HB 402: Declare Cleveland Metroparks as Ohio's Emerald Necklace
The bill declares the Cleveland Metroparks System as "Ohio's Emerald Necklace". This designation acknowledges the system's significance as a network of natural spaces, trails, waterways, and recreational amenities spanning over 25,000 acres in northeast Ohio. The system is recognized for preserving natural beauty, providing public access to nature, outdoor recreation, and environmental education, contributing to public health, ecological resilience, and tourism in the region. The bill also aims to promote continued appreciation, stewardship, and investment in the state's natural heritage and public park systems.
| Sep. 15, 2025 | Referred to committee: Natural Resources |
| Jul. 30, 2025 | Introduced |
As Introduced
136th General Assembly
Regular Session
H. B. No. 402
2025-2026
Representatives Brennan, Dovilla
To enact section 5.092 of the Revised Code to 1declare the Cleveland Metroparks system as 2"Ohio's Emerald Necklace." 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That section 5.092 of the Revised Code be 4enacted to read as follows: 5
Sec. 5.092. (A) The Cleveland metroparks system is 6declared to be "Ohio's Emerald Necklace" for all of the 7following reasons: 8
(1) To acknowledge the system as a nationally recognized 9network of natural spaces, trails, waterways, and recreational 10amenities spanning more than twenty-five thousand acres across 11northeast Ohio: 12
(2) To honor the system's encircling layout of green 13spaces that preserve natural beauty and provide public access to 14nature, outdoor recreation, and environmental education; 15
(3) In recognition of the system's significant 16contribution to the quality of life, public health, ecological 17resilience, and tourism in northeast Ohio; 18
(4) In appreciation of the system, which serves over 19nineteen million recreational visitors annually, and for being 20an economic and cultural asset to this state. 21
(B) It is the intent of the general assembly that this 22designation promotes continued appreciation, stewardship, and 23investment in this state's natural heritage and public park 24systems. 25
(C) The designation described in this section is honorary 26in nature and shall not require the expenditure of state funds 27for signage or other materials unless otherwise agreed upon by 28public or private entities. 29