Richfield Heritage Preserve 2018
The 2018 RJRD: Ralph Waszak, Jr., Jeff DeLuca, Meg Slifcak, Bob Becker, Bill Smith, Pat Norris. Not Pictured : Sandy Apidone
RJRD Trustee Sandy Apidone
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RJRD Administrative Coordinator Judy Soroczak
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Highlights of 2018
Park office renovation. Plans for Lake Jinelle dam upgrade. Bond refinanced for tax payer savings. Invasive Species Management Task Force. RHP Education Summit. New roofs on old structures. Owls trump eagles. Bridle Trails open. Doors on outhouses!
Programs included scheduled hikes, guided tours on request, the "Get to Know Your Park" lecture series, and the return of Trick or Treat on the Trail. 4th annual Kirby Day. "Cozy Up to Winter Wonders". Orienteering events. An equestrian clinic. A clam bake. 5k runs and a 50K run! Defenders of the Forest Earth Day Garlic mustard pull. Saturday morning volunteer opportunities.
The new Park Office!
Transformation of the former Camp Managers' House to the Richfield Heritage Preserve Office.
The project was spearheaded by Meg Slifcak, 2018 Vice Chair of the RJRD; to provide a central administrative workplace for the RJRD and meeting area for park partners. The floor plan was designed to be versatile, and can be re-adapted to living space if needed for the future. The majority of the funding for the project came from the 2017 bond issue, augmented with twenty two thousand dollars in donations from Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH).
Much of the construction work was done by students from the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) under supervision of their instructors. Park volunteers also had a major role, refinishing the ceiling, prepping and painting the exterior siding, and other tasks. Local contractors helped out, and the office furnishings were donated by Group Management Services.
The project was spearheaded by Meg Slifcak, 2018 Vice Chair of the RJRD; to provide a central administrative workplace for the RJRD and meeting area for park partners. The floor plan was designed to be versatile, and can be re-adapted to living space if needed for the future. The majority of the funding for the project came from the 2017 bond issue, augmented with twenty two thousand dollars in donations from Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH).
Much of the construction work was done by students from the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) under supervision of their instructors. Park volunteers also had a major role, refinishing the ceiling, prepping and painting the exterior siding, and other tasks. Local contractors helped out, and the office furnishings were donated by Group Management Services.
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RJRD Chair Bob Becker and Vice-Chair Meg Slifcak prepare to present a token of thanks to CVCC . Amity Porch
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"Merry Mudder" Elizabeth Csontos ( left, in orange cap) was part of a large group of volunteers whose hard work was crucial in finishing the office. ( above, left) Clive Fetzer, Elizabeth Csontos, and Nancy Kanik worked diligently through summer heat to paint the exterior siding. ( above, right) RJRD trustee Sandy Apidone spent many hours getting the job done- and she brought her own crew! Sandy is seen here flanked by Carol Campbell and volunteer Tom Rockwood. |
New Plan saves the lake!
proposed reconfiguration of Lake Jinelle dam by engineering firm Gannett Fleming
Meanwhile, needed repairs were made to the existing spillway.
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Before the repairs could be made, the lake had to be lowered. The dam valve was broken, so the water had to pumped out over the top of the dam. Pat Norris ( at left, in the center with beige shirt) coordinated acquisition and operation of the equipment. With Pat are Doug Kepler-Chief Security Officer, Brian Mulbach, Sandy Norris, and Dr. Phil Wanyerka of Cleveland State University.
Jeff DeLuca coordinated removal of Lake Jinelle's fish to new homes. In the photo above, taken from the walkway of Kirby's Mill, Jeff had immersed himself in his work. |
Broken sluice gate at left; new gate on the right.
The valve that allows the lake to drain periodically had jammed, but it could not be repaired until the water level was lowered. Once enough water had been pumped out, Jeff DeLuca and Pat Norris cleared away the mud from the back of the dam until they could reach the valve. They found that the cover of the opening, technically known as a "sluice gate" was broken in two places. They eased it out of it's mud-covered tracks, hauled it out, and cleaned it up. Pat took it to Standard Welding in Medina. It was beyond repair, so a new sluice gate was fabricated from stainless steel.
