Richfield Together campaign
co-chairs of Coalition for Greater Richfield: Sandy Apidone (Township) and Bobbie Beshara (Village)
Frequently Asked Questions for Richfield Together
September 5, 2014
What will Richfield Township and Richfield Village voters be voting on this November? What are the two issues and what do they do?
Residents of Richfield Township and Village are being asked to approve two issues – Issues 10 and 11 – on the November 4, 2014 General Election ballot:
Why are both issues needed?
Both issues are needed because they do separate things. The bond issue funds the purchase and improvement of the Crowell Hilaka property and the operation levy funds the Recreation District.
What will it cost to maintain the property?
The cost of maintaining the property will depend on what the community and the Richfield Joint Recreation District decide to do with the property’s amenities and natural areas.
What will taxpayers pay if these issues pass?
If these issues pass, Richfield Township and Richfield Village property owners will pay just $5.10 per month – about 17¢ a day – for every $100,000 in property value each year.
What changes will we see at the property? What should we expect?
Some buildings on the property are likely to be demolished; other buildings will be restored. Trails will be improved, fences will be mended, and the property will regularly maintained. By keeping the property from being developed, the rural character of Richfield will be protected. Most important, the public will gain access to the property.
What is the Richfield Joint Recreation District and why was it formed?
Richfield Township and Richfield Village came together to form the Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase this important local property and make sure that people who live here are working together to protect and oversee this valuable asset.
Where is the land that these issues address?
The Crowell Hilaka property is located off of Broadview Road just south of the Giant Eagle and also off of Oviatt Road by the Oviatt farmhouse.
What was the property used for?
The property is currently vacant and unused. Historically, the land was home to the Oviatt family and later the country estate of inventor James Kirby. A portion of the property also had been part of the Neal Fruit Farm. Most of the property has been a Girl Scout camp since 1937; the remainder of the property was incorporated into the Girl Scout camp in 1957.
Who currently owns this property?
The property is currently owned by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (GSNEO), who have placed it up for sale.
How much is in the Township and how much is in the Village?
The majority of the property is located in Richfield Township.
Don’t we already have enough park space in Richfield? What makes this land different?
It’s true we already have roughly 1,000 acres of park space in Richfield. But while this property is a great piece of park space, with woods, wildlife, and two lakes, it’s much, much more.
This property has historical significance, with unique buildings and ties to Richfield’s Oviatt and Neal families. It also has one-of-a-kind features built by Richfield inventor Jim Kirby, who used to live on part of the property. These features include:
This property provides an example of Northeast Ohio’s ingenuity and entrepreneurism and offers educational opportunities about our local environment and history. Its irreplaceable features make it valuable to Richfield’s future.
What is the role of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC)?
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is a nationally recognized expert in preserving and protecting natural resources. Richfield is fortunate that WRLC has agreed to help facilitate the process to permanently protect the Crowell Hilaka property.
Is the land guaranteed to remain park space or will it be used for anything else?
The passive area of the park will never be used for anything other than parkland, while the active recreation areas may retain some use restrictions. The property will not be available for development.
How long will this real estate tax be in place? Will it have to be renewed?
The term of the operating levy will be ten years. The property tax for the bond issue will remain in place until the bonds are paid off.
Who will own the land?
The Richfield Joint Recreation District will own the property on behalf of the residents of Richfield Township and Richfield Village.
How will this property be used?
The property will be a mixed-use park. The park will primarily provide passive recreation opportunities, giving park visitors opportunities to interact with nature on trails, in viewing areas, and other green spaces. Active recreation opportunities will be available in select areas.
Will anything change for property owners near the property?
Property values are projected to increase for homes located nearest to the park.
Can I see this property?
Open Houses for the public to see the property are scheduled for September 14, October 5, October 18, and October 26.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit www.richfieldtogether.org
September 5, 2014
What will Richfield Township and Richfield Village voters be voting on this November? What are the two issues and what do they do?
