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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". Rescheduled History Hike is now offered TWICE in November!
The Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve (Friends) will offer a rescheduled history hike – “Legends of RHP” — at Richfield Heritage Preserve on Sunday, 11/9, from 2-4 p.m. and also on Saturday, 11/15, from 2-4 p.m. The previously scheduled history hike was cancelled because of inclement weather. Attendees will meet by the Oviatt House and should use the 3771 Oviatt Road park entrance (Oviatt Road is located off State Route 303/across from St. Bernard Golf Club). Join Lynn Richardson, Friends’ historian and author of the book Crowell Hilaka and the Richfield Heritage Preserve, on a leisurely stroll through part of the former Kirby estate on the south side of RHP. The route is only about one mile long, but participants will be stopping frequently to learn the history of the various sites and consider evidence for an unexplained occurrence or two. Due to the inclusion of some potentially frightening aspects of the property’s history, parental discretion is advised. The hikes are subject to the weather so be sure to check their status on the Friends’ website. They will include some hilly terrain. Suitable hiking footwear, insect repellant, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are asked to RSVP via THIS EVENTBRITE LINK. Walk-ins, however, are always welcome. Visit friendsofrhp.org for event updates. Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve is a nonprofit advocacy group whose mission is to help preserve, protect, enhance, and promote RHP. 
Deer exclosure fence in Western PA. The area to the right of the fence has been severally over -grazed. The left side has been enclosed and allowed to re-grow.
FENCE MENDERS PROPOSAL TO THE RJRD
Click on the flier for more information
Happy 10th Anniversary to Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Thank you to the Friends for what YOUR donation of time and treasure helped accomplish! |
What Richfield Heritage Preserve Could Be
In April, the Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve presented a plan at their annual membership meeting to preserve structures at RHP which would have economic, historic and recreational benefits to the community. The following is a long-range plan for projects which the Friends hope the Richfield Joint Recreation Board will approve. If approved, the Friends will pursue fundraising and volunteer efforts over the coming years to make these projects a reality - with the help of our members and supporters. Thank you for your continued support!
Original content on the Friends website is the property of Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. It cannot be used without permission. Permission can usually be obtained by contacting [email protected] and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofrhp.org as the source.