CLEVELAND, Ohio — MTD Products and Cleveland Metroparks, an extensive system of nature preserves in the Cleveland, Ohio, area recently announced a new partnership, according to a story in Crain’s Cleveland Business.

Metroparks maintenance staff mows, trims, tills and gathers leaves at 18 parks, eight golf courses and the zoo, a total of more than 23,000 acres in Northeast Ohio. MTD will supply the Metroparks with products under development that cater to the specific needs of the park district, said Brendan McHugh, the park district’s corporate sponsorship associate.

“Partnering with Cleveland Metroparks supports MTD’s mission to be active in the communities where we live and work,” says Robert Moll, MTD’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “Our employees and their families benefit from the parks, trails and facilities managed by the Metroparks, and we’re proud to do our part in keeping Northeast Ohio a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”

A display with an interactive chalkboard will show off MTD equipment — its Cub Cadet, MTD and Troy-Bilt lines — at the West Side zoo, which sees more than 1.1 million visitors annually.

“The Metroparks are giving us a great opportunity,” said Heidi Ketvertis, MTD’s senior director of brand marketing. “We are committed to being close to our customers, especially in park development. We’ll get feedback on new products early in the (development cycle).”

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