Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Our Story
Summary:
We started as an online group promoting Camp Crowell Hilaka within Girl Scouting after GSNEO announced they were closing the camp. (June 2009) .We developed work parties, activity programs, research, camping "scholarships", and encouraged participation in GS governance process. (June 2009-April 2011). Then we worked with other Camp Friends groups trying to save camping and democratic process as a basic part of Girl Scouting. (April 2011- early 2013 )
When GSNEO put the camp up for sale, Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC) was able to secure a purchase option. They attempted to find a final buyer who would preserve the natural areas. When they were unable to do so near the time their option was expiring ( mid 2013) , the Friends stepped up to promote the unique features of the property and held a pledge campaign to buy it ourselves. The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) pledged $100 for each of the 336 acres; which went a long way toward getting the public to take notice. We organized a Crowell Hilaka Open House, supported in part by by WRLC. Many Richfield residents fell in love with the lakes, the trails, and the many historic buildings. Several of them asked their governments to help save it. Richfield Village Council asked GSNEO to extend WRLC's option. GSNEO's then-new CEO persuaded the board to allow a one year extension. Richfield had just one chance to convince voters to buy the property. The Township and Village both worked with WRLC, Richfield Historical Society, and a host of other consultants to form a Joint Recreation District (RJRD) that would be able to place the issue on the ballot that November (2014). Although the Friends had not been able to raise the purchase price, they had managed to bring the camp to the attention of a wide audience. We released the pledges back to the donors and continued to promote the camp and Richfield's' purchase of it through events, programs, fliers, private tours. and Open Houses.
After Richfield purchased the property, we took on tasks assigned by RJRD - mostly small repairs trail clean ups. The first major assignment was to apply for a Pipeline grant from the Ohio History Connection and to apply to place the entire property on the National Register of Historic Places (early 2015). The Friends suggested placing fencing around trees damaged by beavers, and asked to be allowed to restore Kirby's Mill and to hold annual "Kirby Day" events to educate the public of Kirby's significance. With encouragement from the citizens of Richfield and the Historical Society, RJRD voted to reconfigure the lower dam to bring it into compliance with state regulations, thus saving Lake Jinelle and the central part of the Kirby estate.
The Friends have evolved to take on specific, clearly defined projects within RHP. We embarked on a major Invasive species removal program in partnership with the Ohio Invasive Plant Council and ONAPA. We clean the latrines and empty the trash cans. We continue to offer an annual Kirby Day and raise funds to restore Kirby's Mill. We stabilized Amity House, KIrby House, and North House.
On January 1, 2022, we changed our primary name from "Friends of Crowell/Hilaka" (aka FoCH) to Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve to align with the new name of the park. We restored the waterwheel on Kirby's Mill (Sept 2022). We restored Amity House at the Park Director's request 2023 -2024 so it can serve as a rental facility to raise funds for park operations. We have restored Garfield Hall ( 2024-2025)
At the end of 2024, RJRD announced that park staff would be assuming most of our functions and forming a new non-profit to serve their needs. Time will tell.........
We started as an online group promoting Camp Crowell Hilaka within Girl Scouting after GSNEO announced they were closing the camp. (June 2009) .We developed work parties, activity programs, research, camping "scholarships", and encouraged participation in GS governance process. (June 2009-April 2011). Then we worked with other Camp Friends groups trying to save camping and democratic process as a basic part of Girl Scouting. (April 2011- early 2013 )
When GSNEO put the camp up for sale, Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC) was able to secure a purchase option. They attempted to find a final buyer who would preserve the natural areas. When they were unable to do so near the time their option was expiring ( mid 2013) , the Friends stepped up to promote the unique features of the property and held a pledge campaign to buy it ourselves. The Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) pledged $100 for each of the 336 acres; which went a long way toward getting the public to take notice. We organized a Crowell Hilaka Open House, supported in part by by WRLC. Many Richfield residents fell in love with the lakes, the trails, and the many historic buildings. Several of them asked their governments to help save it. Richfield Village Council asked GSNEO to extend WRLC's option. GSNEO's then-new CEO persuaded the board to allow a one year extension. Richfield had just one chance to convince voters to buy the property. The Township and Village both worked with WRLC, Richfield Historical Society, and a host of other consultants to form a Joint Recreation District (RJRD) that would be able to place the issue on the ballot that November (2014). Although the Friends had not been able to raise the purchase price, they had managed to bring the camp to the attention of a wide audience. We released the pledges back to the donors and continued to promote the camp and Richfield's' purchase of it through events, programs, fliers, private tours. and Open Houses.