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Kirby's iconic white oak tree is near the new dam's planned construction zone. Its roots will be impacted by the raised roadbed as well as the construction process itself. FoCH arranged consultations with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Davey Tree Company to assess the potential for stress on the tree and to make recommendations for optimizing the trees's heath before construction begins. RJRD contracted with Davey tree company for pre-construction pruning. Above, the Davey crew poses at the base of the tree.
Happy park volunteers preparing to place dam materials on display.
Elizabeth Csontos ( in purple hat) shows off an Articulated Concrete Block. Each ACB will link together with others of its kind to form a giant, chain mail-like covering over the downstream face of the dam. FoCH president Corey Ringle ( in purple coat) accompanies a sample of the gravel grid support layer that the ACB "blanket" will will rest upon. Tom Rockwood ( at left), Nancy Kanik and Brian Muhlback ( at right) look on.
Elizabeth Csontos ( in purple hat) shows off an Articulated Concrete Block. Each ACB will link together with others of its kind to form a giant, chain mail-like covering over the downstream face of the dam. FoCH president Corey Ringle ( in purple coat) accompanies a sample of the gravel grid support layer that the ACB "blanket" will will rest upon. Tom Rockwood ( at left), Nancy Kanik and Brian Muhlback ( at right) look on.
2018 bond re-finance
saves Richfield tax payers 1.83 million dollars !
The Bond re-finance was spearheaded by RJRD trustee Pat Norris. Because of his 43 year background in the government financial services industry, Pat began considering options for the long term financing of the park even before he was appointed to the RJRD in mid 2014. He initiated his strategy by collaborating with capital markets professionals he had worked with throughout his career. By the time the levys passed muster with the Richfield voters in November, he already had a team assembled with a plan of attack for the needed financing.
Short term notes were first issued in order to come up with the needed funds to buy the property. The longer term financing was to be provided by a bond sale. A local bank purchased the notes to get the plan rolling; institutional investors were later to purchase the bonds that would retire the notes.
The bond sale went well in that all the bonds were sold. The only thing that did not go according to the team's high hopes was that newly formed RJRD was unable to get a credit rating for the bonds and therefore had to offer a higher coupon rate in order to sell all of the needed debt. The team was prepared for this possibility and executed their Plan B, which enabled the Park Board to have the option to prepay the debt after the third year of payment history.
During the late spring of 2018, Pat reassembled the Bond Team. This time the rating agencies were willing to issue a credit rating. By then the Park Board had three years of audited financial statements showing the observance of sound financial principles and good fiscal management that they did not have when newly formed. The bonds were rated A2.
This "investment grade" rating was a badge of higher quality and lower risk that enabled the Board to obtain a lower interest rate on this long term debt that will ultimately save the Richfield tax payer $1,836,627.28 in actual cash savings over the remaining 24 year term of the bonds.
Short term notes were first issued in order to come up with the needed funds to buy the property. The longer term financing was to be provided by a bond sale. A local bank purchased the notes to get the plan rolling; institutional investors were later to purchase the bonds that would retire the notes.
The bond sale went well in that all the bonds were sold. The only thing that did not go according to the team's high hopes was that newly formed RJRD was unable to get a credit rating for the bonds and therefore had to offer a higher coupon rate in order to sell all of the needed debt. The team was prepared for this possibility and executed their Plan B, which enabled the Park Board to have the option to prepay the debt after the third year of payment history.
During the late spring of 2018, Pat reassembled the Bond Team. This time the rating agencies were willing to issue a credit rating. By then the Park Board had three years of audited financial statements showing the observance of sound financial principles and good fiscal management that they did not have when newly formed. The bonds were rated A2.
This "investment grade" rating was a badge of higher quality and lower risk that enabled the Board to obtain a lower interest rate on this long term debt that will ultimately save the Richfield tax payer $1,836,627.28 in actual cash savings over the remaining 24 year term of the bonds.
SUPER SAVINGS for Richfield taxpayers!
Waste Water Treatment Plant: plans move forward!
