The Working Group, Spring 2014
Once GSNEO granted Western Reserve Land Consevancy an extension on their purchase option, FoCH president Corey Ringle invited Richfield Village council member Mike Lyons to a meeting at the office of the Conservancy in Moreland Hills. Mr. Lyons invited Richfield Township's Laurie Pinney to attend also. These four groups ( RT, VoR, FoCH, & WRLC ) continued meeting at the Conservancy along with Roger Swan, Mike Wheeler, representatives of the Richfield Historical Society, and various legal consultants. Ohio Revised Code offered two possible options for park administration. Locally appointed trustees were preferred over a judge. But the Village and the Township would both have to agree, and this agreement was by no means certain.
Ralph McNerny financed production and distribution of a postcard notifying Richfield residents of the opportunity to save Crowell Hilaka. The post cards encouraged residents to contact their governing body and urge formation of a Joint Recreation District to place the issue on the ballot that November. FoCH members also went door to door with the same message.
Ralph McNerny financed production and distribution of a postcard notifying Richfield residents of the opportunity to save Crowell Hilaka. The post cards encouraged residents to contact their governing body and urge formation of a Joint Recreation District to place the issue on the ballot that November. FoCH members also went door to door with the same message.
2014 web page : "Current Information"
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Richfield Township and Richfield Village have formed the Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) for the purpose of purchasing the property currently known as Crowell Hilaka. What we can do to help:
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Above is the Mailer that went out to all Richfield Residents
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Letter by Kelly Clark of the Richfield Historical Society which appeared in Farm and Dairy on May 8, 2014.
Editor:
The people of Richfield have an incredible opportunity to maintain the rural character of their community while creating a beautiful recreation destination within one of Richfield’s best kept secrets.
Richfield Township and Richfield Village are in series of discussions about the formation of a joint park district specifically for the purpose of creating a plan to purchase Crowell Hilaka, the former Girl Scout camp, between Broadview Road and Route 303.
This property is at the highest point in Summit County and is laced with pure spring-fed streams, beautiful hiking trails thread through the forests, along creeksides and around the two lakes. This property is unique in local history in that it once belonged to one of Richfield’s own sons, inventor James Kirby. His estate left his hydro-electric mill on the world’s only patented lake, his house, garden and spring-loaded dance hall for future generations to appreciate.
The science and math education and recreation potential of this land is enormous. If the township and village can agree to form the Joint Park District, then the issue would be placed before the people of Richfield in November. The citizens of Richfield would decide if it’s something they want.
People who live outside of Richfield can also support this effort by donating, pledging financial support, or joining Friends of Crowell Hilaka, a dedicated group of people committed to the preservation of the property and implementation of fun and exciting programs.
The Buckeye Trail Association has already pledged $33,000. Richfield Historical Society is in full support of preservation and has pledged $2,000. The impact of these two pledges and scores of individual contributions far exceeds the monetary value. They demonstrate real commitment to a priority, and you can help too by visiting www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org to learn more.
Most importantly, if you live in Richfield, contact your government officials to voice support of the formation of the Joint Park District. There is nothing to lose and no monetary support is needed in the creation of this committee, but it will provide a way for the Township and the village of Richfield to work together to create a plan to keep this 360-plus acre unique property from being developed and losing this charming, unique countryside of our beautiful town.
This is an important decision about the future of our community should protected by the people who live here.
Kelly Clark
Richfield Township
Talking points were compiled by FoCH and approved by the working group