Wildest Dreams
in 2013, when it became clear that Crowell Hilaka was not ever going to return to function as a GS camp, we talked about what it might become instead. There have been times when camp Friends Groups purchased their camp from the releasing organization. These include Camp Tuscazoar ( Tuscarawas County, Ohio), Camp LIttle Notch ( upstate New York ), and most recently Eagle Island (Upper Saranac Lake, New Jersey ). We brainstormed ideas and then set up priorities. Our vision was as follows:
- Preserve Crowell Hilaka as heritage site for the community
- Use historic Kirby structures for STEM programs
- Use historic Neal Houses for cultural events and education
- Promote outdoor recreation by improving/using facilities
- Promote love of nature through volunteer-run family camping and outdoor skills programs
As of January 2016, we still support these ideas and stand ready to help implement them. But we await the final decision on direction from the Richfield community.
- Preserve Crowell Hilaka as heritage site for the community
- Use historic Kirby structures for STEM programs
- Use historic Neal Houses for cultural events and education
- Promote outdoor recreation by improving/using facilities
- Promote love of nature through volunteer-run family camping and outdoor skills programs
As of January 2016, we still support these ideas and stand ready to help implement them. But we await the final decision on direction from the Richfield community.
The "brainstormings" ( for reference only )
The brainstorm list was augmented throughout the Richfield Together campaign. It seemed like a good idea to save the ideas, so whenever anyone thought of some way the property could be used, we wrote it down. The organic pizza farm was Bobbie Beshara's contribution!
Recreation destination for promoting interactive problem-solving: mazes, treasure hunts, games,& puzzles. Activities and features found no where else.
The Kirby estate for elementary engineering education. Interpretive signage, informal lab areas, programs, tours
Native species restoration program & plantings ( throughout )
Campsites
Zip-line network
Treehouses
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58528-d1444452-Reviews-Treehouse_Point-Issaquah_Washington.html
Fishing and boating on Lower Lake
Inflatables on Lake Linnea
Keep up fence to protect historic structures and to protect vegetation from deer.
Post access codes on gates, lock at night only
Drawbridge-type stiles at Buckeye Trail access points ( also drawn up and locked at night)
Wheel chair access to High Lea shelter
Gund Hall needs upgraded bathrooms
Horses!
Solicit proposals from vendors who could provide recreational opportunities and services
Promote using location for film shooting
Weekend or week-long site rentals - families or groups
Apple orchards (historic connection)
Farm leases (investigate using land under the power wires)
Shooting range: archery and gun
Dog Park - adjacent, enclosed wooded area set aside for people to walk dogs without leashes
Sheep to graze on lawn areas – historic connection & cut down on need to mow!
Cemetery / natural burying ground
Sculpture Garden in the old Orchard area
Hedge maze
Labyrinth
Festivals & concerts
consider the natural amphitheater from the 1980’s GSLEC master plan
build a year-round auditorium / recording studio
Organic pizza farm
Hobbit holes
Aerial hiking trail with rope bridges between tree platforms
Repair pool & install waterslides, water cannons, play platforms accessible by climbing up the “rigging”
tow rope alongside gas cut to help people who are sledding – or skiing
Power up the mill & sell excess generated electricity back to First Energy
Promote weddings and events at Gund Hall and historic buildings, shelters. Charge for support services.
Non-residents pay admission fee / residents get free admission and major discounts on site reservations and specialty services
Glamping (“Glamor camping” -- see camping brochure from Paws Up Resort in Montana http://www.pawsup.com/pdf/luxury-camping.pdf )
Hay rides and sleigh rides
The Kirby estate for elementary engineering education. Interpretive signage, informal lab areas, programs, tours
Native species restoration program & plantings ( throughout )
Campsites
Zip-line network
Treehouses
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58528-d1444452-Reviews-Treehouse_Point-Issaquah_Washington.html
Fishing and boating on Lower Lake
Inflatables on Lake Linnea
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTu9P77c7KQ
- http://the-blob.com/
- http://www.watertrampolinesexpress.com/water-launch-pad/
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwl8ybiDmOA wibit aquatic inflatables
Keep up fence to protect historic structures and to protect vegetation from deer.
Post access codes on gates, lock at night only
Drawbridge-type stiles at Buckeye Trail access points ( also drawn up and locked at night)
Wheel chair access to High Lea shelter
Gund Hall needs upgraded bathrooms
Horses!
- re-up the bridle trails
- connect to regional bridle trails
- permit camping by horse back
- make this the world capital for horseback weddings
Solicit proposals from vendors who could provide recreational opportunities and services
Promote using location for film shooting
Weekend or week-long site rentals - families or groups
Apple orchards (historic connection)
Farm leases (investigate using land under the power wires)
Shooting range: archery and gun
Dog Park - adjacent, enclosed wooded area set aside for people to walk dogs without leashes
Sheep to graze on lawn areas – historic connection & cut down on need to mow!
Cemetery / natural burying ground
Sculpture Garden in the old Orchard area
Hedge maze
Labyrinth
Festivals & concerts
consider the natural amphitheater from the 1980’s GSLEC master plan
build a year-round auditorium / recording studio
Organic pizza farm
Hobbit holes
Aerial hiking trail with rope bridges between tree platforms
Repair pool & install waterslides, water cannons, play platforms accessible by climbing up the “rigging”
tow rope alongside gas cut to help people who are sledding – or skiing
Power up the mill & sell excess generated electricity back to First Energy
Promote weddings and events at Gund Hall and historic buildings, shelters. Charge for support services.
Non-residents pay admission fee / residents get free admission and major discounts on site reservations and specialty services
Glamping (“Glamor camping” -- see camping brochure from Paws Up Resort in Montana http://www.pawsup.com/pdf/luxury-camping.pdf )
Hay rides and sleigh rides