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The Richfield Heritage Preserve is 336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and forests that had been closed off from the public for over 75 years. It had been farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby. During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm.
The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed with a fence for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It has been transformed into a park for public enjoyment. In 2020, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the "Camp Crowell Hilaka Historic District". |
STAND WITH THE FRIENDS - Richfield Times write up of the of the RJRD meeting, Jan 27, 2025
Message from the Friends' President
In December 2024, the governing board of the park (RJRD) declined to renew their Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. There was a conversation amongst some RJRD Trustees that we would still be able to work on projects such as Kirby's Mill and Garfield Hall as well as the historic home stabilization MOU. Continue reading
In December 2024, the governing board of the park (RJRD) declined to renew their Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. There was a conversation amongst some RJRD Trustees that we would still be able to work on projects such as Kirby's Mill and Garfield Hall as well as the historic home stabilization MOU. Continue reading
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