Residents of Richfield Township and Village are being asked to approve two issues – Issues 10 and 11 – on the November 4, 2014 General Election ballot:
- ISSUE 10 is a ballot issue to allow the Joint Recreation District to sell $7.1 million in bonds that will be used to purchase, maintain, and improve 336-acres of land that had been the site of the Camp Crowell Hilaka Girl Scout Camp. The bond ballot issue also will put in place a 1.25 mill property tax levy to generate revenue that will be used to make principal and interest payments on the bonds; and,
- ISSUE 11 is a 10-year, 0.5 mill property tax levy to fund the operating costs of the new Richfield Joint Recreation District.
Why are both issues needed?
Both issues are needed because they do separate things. The bond issue funds the purchase and improvement of the Crowell Hilaka property and the operation levy funds the Recreation District.
What will it cost to maintain the property?
The cost of maintaining the property will depend on what the community and the Richfield Joint Recreation District decide to do with the property’s amenities and natural areas.
What will taxpayers pay if these issues pass?
If these issues pass, Richfield Township and Richfield Village property owners will pay just $5.10 per month – about 17¢ a day – for every $100,000 in property value each year.
What changes will we see at the property? What should we expect?
Some buildings on the property are likely to be demolished; other buildings will be restored. Trails will be improved, fences will be mended, and the property will regularly maintained. By keeping the property from being developed, the rural character of Richfield will be protected. Most important, the public will gain access to the property.
What is the Richfield Joint Recreation District and why was it formed?
Richfield Township and Richfield Village came together to form the Richfield Joint Recreation District to purchase this important local property and make sure that people who live here are working together to protect and oversee this valuable asset.
Where is the land that these issues address?
The Crowell Hilaka property is located off of Broadview Road just south of the Giant Eagle and also off of Oviatt Road by the Oviatt farmhouse.
What was the property used for?
The property is currently vacant and unused. Historically, the land was home to the Oviatt family and later the country estate of inventor James Kirby. A portion of the property also had been part of the Neal Fruit Farm. Most of the property has been a Girl Scout camp since 1937; the remainder of the property was incorporated into the Girl Scout camp in 1957.
Who currently owns this property?
The property is currently owned by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (GSNEO), who have placed it up for sale.
How much is in the Township and how much is in the Village?
The majority of the property is located in Richfield Township.
Don’t we already have enough park space in Richfield? What makes this land different?
It’s true we already have roughly 1,000 acres of park space in Richfield. But while this property is a great piece of park space, with woods, wildlife, and two lakes, it’s much, much more.
This property has historical significance, with unique buildings and ties to Richfield’s Oviatt and Neal families. It also has one-of-a-kind features built by Richfield inventor Jim Kirby, who used to live on part of the property. These features include:
- An artificial lake that Kirby received a patent from the federal government for designing;
- A mill and waterwheel that generated electric power for Kirby’s workshop;
- A house that was originally air-conditioned with spring water; and,
- A hall built on train springs that bounced as people danced.
This property provides an example of Northeast Ohio’s ingenuity and entrepreneurism and offers educational opportunities about our local environment and history. Its irreplaceable features make it valuable to Richfield’s future.
What is the role of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC)?
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is a nationally recognized expert in preserving and protecting natural resources. Richfield is fortunate that WRLC has agreed to help facilitate the process to permanently protect the Crowell Hilaka property.
Is the land guaranteed to remain park space or will it be used for anything else?
The passive area of the park will never be used for anything other than parkland, while the active recreation areas may retain some use restrictions. The property will not be available for development.
How long will this real estate tax be in place? Will it have to be renewed?
The term of the operating levy will be ten years. The property tax for the bond issue will remain in place until the bonds are paid off.
Who will own the land?
The Richfield Joint Recreation District will own the property on behalf of the residents of Richfield Township and Richfield Village.
How will this property be used?
The property will be a mixed-use park. The park will primarily provide passive recreation opportunities, giving park visitors opportunities to interact with nature on trails, in viewing areas, and other green spaces. Active recreation opportunities will be available in select areas.
Will anything change for property owners near the property?
Property values are projected to increase for homes located nearest to the park.
Can I see this property?
