Darrel Barnes honored for park service

Awarded by his peers as the 2026 Barnes Preserve Volunteer of the Year, a longtime member of the Friends of the Wayne County Park District, Darrel Barnes was recently recognized for his commitment that has helped shape Barnes Preserve and the broader mission of conservation and park access in Wayne County.

An active member of the Friends group since 2011, he served as president for 14 years before retiring from that role in 2025, demonstrating the essential role volunteers play in sustaining Barnes Preserve by extending the reach of limited resources and ensuring the park remains a welcoming, well-cared-for space for the public.

A member of the Barnes family, for whom the preserve is named, his connection to the land is both personal and rooted in service, as the property was once part of the Wayne County Care Center and is named after his parents, Don and Dorothy Barnes, who operated the Care Center for many years.

One of the highlights of his years of service was taking part in the grand opening of Barnes Preserve in 2016, which established Wayne County’s first fully accessible park for individuals with mobility restrictions. This achievement reflects both the preserve’s purpose and the inclusive vision behind it.

“At the dedication of Barnes Preserve, Darrel got to witness us do something for people with a handicap and accessibility issues,” said Barnes Preserve Chair Denny Jordan. “He has done a marvelous job keeping everything rolling for a long time. It is really appreciated.”

Barnes Preserve has become a valued asset in Wayne County, offering residents access to nature, recreation and environmental education while preserving green space for future generations. The preserves’ legacy depends on consistent stewardship and on volunteers who provide the hands-on work that keeps trails maintained, habitats protected and programs moving forward through donations and a county stipend.

Whether leading the Friends group or driving the water cart to volunteers on hot workdays at the park, Darrel’s presence at Barnes Preserve underscores how community involvement makes conservation a shared responsibility.

Learn more about Barnes Preserve at www.waynecountyparkdistrict.org. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/waynecountyparksohio.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.