After Richfield purchased the property, we took on tasks assigned by RJRD - mostly small repairs trail clean ups. The first major assignment was to apply for a Pipeline grant from the Ohio History Connection and to apply to place the entire property on the National Register of Historic Places (early 2015). The Friends suggested placing fencing around trees damaged by beavers, and asked to be allowed to restore Kirby's Mill and to hold annual "Kirby Day" events to educate the public of Kirby's significance. With encouragement from the citizens of Richfield and the Historical Society, RJRD voted to reconfigure the lower dam to bring it into compliance with state regulations, thus saving Lake Jinelle and the central part of the Kirby estate.
The Friends have evolved to take on specific, clearly defined projects within RHP. We embarked on a major Invasive species removal program in partnership with the Ohio Invasive Plant Council and ONAPA. We clean the latrines and empty the trash cans. We continue to offer an annual Kirby Day and raise funds to restore Kirby's Mill. We stabilized Amity House, KIrby House, and North House.
On January 1, 2022, we changed our primary name from "Friends of Crowell/Hilaka" (aka FoCH) to Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve to align with the new name of the park. We restored the waterwheel on Kirby's Mill (Sept 2022). We restored Amity House at the Park Director's request 2023 -2024 so it can serve as a rental facility to raise funds for park operations. We have restored Garfield Hall ( 2024-2025)
At the end of 2024, RJRD announced that park staff would be assuming most of our functions and forming a new non-profit to serve their needs. Time will tell.........
Timeline
2022 Friends of RHP projects and activities
January 1, 2022. Our primary name became "Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve", while retaining ownership of our original name.
2021 FoCH projects and activities
2020 FoCH projects and events
2019 FoCH projects and events
2018 FoCH projects and events
November 2017 - installation of Kirby historic signboards. Donated by FoCH with assistance from Questers.
April, 2017 - Partnership agreement with RJRD signed. The work rolls on. Article in Richfield Times recognizing FoCH as a partner of RJRD
August 14, 2016 - KIrby's Mill parade float by Jim Gremba makes its first appearance at Richfield Community Day
May 7, 2016 Assisted with OHC Derby Day
May 5, 2016 - work plan presentation to the new RJRD Governance Committee
April - July, 2016 working with the Buckeye Trail Association to re-route the Trail through Crowell Hilaka
April 30. the first Firefighter 5 K run through the park. FoCH helped plan the route
March 14, 2016 - contract negotiations with RJRD continue
2015 summary
September 27, 2015 - FoCH hosts Kirby Birthday Party
August 24, 2015 - RJRD grants permission for FoCH to raise funds for the restoration of Kirby's Mill, pending detailed plans
July 13, 2015 - RJRD issues proclamation of appreciation to FoCH. Resolution 08-2015
February 2, 2015 - FoCH obtains 501c3 designation
January 2015 - FoCH submits proposal to RJRD outlining what we can contribute. Early projects include tree protection
November 4, 2014 - Issues 10 and 11 pass! Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase and operate Crowell Hilaka.
September & October 2014 - FoCH coordinates four open houses at Crowell Hilaka, which are presented by the Coalition for a Greater Richfield.
October 11, 2014 - Music for the Millwheel
October 3, 2014 - FoCH notifies supporters that previous pledges are released: encourages contributions to Coaltion for Greater Richfield
September 7, 2014 - FoCH organizes a property clean-up day
July 10, 2014 - First meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District is held. The very packed “get it done” agenda: http://www.richfield-twp.org/files/07-10-2014rjpd.pdf, A report of the meeting is here.
June 2014 - Richfield Joint Recreation District formed.