Open Houses for the public to see the property are scheduled for September 14, October 5, October 18, and October 26.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit www.richfieldtogether.org
Crowell Hilaka Open Houses
for the
Richfield Together campaign - 2014
Local residents donated time & materials to make the camp road walkable. FoCH organized a Clean Up day and four open houses
The first open house for visitors was September 14. Lucy Hanigosky in charge. Theme: PASSPORTS
Golf cart tours were available for any unable to hike the whole way around
Second open house - October 5 - Corey Ringle in charge - theme: SOCIAL MEDIA
Plain Dealer article
The West Side Leader article
Akron Beacon Journal article.
Good Morning Dedicated Volunteers!
Thank you for volunteering! The open house is Sunday, October 5th from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Please arrive around 1:00pm as we will have a brief welcome at 1:15pm before sending you to your volunteer spot. This open house has a theme, social media/facebook! The coalition (Coalition for a Greater Richfield aka Richfield Together) is working hard to promote their facebook page. The more people that like, share, follow, etc the better. At the open house, we are encouraging folks to bring a camera, get some great pictures of themselves having a good time at Crowell Hilaka, and upload them to facebook tagging the picture @RichfieldTogether.
As volunteers: Please come dressed for the weather, wear hiking shoes, and, if you have one, a Richfield Together or Friends of Crowell Hilaka shirt. Like last time, we will have a red vest to help you stand out in the crowd as a volunteer. Feel free to bring a chair to take breaks. We will have water stations, but I would also recommend a water bottle as the water station may not be near where you are stationed for the 3-hour event.
Finally, please bring your own camera if you have one. Snap pictures of the visitors having a good time and tell them they will be posted at the Richfield Together facebook page. At the end of the event, I'll have my lap top to download your photos when you check out. We will then upload the volunteer pictures to the Richfield Together facebook so those who attended may tag themselves. (I will be stationed at Gund Hall south porch at 5:00pm)
I have attached the information we will be handing out to the visitors with the revised map and facebook instructions. Before the open house, please like the Richfield Together facebook page and encourage your friends to do the same. In addition to taking pictures throughout the property, we have "I can't wait to ... at Crowell Hilaka" posters for folks to decorate at Gund Hall. Lucy will be there taking pictures of the folks with their poster to upload to the facebook page.
I have called around to ask where you would like to be stationed. If we have yet to touch base, please let me know where you would like to be stationed. As we have less volunteers than last time, we are not having as many individuals at each of the homes.
Amity Lawn: Beth Sanderson
Coach/North: Rich and Linda Fleming (still verifying)
Storybook Trail: Joan Gottschling but we need more (north of upper lake, lots of tall pine trees, very pretty)
High Lea: Barb Starr
Kirby: Marilyn Alkire
Millwheel: Lynn Richardson
Garfield: Dick Johnson
Oxbow: Rob Richardson
Lower Lake Trail: Judy Soroczak but we need more (over looks mill and kirby, pretty bridge over creek, lots of great picture opportunities)
Deer Leep Trail: Jane Back and team
Lake Linnea: Jane Back and team
Gund Hall: Lucy Hanigosky
Check in Desk: Mrs. Richardson
Campaign Table: John (Lucy please verify name) but we could use another
Parking: It would be nice to have two volunteers, if we have a third, another greeting at the gate
If you know if anyone who can volunteer that day, please let me know as soon as possible. Please bring a friend!
Again, thank you in advance for your time! We couldn't make this possible without you! If I missed any details, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail (216-299-1051 or [email protected]). Look forward to seeing you Sunday, Corey.
Thank you for volunteering! The open house is Sunday, October 5th from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Please arrive around 1:00pm as we will have a brief welcome at 1:15pm before sending you to your volunteer spot. This open house has a theme, social media/facebook! The coalition (Coalition for a Greater Richfield aka Richfield Together) is working hard to promote their facebook page. The more people that like, share, follow, etc the better. At the open house, we are encouraging folks to bring a camera, get some great pictures of themselves having a good time at Crowell Hilaka, and upload them to facebook tagging the picture @RichfieldTogether.
As volunteers: Please come dressed for the weather, wear hiking shoes, and, if you have one, a Richfield Together or Friends of Crowell Hilaka shirt. Like last time, we will have a red vest to help you stand out in the crowd as a volunteer. Feel free to bring a chair to take breaks. We will have water stations, but I would also recommend a water bottle as the water station may not be near where you are stationed for the 3-hour event.
