Spring 2016

First year. June 30, 2015 -2016

crafts at the Summer Barn- OHC's Derby Day May 7, 2016

preparing for L.L. Bean kayak class

Cicada study in progress

Activity begins to blossom in the park's first year 2015-2016

Ohio Operating Engineer's Apprenticeship Training Program helps with park tasks that require heavy machinery
Park declared OPEN daily from dawn to dusk October 6
Friends of Crowell Hilaka hosts Kirby's Birthday celebration
Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) sponsors Trick or Treat on the Trail
Ohio Horseman's Council (OHC) Summit County Chapter holds a community open house of the equestrian facilities
Master Planner Environmental Design Group holds Community planning session February 11, 2016
Local Boy Scout troops camp at High Lea Shelter and near the Summer Stable.
Richfield Firefighters hold a 5K run/ 1 mile walk. April 30
The Buckeye Trail Association begins building a new segment of the trail through the park.
Timbernook sets up day camps featuring unstructured, imaginative play time
OHC hosts Derby Day May 7
Magiccicada emergence is tracked by Dr. Chris Stanton of Baldwin Wallace University.
Fishing allowed
L.L. Bean teaches kayaking and paddleboarding

A small Bee and his Keepers visit the witches at Mabel Smith Shelter - Trick or Treat on the Trail 2015

Fish survey of the lower lake conducted by the Cleveland Metroparks, led by MIke Durkolec. Rich Fleming in background.

Then there was the stuff that was not exactly fun & games, but still important....
All manhole covers for the sewage system located, lids cleared from years of debris
Fish survey completed
Mill basement cleared & Inventory done
Fence line cleared- an RJRD volunteer project assisted by FoCH members
Fence repaired
Lake levels temporarily lowered in preparation to assess the structural integrity of the dams
Fallen trees cleaned up
Trees fenced or sand-painted to protect them from Beavers

Winter 2015-2016. The fence line needed to be cleared of fallen trees, grapevines, brambles, and other obstructions before it could be repaired. Estimated costs of professional clearing was $50,000.00. With money in short supply, RJRD Volunteer Services took the work in hand. The project was led by RJRD volunteer Jeff Deluca, assisted by his son Kyle. Aided and abetted by volunteers from RJRD volunteer services and a FoCH promotion campaign which drew in more help.