Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today announced that Representative Dave Hall (R-Millersburg) received the 2011 Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association on February 7th during the group’s annual meeting.

“Throughout his time in the House, Rep. Hall has been a strong advocate of Ohio’s natural resources and parks systems,” Speaker Batchelder said. “In Ohio, we are currently faced with finding a fine balance between utilizing our abundance of natural resources and protecting our environment. Rep. Hall has taken the lead on finding this balance, and this award is a worthy recognition of his efforts.”

Recently, OPRA Director Woody Woodward said that Rep. Hall has been a champion for parks in recreation in Ohio. “Dave Hall understands the many benefits that parks and recreation programming provide for communities around the state and is a passionate supporter in the Ohio General Assembly,” Woodward said. “We are fortunate to have state leaders like Dave Hall.”

Serving in his second term in the Ohio House, Rep. Hall has been a leading voice in the legislature on matters such protecting state parks, Clean Ohio funding and the millage rate cap for metroparks. In 2011, he significantly rewrote legislation allowing for oil and gas drilling in state parks, adding amendments that offer additional protection of Ohio’s natural resources and ensuring that money the state receives from drilling will be used to enhance the state park system.

“I am sincerely honored to accept this award,” Rep. Hall said. “Ohio’s natural beauty is second to none, and I am committed to keeping it that way. Our state is blessed with a countless number of thriving ecosystems and scenic vistas, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the land. The protection of these preserves, natural areas and habitats is the product of local and statewide investment. I have a genuine respect for nature, and my legislative work reflects that. Guarding these cherished lands is a rewarding experience in and of itself. Without a doubt, these parks are a source of pride for the entire state. I appreciate the OPRA’s recognition and will continue to defend Ohio’s parks system.”

Prior to joining the legislature, Rep. Hall served as director of the Holmes County Park District. He currently chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the House Finance Committee.

The legislator of the year award is selected annually by the OPRA Advocacy Committee based on the legislative activity of the previous year.