Park District to highlight local restaurants for ‘Picnics in the Park’

Geauga Park District announced that in an effort to help jump-start local restaurants, it will be featuring local restaurants’ food and beverage takeout menus as available to-go “Picnics in the Park.”

Starting May 1 and running through Oct. 31, establishments unique to Geauga County will be chosen biweekly by Executive Director John Oros and Marketing Coordinator Sandy Ward, according to a news release.

The Park District’s website and social media will feature a menu along with a local park of the restaurant’s choosing. This comes as many establishments adapted to the coronavirus pandemic with takeout menus to offset the lack of in-person dining.

The Park District’ has 27 parks which include 12 lodges and 18 shelters that are reservable to host weddings, birthday parties and other special events, catered or not, the release stated. There are also less formal picnic areas for family and friends to gather with their favorite local food and beverage.

Interested restaurants can send their name, phone number, email address and seasonal food and beverage — ideally including items for spring, summer and fall that travel easily for outdoor dining — to sward@ geaugaparkdistrict.org, noting that alcoholic beverages are permitted when consumed in a park lodge or shelter.

“The goal for this collaboration is to highlight local Geauga restaurants, chefs, and some of the best providers of food and drink in our county,” Oros stated in the release. “2020 was a trying year for many in this business, but it was great to see the resiliency and creativity in crafting quality menu options for takeout.

“Our hope is to build on this momentum by giving local businesses the opportunity to highlight their menus as part of a fun outdoor dining experience,” he added. “Similarly, we hope to give our residents the unique experience of a picnic with na