Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Beitel - Exploring Our Trails and Our History

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May 30, 2024
by Volunteer Services


Frank Beitel has enjoyed going to parks for much of his life and, now that he's retired, enjoys walking the parks with his grand dog. It was during one of these walks through Wesleyan MetroPark that Frank was inspired to give back to the parks that he and his grand dog love. 

Frank can be found regularly at Wesleyan MetroPark walking the trails and giving back as an MVP, MetroParks Volunteer Patroller, helping to keep the park and trails neat, clean, and safe for the kids and keeping the staff informed of any issues he sees. He said he enjoys this park because "it is a park on a small scale but offers so many things to visitors. It has easy access to the river, has hiking trails, and picnic areas, and is home to Adventure Central." Tyler Kessler, Ohio State University Extension Educator at Adventure Central, shared "I have seen volunteers come and go, but none have had the dedication I have seen in Frank. He takes great ownership of the park and is here in all seasons making it clean and safe for the kids. He communicates well with us and is so often seen, that you forget he is a volunteer. We are grateful for his dedication and service."


Volunteering with MetroParks has also given Frank the opportunity to explore another interest, woodworking at Cox Arboretum MetroPark with the Cox Woodworkers and at Carriage Hill MetroPark as a Historic Woodworker. Frank's interest in woodworking and historic tools began at an early age watching his grandfather in his woodshop. Now, he enjoys "the chance to work with good tools, to learn more working in a woodshop, and to shape simple firewood into something useful for the historic house or garden." At the historic farm, Frank just lights up as he shares with visitors some of the history and uses of the tools in the woodshop. Frank enjoys the many different opportunities to volunteer and make a difference with Five Rivers MetroParks. To date, he has served over 435 hours in just 2 years of volunteer service. 



Thank you, Frank, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!

Meet more amazing MetroParks' volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights!

Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance with Get Connected.

Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. 

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