Crowell Hilaka
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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.  
  

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 
  • 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
 
 

Projects

Kirby's Mill Restoration
Historic Home Stabilization
Native Species Restoration

Contact Us

Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve/ Friends of Crowell Hilaka
100 Wandle Avenue
Bedford, OH 44146
contactus@friendsofrhp.org

​© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • What's Here
    • Directions
    • The Property >
      • Google Map
    • History
    • Maps
    • Nature Sightings
    • Memorials
  • About Us
    • Reports to the Community
    • Board of Directors
    • Bylaws
    • Board Portal
    • FoCH History
    • Incorporation
  • Get Involved
    • Contact
    • Our Supporters 2022
    • Our supporters 2023
    • Kirby's Mill Restoration
    • Education and Outreach
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • Events