Finally, please bring your own camera if you have one. Snap pictures of the visitors having a good time and tell them they will be posted at the Richfield Together facebook page. At the end of the event, I'll have my lap top to download your photos when you check out. We will then upload the volunteer pictures to the Richfield Together facebook so those who attended may tag themselves. (I will be stationed at Gund Hall south porch at 5:00pm)
I have attached the information we will be handing out to the visitors with the revised map and facebook instructions. Before the open house, please like the Richfield Together facebook page and encourage your friends to do the same. In addition to taking pictures throughout the property, we have "I can't wait to ... at Crowell Hilaka" posters for folks to decorate at Gund Hall. Lucy will be there taking pictures of the folks with their poster to upload to the facebook page.
I have called around to ask where you would like to be stationed. If we have yet to touch base, please let me know where you would like to be stationed. As we have less volunteers than last time, we are not having as many individuals at each of the homes.
Amity Lawn: Beth Sanderson
Coach/North: Rich and Linda Fleming (still verifying)
Storybook Trail: Joan Gottschling but we need more (north of upper lake, lots of tall pine trees, very pretty)
High Lea: Barb Starr
Kirby: Marilyn Alkire
Millwheel: Lynn Richardson
Garfield: Dick Johnson
Oxbow: Rob Richardson
Lower Lake Trail: Judy Soroczak but we need more (over looks mill and kirby, pretty bridge over creek, lots of great picture opportunities)
Deer Leep Trail: Jane Back and team
Lake Linnea: Jane Back and team
Gund Hall: Lucy Hanigosky
Check in Desk: Mrs. Richardson
Campaign Table: John (Lucy please verify name) but we could use another
Parking: It would be nice to have two volunteers, if we have a third, another greeting at the gate
If you know if anyone who can volunteer that day, please let me know as soon as possible. Please bring a friend!
Again, thank you in advance for your time! We couldn't make this possible without you! If I missed any details, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail (216-299-1051 or [email protected]). Look forward to seeing you Sunday, Corey.
Corey decided to open up Storybook Trail through the Forest of the Lost Green Cathedral; making a a loop trail around the property. She also decided that visitors needed a short cut. This required a way to cross the creek at the bottom of the gas cut. Corey built a bridge- off site, then transported it and organized a team of volunteers to install it.
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from Bobbie DiCenzi Beshara: Amazing! What a dedicated awesome group of volunteers! Thank you, Corey Ringle and your dad, Pat Norris, Lucy, Sandy Norris, John Novosielski and everyone who helped out today!!!! Wow! Thanks to Empaco for donating 40 tons of gravel! The dedication of so many is so very heartwarming!
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Chris Naizer's Cadettes came out for the afternoon
Third open house - October 18 Lynn Richardson in charge. theme: TREASURE HUNT
October 18- It rained. The only rainy day open house. The only one on a Sunday, the only one without Norrises to drive their golf cart around, and the only one that had the Oviatt Rd. gate open. We arranged for the Senior Center bus to come through there early for a sneak peek tour.
Corey ready to greet visitors by Kirby's Mill. Photo by Aubrey Babicz
Subject: report- Crowell Hilaka open house - Oct 18, 2014
A HUGE “Thank You” to all volunteers! Not only did you give your time to protect a beautiful natural and historic site, you maintained a positive spirit under adverse conditions!
Total visitors – 223 clicked in at North entrance, c. 20 started at South entrance, 12 on senior tour bus = 255
Conditions- Rain. Cold. The ground was soggy after a rainy night. Light rain on & off during event. Deer Leap Trail not recommended. Additional gravel placed near Kirby House the day before made the main road passable.
3 volunteer evaluations were turned in:
comments from visitors “very positive”, “beautiful”, “wow!”
Frequently asked questions: “ what will be done with property if levy passes?” “ how much will it cost?” “Was this a stop on the underground railroad?’ “ Why did the Neals move away?” “Can we see inside Kirby House & Garfield Hall?”
requests for diagram of lake mechanism, wheel mechanism
What went well: “meeting people and sharing history” , “ The place sells itself. beautiful day in spite of rain”, Beacon article was mentioned to guide them here.
suggestions for improvement:
“ bigger pictures of building interiors” “ make a fire” “sell hot chocolate or cider”
My observations on the day:
> Corey had a pre-made repair to Wilderness Bridge. She & Rob installed it while Kelly conducted the Senior Center Tour. That, plus the new gravel,> and some larger signs for Lower Lake Trail gave us more accessible hiking.