June 2014 - Campaign to support formation of Joint Park District between Richfield Township and Richfield Village for acquisition of Crowell Hilaka
April 2014 - Buckeye Trail Association pledges $33,600 for preservation & public access
March 2014 - GSNEO grants Conservancy nine month extension to raise funds
February 2014 - New logo, tag line, promotional brochures developed. Website updated. Goals clarified: Community Heritage, Science Education Programs, Outdoor Recreation, Nature Activities, Arts and Cultural Events
January 2014 - FoCH renews it’s mission to preserve Crowell Hilaka. We began compiling a list of possibilities
December 20, 2013 - Richfield Village Council asks Conservancy if they can request a contract extension from GSNEO
October 20, 2013 - FoCH hosts Crowell Hilaka Open House with Conservancy sponsorship
October 1, 2013 - Richfield Village endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 19, 2013 - Richfield Township endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 6, 2013 - Summary judgement sent back to lower court for correction. New appeal funded by individual Girl Scout members (not through FoCH)
September 2013 - Richfield Historical Society endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
August 30, 2013 - FoCH launches publicity / fund-raising campaign The open house
August 27, 2013 - FoCH meets with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Funds in excess of $4,000,000 are needed to secure the purchase of the property from GSNEO when contract expires between the Conservancy and GSNEO in November 2013.
Summer 2013 - Camp Lejnar and Great Trail Camp sold. Recognizing that Crowell Hilaka cannot return to Girl Scouts, FoCH withdraws from the legal effort to give GS members a voice. (Individual members of GSNEO continue the appeals process. Decision rendered March 19, 2014 allowed the case to proceed to trial. But without enough financial backing, the plaintiffs could not continue. )
May/ June 2013 Uncertainty and hope
April 2013 - Partnership offers submitted to GSNEO board
January 8, 2013 - Appeal filed against summary judgement
December 8, 2012 - FoCH and Camp Friends hold Christmas cookie sale to pay for appeal against summary judgement
September 26, 2012 - Case dismissed via summary judgment
Sept 23, 2012 - FoCH distributes black armbands outside Crowell Hilaka during GSNEO-sponsored closing ceremony
August 2012 S'more Enchanted Evening Fundraiser for legal fees
June 2012 - Injunction denied. Case to proceed to trial
March 12, 2012 - Request for injunction on camp sales filed on behalf of GSNEO membership
February 2, 2012 - Crowell Hilaka promotional video posted on YouTube. Produced by Kerrin Winter-Churchill, featuring Emma's Revolution singing "Swimming to the Other Side".
December 2011 - Request for arbitration denied. FoCH and Camp Friends begin raising money for court costs to give members a voice in GSNEO
October 29, 2011 - General Assembly votes for resolution to re-evaluate the property plan. GSNEO board dismisses resolution.
April 16, 2011 - Announcement that GSNEO intends to sell Crowell Hilaka along with 4 other camps. Begin coordinating with other camp Friends’ groups to call for re-evaluation of property plan.
March 3, 2011 - FoCH offers to help with repairs / Board response
February 2011 - Richfield Historical Society becomes FoCH's fiduciary sponsor
July 18, 2010 - Billboard at south entrance to correct address glitch
January 5, 2010 - Grants for camping at Crowell/Hilaka
December 13, 2009 - FoCH meeting
December 2009 - Letter sent to people living near Crowell/Hilaka
November 9, 2009 - FoCH volunteers to sell cookies
November 2, 2009 - FoCH begins Sunday Fundays to showcase the camp
October 19, 2009 - "Kaleidoscope" TV show appearance
October 8, 2009 - Hikes and a geocache
September 28, 2009 - questions sent to BZ and others at GSNEO, and BZ's response
September 27, 2009 - FoCH meeting at Amity House porch
September 15, 2009 Partial reopening of Camp
September 3, 2009 - Agenda for 9/27 meeting at Amity House
September 2, 2009 - GSNEO board response to the posters
Fall 2009 - GSNEO forms Vision 2012 to give members input into camp decision: http://www.trefoilintegrity.org/news--documents.html for survey results
August 21, 2009 - FoCH proposals to maintain Crowell/Hilaka after shutdown
August 19, 2009 - Promotional posters designed by artist Lisa Dabramo: Poster A, Poster B and Poster C. Design “C” was chosen to be printed by FoCH. Distributed by volunteers to libraries and community gathering places in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties
August 10, 2009 - FoCH incorporated
August 4, 2009 - Visit by Glen Chin, GSUSA properties specialist
Proposal to GSNEO Board of Directors for initiatives to help Camp Crowell/Hilaka
August 1, 2009 - Friends of Crowell/Hilaka web site on line. This was our first Frequently Asked Questions page.
