Darke County Parks—Through the Years 

This is the fourth installment of a series featuring Darke County Park District’s twelve park areas.  The mission of the Darke County Parks is to acquire and preserve land areas possessing special natural and historical features and to manage and maintain these resources for the benefit of its residents through appropriate educational and passive recreational programs and activities.  The Park District was created in 1972 when the honorable Judge Williams ordered the formation of the Park District.  The Park District is now comprised of over 1,000 acres.  

Centrally located in downtown Greenville on North Broadway, Prairie Ridge and its adjoining meadow, provide a stage for interpreting our rich history.  A circle of large oaks in the lower meadow are well over two hundred years old, placing them as saplings around the time of the Treaty.  Overlooking the meadow is a recreated Native American Council House, a monument to Anthony Wayne and the 1795 Treaty at Greene Ville.  The Council House is open on select dates for school groups and special programs where Park staff and volunteers share stories of the regions settlement and Native American culture.  An old railroad trestle converted into a footbridge, offers a spectacular view of Greenville Creek.  Be sure to make time this summer to visit Prairie Ridge as the native prairie plants are beginning to bloom on the hillside.  

All of the Darke County Parks are open sunrise to sunset.  For more information on Prairie Ridge or any Darke County Parks, call the Park Office at 937.548.0165 or visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org