> KIds enjoyed the clues hidden at key attractions around the property. I was surprised at how many people took the long loop trail. I wondered if they were just marching along without thinking much about it. And if so, would they be too tired to really appreciate the unique features of the Kirby Estate by the time they got there? But the hikers I talked to ( or happened to overhear) seemed really impressed by the Forest of the Lost Green Cathedral & the area around High Lea.
>
> The weather was a challenge. In retrospect, I wish I had moved the coalition table to the back porch of Gund where we would have had more room to spread out displays and visitor feedback boards. The sign in crew could have directed visitors there by telling them they’d get free visitor guides. The coalition was giving good orientations, but it might be nice to have someone find out from visitors if they want to do a lot of hiking or to just see a bit of scenery or historic sites & then make suggestions.
> Having the south entrance open allowed visitors the option of driving around closer to Kirby’s Mill – which some were looking for.
>
> Fallen Leaves obscured Waterfront Road and Storybook Trail: some visitors missed places they were trying to get to. Next time, we can use a prep crew that gets in early enough to rake the main paths OR time to put up more large signs OR more volunteer stations.
>
> - In spite of rain, most visitors seemed pretty pleased. Several brought dogs. Several comments about wanting to see the insides of the buildings, wanting to know length of trails before going on them. ( As a troop leader, I never measured the trails. We always guessed the length of time it would take to get anywhere based on the ages of kids and how may detours were likely! ) It would be helpful to provide those answers.
>
>
> Richfield Together Campaign Team
> Bobbie Beshara
> Karen Smik
> Sandy Apidone
> Mike Lyons
> Abby Gretter ( at south entrance booth)
>
> Kathy Berta - R Strategy Group
>
> Volunteers
> Donna Spiegler – street greeter- north entrance
> Barb Dottore - traffic control
> Jerry Ruedger – parking
> Ele Richardson - sign in, north
> Candice Mencke – sign in, north
> Ralph McNerny – tent set up/ information
> Kelly Clark- tour guide/ information
> Roger Swan - Amity House
> Gary Pruett –Spif’s Garden
> Ken Bowman – North House/ Coach House
> Ryan Palopoli – Paddler campsite
> Judy Soroczak -High Lea Shelter
> Rachel Oppenheimer – Summer Stable road
> Bob Owens- gate keeper & parking, south entrance
> Ann Brown- sign in, south
> Andy “Huck” Ford – golf cart driver
> Corey Ann Ringle – Kirby’s Mill & bridge engineering
> Kathleen Bradley – Kirby’s Mill – interior
> Marilyn Alkire – Kirby House
> Rich & Linda Fleming – Garfield Hall
> David Neale – Wilderness Bridge
> Chris Naizer – gas cut
> Rob Richardson- troubleshooter/ Waterfront Road
> Meg Slifcak – Seely Cabin
> Gund Hall – Dick Johnson
> Lynn Richardson- hunt master & event coordinator
>
>
FEEL FREE to add additional comments & observations so we can make the final open house the best one ever!!
A HUGE “Thank You” to all volunteers! Not only did you give your time to protect a beautiful natural and historic site, you maintained a positive spirit under adverse conditions!
Total visitors – 223 clicked in at North entrance, c. 20 started at South entrance, 12 on senior tour bus = 255
Conditions- Rain. Cold. The ground was soggy after a rainy night. Light rain on & off during event. Deer Leap Trail not recommended. Additional gravel placed near Kirby House the day before made the main road passable.
3 volunteer evaluations were turned in:
comments from visitors “very positive”, “beautiful”, “wow!”