September 20, 2009 - Council-sponsored meeting at GSNEO's Macedonia office to discuss the suspension of usage of Crowell/Hilaka and the repairs the camp needs.
July, 10, 2009 - Officers, committees and membership
July 1, 2009 - Follow-up meeting called by GSNEO to meet with Friends groups.
June 30, 2009 - FoCH's mission statement
June 25, 2009 - first FoCH meeting
June 18, 2009 - Rob Richardson creates Friends of Crowell Hilaka E-mail group. Abbreviated "FoCH" prnounced" folk" which fits our grassroots origin.
June 15, 2009 - Information meeting about the fate of Crowell Hilaka conducted by GSNEO. Board member Roberta Riordan points out the Camp Lejnar has a Friends' group and that maybe we could consider something similar
January 1, 2022. Our primary name became "Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve", while retaining ownership of our original name.
2021 FoCH projects and activities
2020 FoCH projects and events
2019 FoCH projects and events
2018 FoCH projects and events
November 2017 - installation of Kirby historic signboards. Donated by FoCH with assistance from Questers.
April, 2017 - Partnership agreement with RJRD signed. The work rolls on. Article in Richfield Times recognizing FoCH as a partner of RJRD
August 14, 2016 - KIrby's Mill parade float by Jim Gremba makes its first appearance at Richfield Community Day
May 7, 2016 Assisted with OHC Derby Day
May 5, 2016 - work plan presentation to the new RJRD Governance Committee
April - July, 2016 working with the Buckeye Trail Association to re-route the Trail through Crowell Hilaka
April 30. the first Firefighter 5 K run through the park. FoCH helped plan the route
March 14, 2016 - contract negotiations with RJRD continue
2015 summary
September 27, 2015 - FoCH hosts Kirby Birthday Party
August 24, 2015 - RJRD grants permission for FoCH to raise funds for the restoration of Kirby's Mill, pending detailed plans
July 13, 2015 - RJRD issues proclamation of appreciation to FoCH. Resolution 08-2015
February 2, 2015 - FoCH obtains 501c3 designation
January 2015 - FoCH submits proposal to RJRD outlining what we can contribute. Early projects include tree protection
November 4, 2014 - Issues 10 and 11 pass! Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase and operate Crowell Hilaka.
September & October 2014 - FoCH coordinates four open houses at Crowell Hilaka, which are presented by the Coalition for a Greater Richfield.
October 11, 2014 - Music for the Millwheel
October 3, 2014 - FoCH notifies supporters that previous pledges are released: encourages contributions to Coaltion for Greater Richfield
September 7, 2014 - FoCH organizes a property clean-up day
July 10, 2014 - First meeting of the Richfield Joint Recreation District is held. The very packed “get it done” agenda: http://www.richfield-twp.org/files/07-10-2014rjpd.pdf, A report of the meeting is here.
June 2014 - Richfield Joint Recreation District formed.
June 2014 - Campaign to support formation of Joint Park District between Richfield Township and Richfield Village for acquisition of Crowell Hilaka
April 2014 - Buckeye Trail Association pledges $33,600 for preservation & public access
March 2014 - GSNEO grants Conservancy nine month extension to raise funds
February 2014 - New logo, tag line, promotional brochures developed. Website updated. Goals clarified: Community Heritage, Science Education Programs, Outdoor Recreation, Nature Activities, Arts and Cultural Events
January 2014 - FoCH renews it’s mission to preserve Crowell Hilaka. We began compiling a list of possibilities
December 20, 2013 - Richfield Village Council asks Conservancy if they can request a contract extension from GSNEO
October 20, 2013 - FoCH hosts Crowell Hilaka Open House with Conservancy sponsorship
October 1, 2013 - Richfield Village endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 19, 2013 - Richfield Township endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
September 6, 2013 - Summary judgement sent back to lower court for correction. New appeal funded by individual Girl Scout members (not through FoCH)
September 2013 - Richfield Historical Society endorses FoCH purchase of Crowell Hilaka
August 30, 2013 - FoCH launches publicity / fund-raising campaign The open house
August 27, 2013 - FoCH meets with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Funds in excess of $4,000,000 are needed to secure the purchase of the property from GSNEO when contract expires between the Conservancy and GSNEO in November 2013.