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Once the Preserve's own water treatment plant is upgraded, RJRD will be able to turn on the water in the vintage buildings!
As chair of the Capital Projects committee, Ralph Waszak,Jr. worked with architects and engineers on the WWTP and dam upgrades.
As chair of the Capital Projects committee, Ralph Waszak,Jr. worked with architects and engineers on the WWTP and dam upgrades.
Education and Planning
! Launch of the Invasive Species Management Task Force in conjunction with FoCH
! Co-Hosting the RHP Education Summit with FoCH on March 10
! Saying Farewell to Dr. Chris Stanton of Baldwin Wallace
! FoCH helps support the Preserve by organized hikes, guided tours, lectures, and more throughout the year!
! Volunteer Equipment Training for the Cushman and fire extinguishers, as well as First Aid & CPR
! Work plan for Kirby's Mill restoration approved
Fifteen different speakers provided an overview of park assets to the RJRD and interested friends at the RHP Education Summit.
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FoCH"s display of RHP's multi-faceted past helped Summit participants appreciate what the park can offer to future generations.
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Roads, Trails, and Bridges
Road repair between the Nature Hut and Lake Jinelle, March 2018 Jeff DeLuca at the helm!
Ohio Operating Engineers to the Rescue! In 2018, the OOE from from their Apprenticeship and Training facility on Newton Rd placed culverts and graded roads throughout Richfield Heritage Preserve. Work included Hilltop Road, Eagle's Nest Trail, the area between Gemini Cabin and Paddler Unit, and the road between Amity and North Houses.
Trail between Kirby Garage and Hilltop House re-opens after ditching & re-grading by the OOE
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No more soggy lawn at Gemini Cabin when the water has someplace to drain. Culvert work by OOE
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RJRD Maintanence Technician Russ Schutte built this simple bridge over the main creek at Crescent Trail. He also replaced the walkway at Storybook Trailhead. ( seen at right)
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Volunteer Clive Fetzer hauled buckets of gravel to fill in low spots in the roads
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preparing an accessible approach for the gas cut bridge
George Ringle bridge repositioning.
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The new approach to the gas cut bridge gets its first customer
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Bridle Trails open, Buckeye Trail continues to be popular
The bridle trails opened up - thanks to RJRD's collaboration with Ohio Horseman's Council. Here, Molly Eastwood shows off new trail markers.
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Pat Hayes of the Buckeye Trail Association bring a new blaze for the BT segment in the Preserve.
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Susan Cz was appointed to the role of volunteer coordinator for the RJRD ( volunteer-info@rjrd.org). She conveys selected park projects to the social media teams of both FoCH and RJRD and handles service hour requests from guest groups. A volunteer herself, she is at the park almost every Saturday! She is frequently at the park for weekday projects also.
New entrance signs and wayfinding signs!
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New wayfinding signs made from camp recycled lumber are made and installed under the direction of Elizabeth Csontos.
Above, left. Brian Muhlback poses by the entrance sign on Broadview Road. This sign was installed by Brian, Clive Fetzer, Tom Rockwood, and Susan Cz. An address board was later added to the top.
Above, right. Joanie Gottschling plants flowers under the new sign at the Oviatt Road entrance.
Above, left. Brian Muhlback poses by the entrance sign on Broadview Road. This sign was installed by Brian, Clive Fetzer, Tom Rockwood, and Susan Cz. An address board was later added to the top.
Above, right. Joanie Gottschling plants flowers under the new sign at the Oviatt Road entrance.
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Taking the work home......... Many volunteers helped to router and paint the wayfinding signs. Pat Norris and Pat Hayes each put in several hours in their home workshops crafting the signs. and bringing it back! Below, Sandy, Elizabeth, Joanie and Nancy work on installation |
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Forestry and Gardens
The Oviatt Pioneer Rose was added to the Rose Garden on the side of the maintenance garage. The rose garden is believed to have been established by camp caretaker and Village Council Representative Dave Howard. It was later maintained by caretaker Stan Polo. After the property transferred to Richfield, Tom Rockwood took over care of the garden.