Frequently asked questions: “ what will be done with property if levy passes?” “ how much will it cost?” “Was this a stop on the underground railroad?’ “ Why did the Neals move away?” “Can we see inside Kirby House & Garfield Hall?”
requests for diagram of lake mechanism, wheel mechanism
What went well: “meeting people and sharing history” , “ The place sells itself. beautiful day in spite of rain”, Beacon article was mentioned to guide them here.
suggestions for improvement:
“ bigger pictures of building interiors” “ make a fire” “sell hot chocolate or cider”
My observations on the day:
> Corey had a pre-made repair to Wilderness Bridge. She & Rob installed it while Kelly conducted the Senior Center Tour. That, plus the new gravel,> and some larger signs for Lower Lake Trail gave us more accessible hiking.
> KIds enjoyed the clues hidden at key attractions around the property. I was surprised at how many people took the long loop trail. I wondered if they were just marching along without thinking much about it. And if so, would they be too tired to really appreciate the unique features of the Kirby Estate by the time they got there? But the hikers I talked to ( or happened to overhear) seemed really impressed by the Forest of the Lost Green Cathedral & the area around High Lea.
>
> The weather was a challenge. In retrospect, I wish I had moved the coalition table to the back porch of Gund where we would have had more room to spread out displays and visitor feedback boards. The sign in crew could have directed visitors there by telling them they’d get free visitor guides. The coalition was giving good orientations, but it might be nice to have someone find out from visitors if they want to do a lot of hiking or to just see a bit of scenery or historic sites & then make suggestions.
> Having the south entrance open allowed visitors the option of driving around closer to Kirby’s Mill – which some were looking for.
>
> Fallen Leaves obscured Waterfront Road and Storybook Trail: some visitors missed places they were trying to get to. Next time, we can use a prep crew that gets in early enough to rake the main paths OR time to put up more large signs OR more volunteer stations.
>
> - In spite of rain, most visitors seemed pretty pleased. Several brought dogs. Several comments about wanting to see the insides of the buildings, wanting to know length of trails before going on them. ( As a troop leader, I never measured the trails. We always guessed the length of time it would take to get anywhere based on the ages of kids and how may detours were likely! ) It would be helpful to provide those answers.
>
>
> Richfield Together Campaign Team
> Bobbie Beshara
> Karen Smik
> Sandy Apidone
> Mike Lyons
> Abby Gretter ( at south entrance booth)
>
> Kathy Berta - R Strategy Group
>
> Volunteers
> Donna Spiegler – street greeter- north entrance
> Barb Dottore - traffic control
> Jerry Ruedger – parking
> Ele Richardson - sign in, north
> Candice Mencke – sign in, north
> Ralph McNerny – tent set up/ information
> Kelly Clark- tour guide/ information
> Roger Swan - Amity House
> Gary Pruett –Spif’s Garden
> Ken Bowman – North House/ Coach House
> Ryan Palopoli – Paddler campsite
> Judy Soroczak -High Lea Shelter
> Rachel Oppenheimer – Summer Stable road
> Bob Owens- gate keeper & parking, south entrance
> Ann Brown- sign in, south
> Andy “Huck” Ford – golf cart driver
> Corey Ann Ringle – Kirby’s Mill & bridge engineering
> Kathleen Bradley – Kirby’s Mill – interior
> Marilyn Alkire – Kirby House
> Rich & Linda Fleming – Garfield Hall
> David Neale – Wilderness Bridge
> Chris Naizer – gas cut
> Rob Richardson- troubleshooter/ Waterfront Road
> Meg Slifcak – Seely Cabin
> Gund Hall – Dick Johnson
> Lynn Richardson- hunt master & event coordinator
>
>
FEEL FREE to add additional comments & observations so we can make the final open house the best one ever!!
Fourth open house . October 26. Lucy Hanigosky in charge. theme: HOSPITALITY
coffee & donuts served in Gund Hall
631 visitors
Lucy says: "Add all the dogs and we have a thousand!"
631 visitors
Lucy says: "Add all the dogs and we have a thousand!"
How did you hear about this event?
family or friends - 19.8%
facebook/ online 13.7%
mail 9%
saw signs 10.4%
newspaper 33.5%
WRLC 4.2%
Scouts 8.5%
door-to-door call 1%
Although the open houses were held for the voters of Richfield, they were public events. Camp alumna Aubrey Babicz came in the rain on October 18 and created a photo essay of the visit. Excerpts below.
