Ohio Marina Conference celebrates marina leaders protecting Ohio’s waterways
Marina owners, operators and recreational boating professionals from across the state were recognized for their leadership in protecting Ohio’s waterways at the Annual Ohio Marina Conference. Hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management and Division of Parks and Watercraft, in partnership with the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, the conference brought together marina professionals committed to clean water, safe boating, and sustainable operations.
“The Ohio Marina Conference continues to be a cornerstone professional development event for marinas and boating partners,” said Sarah Orlando, Ohio Clean Marinas Program Manager. “By providing a mix of sessions spanning the environment to the economy, we are proving that sustainability and strong business operations go hand in hand.”
As part of the conference, the 2026 Ohio Clean Marina Awards were presented to facilities that demonstrated exceptional commitment to clean boating and marina best management practices. The Ohio Clean Marinas Program offers three levels of certification: Certified, Gold, and Platinum. Platinum represents the highest level of achievement through full implementation of program practices.
2026 Ohio Clean Marina Awards
Marina of the Year:
Cedar Point Marina – Recognized for supporting Clean Marina programming, enthusiasm for implementing new initiatives, and providing encouragement to other facilities to join the program.
Partner of the Year:
Bryan Dreyer – Recognized for going above and beyond to support the Clean Marinas programs in outreach and education efforts.
Newly Certified Clean Marinas:
Chagrin Lagoons Yacht Club
In addition to newly certified and tiered-up facilities, several marinas renewed their certification this year, demonstrating their continued commitment to environmental stewardship and clean boating practices.
Recertified Clean Marinas:
Platinum Certified Marinas
• Lake Loramie State Park
• Mentor Harbor Yachting Club
Gold Certified Marinas
• City of Sandusky Paper District Marina
• Dillon State Park Marina
• Park Place Boat Club & The Keys Marina
• Shawnee State Park Marina
• The Boardwalk
Certified Marinas
• Forest City Yacht Club
• Son Rise Marina.
Celebrating Long-Standing Commitment
The conference also recognized marinas that have maintained their Clean Marina certification for 10 years, highlighting decades of leadership and dedication to protecting Ohio’s waterways. Those marinas are East 55th Street Marina, Lake Logan Marina, and Safe Harbor Lakefront Marina
Conference attendees explored timely topics shaping the future of Ohio’s marina industry, including ice coverage and lake levels, accessibility, emergency management, dredging, and harmful algal blooms. The event also provided valuable opportunities for marina professionals to connect, share ideas, and strengthen partnerships focused on sustainability and operational excellence.
The Ohio Marina Conference is open to all Ohio marina owners, operators, and staff, as well as other professionals connected to the recreational boating industry.
Launched in 2004 with grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ohio Clean Marinas Program is administered through ODNR’s Office of Coastal Management and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program. The program expanded statewide in 2015 with funding from the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft.
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership that encourages marinas and boaters to implement simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterways clean. The program supports marina operators in protecting the resources that sustain their operations—clean water and fresh air—while promoting environmental stewardship through best management practices and increased awareness of environmental laws and regulations.
For more information on the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu/clean.
Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nation-wide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.