The Pioneer Rose bush was donated by r.garlen and Gayle Oviatt. According to the October 2018 Richfield Times, the great grandmother of this flower traveled with garlen's ancestors from Goshen, Connecticut to Ohio's Western Reserve. A cutting was planted on the farm of Mason and Fanny Oviatt at the south edge of the park, and from there cuttings were propagated at each new home of the Oviatts, down through the generations. It is now returning "home".
The Pruett Family continued their work on Spif's garden.
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'Defenders of the Forest concentrated on two of the most virulent invasive plants: barberry and garlic mustard.
"Barberrians" logged over 300 hours cutting and pulling up thorn-covered barberry bushes. Novice "Defenders of the Forest" learned about forest ecology. The entire defense team accumulated a total of 244 hours pulling up and removing over 630 pounds of garlic mustard. Indigenous plants were noted nearby all sites. HIckory and White Oak seedlings, SpIcebush, Toothwort, Foamflower, and scores more species' now have a better chance of survival. |
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NEW ROOFS!
new roof at Kirby House. May, 2018
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New roof on Chagrin Valley Cabin, March 2018
New roofs at Wonken Tonken
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Replacement of the Adirondack roofs was organized by Jon Antalvari
Clive Fetzer and Kitty Antalvari handle tear off of the old roof
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jon Antalvari works the ladder angle
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Painting projects! Sheds & shelters, picnic tables & outhouses
Cleaning and demolition. Repairs, maintenance, and monitoring
Jeff and Alex clear debris from the south gear shelter. Mid-march
A tree across a road or trail brings out members of the chain saw crew.
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Corey leading guest "barberrians" , Run Forward/ Give Back. September 30
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Park & Rec Managment interns from Kent State: Josh & Chad
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Repairs to the Gund Hall front porch arch by Bob Luther, assisted by Logan.
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Park Activties
December 9. Why Not Adventures Hiking Club. Holiday Hike and Gund Hall Gather
December 1. Cozy Up to Winter Wonders
October 28. Trick or Treat on the Trail
A few of the crew: Sandy, Jeremy, Nancy, Betty, Lisa, Nichole, Elizabeth
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NIchole Schill ( pictured, left) took the lead to plan and organize the 2018 Trick or Treat on the Trail along with Lisa Shah and Karen Smik. Nichole was appointed as an adviser to the RJRD Park Services Committee early in 2018. |
Richfield Safety Forces Clam Bake
Wedding of Lauren and Hugh Hutton
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The 48 Hour Film project
Run Forward/ Give back 50 K Trail Run
September 16. Kirby Day - celebrating RHP's own amazing inventor!
Akron Hiking Club
Ohio Horseman's Council - Mexican Fiesta and Clinic
HIghland Day Camp
Girl Scout group plants butterfly garden by the new park office
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Northeast Ohio Orienteering Club holds its first RHP events. Fence-clearing service project in April, Event in May, Night-O in October
May 5 Richfield Firefighters' 5K Run
May 12 Revere High School Health & Wellness 5K Run
Throughout the year: FoCH helps support the Preserve by organized hikes, guided tours, lectures, and more!
Midwest Native Skills class with Tom Lakowski - May 26
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April - October. RJRD hired its first Maintenance Technician. Working part time, Russ Schutt kept the meadows mowed, made repairs, and in a drastic innovation: placed doors on the outhouses! THANK YOU, RUSS!
March 29. Park closed for near-by Presidential visit. Donald J. Trump visited the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Training Facility, a near neighbor to RHP. Secret Service operatives requested that the park temporarily shut down as a security precaution.
Late Winter. A pair of Great Horned Owls commandeered the bald eagle nest above Lake Jinelle.
All year round: Even with no running water, electricity, or on-site support staff; Scout camping at the Preserve is becoming increasingly popular. In 2018, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops camped in exchange for service projects.
Cub Scout Pack 3387 . Camp out, Service Project, and
Rain Gutter Regatta in the barn. April 2018 |
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Forests Forever Green. Hemlock branch beneath a canopy of maple. By Chris Naizer 2018