News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
County Parks Dept. to Take Over Operations of Deer Run
Commissioners approve three-year agreement with Parks Board(August 9, 2013) — The Deer Run Wilderness Facility near Spencerville has officially become part of the Allen County Parks Department.
The Board of Commissioners today approved a three-year agreement giving the County Parks and Recreation Board authority to operate the 107-acre site and provide wilderness programs for young people. Those programs are expected to include camping, rope courses, a zip line and team building activities. The Park Board will be able to charge fees for the programs and can opt out of the agreement if it has a negative effect on revenues.
Deer Run had been used for youth-oriented programs run by the courts, county school districts and other groups. But the facility’s use has declined over the past several years and ownership of Deer Run was relinquished to the Board of Commissioners earlier this year. The Board will continue to own the property as part of the agreement.
The County’s other parks are Cook’s Landing Park at Coldwater and Shoaff Roads, Fox Island Park on Yohne Road, Metea Park on Union Chapel Road, and Payton Park on Dunton Road.