Summer 2013 - Camp Lejnar and Great Trail Camp sold. Recognizing that Crowell Hilaka cannot return to Girl Scouts, FoCH withdraws from the legal effort to give GS members a voice. (Individual members of GSNEO continue the appeals process. Decision rendered March 19, 2014 allowed the case to proceed to trial. But without enough financial backing, the plaintiffs could not continue. )
May/ June 2013 Uncertainty and hope
April 2013 - Partnership offers submitted to GSNEO board
January 8, 2013 - Appeal filed against summary judgement
December 8, 2012 - FoCH and Camp Friends hold Christmas cookie sale to pay for appeal against summary judgement
September 26, 2012 - Case dismissed via summary judgment
Sept 23, 2012 - FoCH distributes black armbands outside Crowell Hilaka during GSNEO-sponsored closing ceremony
August 2012 S'more Enchanted Evening Fundraiser for legal fees
June 2012 - Injunction denied. Case to proceed to trial
March 12, 2012 - Request for injunction on camp sales filed on behalf of GSNEO membership
February 2, 2012 - Crowell Hilaka promotional video posted on YouTube. Produced by Kerrin Winter-Churchill, featuring Emma's Revolution singing "Swimming to the Other Side".
December 2011 - Request for arbitration denied. FoCH and Camp Friends begin raising money for court costs to give members a voice in GSNEO
October 29, 2011 - General Assembly votes for resolution to re-evaluate the property plan. GSNEO board dismisses resolution.
April 16, 2011 - Announcement that GSNEO intends to sell Crowell Hilaka along with 4 other camps. Begin coordinating with other camp Friends’ groups to call for re-evaluation of property plan.
March 3, 2011 - FoCH offers to help with repairs / Board response
February 2011 - Richfield Historical Society becomes FoCH's fiduciary sponsor
July 18, 2010 - Billboard at south entrance to correct address glitch
January 5, 2010 - Grants for camping at Crowell/Hilaka
December 13, 2009 - FoCH meeting
December 2009 - Letter sent to people living near Crowell/Hilaka
November 9, 2009 - FoCH volunteers to sell cookies
November 2, 2009 - FoCH begins Sunday Fundays to showcase the camp
October 19, 2009 - "Kaleidoscope" TV show appearance
October 8, 2009 - Hikes and a geocache
September 28, 2009 - questions sent to BZ and others at GSNEO, and BZ's response
September 27, 2009 - FoCH meeting at Amity House porch
September 15, 2009 Partial reopening of Camp
September 3, 2009 - Agenda for 9/27 meeting at Amity House
September 2, 2009 - GSNEO board response to the posters
Fall 2009 - GSNEO forms Vision 2012 to give members input into camp decision: http://www.trefoilintegrity.org/news--documents.html for survey results
August 21, 2009 - FoCH proposals to maintain Crowell/Hilaka after shutdown
August 19, 2009 - Promotional posters designed by artist Lisa Dabramo: Poster A, Poster B and Poster C. Design “C” was chosen to be printed by FoCH. Distributed by volunteers to libraries and community gathering places in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties
August 10, 2009 - FoCH incorporated
August 4, 2009 - Visit by Glen Chin, GSUSA properties specialist
Proposal to GSNEO Board of Directors for initiatives to help Camp Crowell/Hilaka
August 1, 2009 - Friends of Crowell/Hilaka web site on line. This was our first Frequently Asked Questions page.
September 20, 2009 - Council-sponsored meeting at GSNEO's Macedonia office to discuss the suspension of usage of Crowell/Hilaka and the repairs the camp needs.
July, 10, 2009 - Officers, committees and membership
July 1, 2009 - Follow-up meeting called by GSNEO to meet with Friends groups.
June 30, 2009 - FoCH's mission statement
June 25, 2009 - first FoCH meeting
June 18, 2009 - Rob Richardson creates Friends of Crowell Hilaka E-mail group. Abbreviated "FoCH" prnounced" folk" which fits our grassroots origin.
June 15, 2009 - Information meeting about the fate of Crowell Hilaka conducted by GSNEO. Board member Roberta Riordan points out the Camp Lejnar has a Friends' group and that maybe we could consider something similar