County Park District Board, the return of the Loveland Farmers Market, an open council seat in Bethel, and business and community reminders out of New Richmond. Interview — Josh Torbeck, Executive Director of the Clermont County Park District Josh Torbeck joins us to talk about what the Clermont County Park District does, how he came into the role, and what makes the county’s parks system special. We get into the Park District’s balance of small-team community feel and countywide impact, along with the growing demand for better hiking trails, river access, and more ways for residents to connect with nature. We also talk through several recent and upcoming projects across the park system, including the new riverfront sundeck at Sycamore Park, the suspension bridge into Wilson Nature Preserve, trail work and a boardwalk at Clingman Park, and the long-term vision for Grailville. Josh shares how the district approaches park design, conservation, trails, public feedback, and the challenge of making every dollar stretch. We also spend time on the upcoming Parks levy. Josh explains the history of the district’s first levy in 2016, what that funding has made possible over the past decade, why the current request is a renewal rather than an increase, and what could happen to staffing, programming, maintenance, and future projects if the levy does not pass. We also discuss the Park District’s community grant program and how it helps other local communities build out their own park amenities. News  Clermont County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting at Miami Township Library  Open seat on the Clermont County Park District Board  Batavia Village council vacancy update  Loveland schools earn high marks on the state report card  Loveland Farmers Market returns for its sixteenth season  Bethel seeks applicants for an open council seat  New Richmond shares business, dumpster day, and yard sale updates Events mentioned at the end of the show Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets at Clingman Park  Growing Fungi Workshop at Clingman Park  Amphibian Amble at Clingman Park  Hike with CCPD Park Staff at Turkey Trace Trail  2026 Spring Litter Cleanup  Soothe by Sound Outdoor Sound Bath at Sycamore Park  Pet Friendly Plant Workshop at Clingman Park  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate