History of the Ochs

Background of the Property

On June 19, 1991 the property was turned over to the citizens of Pinellas County and called “The Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center” and the Chester Ochs Park, in keeping with Chester Ochs’ request to have his property become an official county park three years from his death. The buildings of the Chester Ochs 4-H Center were originally the living residence of Chester Ochs and a small retail shop of his citrus grove. These were converted to meeting and storage areas. The land was his citrus grove and apiary. The 4-H Educational Center has been exclusively used by Pinellas County 4-H and Extension, while the park is open to the public with trails and dog walks.

The Chester Ochs 4-H Center has been an active and critical portion of the UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension office since that time. The center has provided countless youth and 4-H volunteers an opportunity to teach and experience activities from archery to agriculture over the past twenty-seven years. The primary focus for the center has been youth gardening, as it is one of the last large plots of land in the area and to honor the center's history in agriculture. Day camps, overnight camps, and many clubs have met here since its donation. Many residents and 4-H alumni and volunteers have fond memories of the center, with new memories being made to this day, as the center retains its mission to teach the youth residents of Pinellas County vital skills for their futures.