Arrowhead - July/August 2024

EXPLORE THE PARKS

Enjoy this deep dive into every reservation in our park district! Find the park that's right for you! | Pgs. 3-11

SUNSET BEACH FEST

This FREE event features food, live music, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a beach bonfire! | Pg. 12

Pictured: Sundaes in the Park mini-golf course and ice cream shop at Columbia Reservation. Now open! Details on page 2.

James E. Ziemnik

2024 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:

Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Chairman

Joseph E. Hribar • Vice Chairman

Kenneth M. Lieux • Commissioner

James Walther • Probate Court Judge

Park Updates

MINI-GOLF AND ICE CREAM RETURN TO COLUMBIA RESERVATION

In June, the Lorain County Metro Parks were excited to reopen Sundaes in the Park, a dinothemed mini-golf course and ice cream shop located at Columbia Reservation. Previously run by an outside vendor the shop closed for a few seasons. Now under the management of the Lorain County Metro Parks, the shop serves hard scoop ice cream treats along with hot dogs and other concessions. Behind the ice-cream shop is the 18-hole dinosaurthemed miniature golf course which is just $5 to play! For the summer season, Sundaes in the Park is open 12:00-8:00 p.m., daily. Find more details and the full food menu online at loraincountymetroparks.com/mini-golf. It’s a roaring good time!

Honor Roll

Avon Historical Society

Jacob and Robyn Groshek and Family

Girl Scout Troop 50372

Community Foundation of Lorain County Rural King

Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County

Ruby Barck

Richard Goldsworth

Adopt-A-Raptor

Steven A. Bridge

Ava Cook

Mary Ann and Steve Johnson

Lila and Emmett Kovacs

Stuart and Kathy Schiffman

John Kirkpatrick

Cathy and Louie Ciehanoski

Karen Payne

Gail Jones

David Williams

The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, & corporations for their donations to the Lorain County Metro Parks be it through volunteer services, monetary gifts, or other. If you would like information about making a donation, please contact the Public Information Office at (440) 458-5121.

In honor of Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by:

Veronica and James Ziemnik

In memory of Anthony C. Nickras by:

Katherine Nickras

In memory of Barbara Wolfe by:

Nancy Curci

Firelands Garden Club

In memory of Christina McIntyre by:

Katherine Nickras

In memory of Elaine Mocker by:

Paul & Joanne Billig

Debra Richter

Tony and Georgia Sternisa

Shirley Swindell

Don Veneskey & Lucille Nolan

Theresa Check

Marie Feldman

Monica Gable

Carole Jones

Nancy Kartali

Michele Kuhar

Charlene Leveno

Paul Rankin

Patricia A. Lally

John A. Mocker, Jr.

James and Lorel Mocker

Kimberley Carlisle

Jeffery and Kristi Nelson

Cynthia and James Rahe Jr.

In memory of Gregory L. Berry Jr. by:

Cheryl Berry

In memory of Jack Gluvna by:

James and Jonnie Logar

In memory of James A. Yagielo by:

Rick and Carolyn Devine

Rose Maria Granaudo

Fred and Laura Immormino

The Yoder Family

Dan and Karen LaBella

Nadine and Grant Sandrew

Mark and Jo Ellen Sciulli

Donna Truxell

In memory of Jeanne Pauly by:

David Horn

Phyllis Rogers

David Schaeffer

Stephanie and Mike Schaeffer

City of Tiffin

In memory of Josephine Layton by:

Rosanna Haas

In memory of

Julia Renee McCormack by:

Family of Julia Renee McCormack

In memory of Mary Knoble by:

Family and Friends of Mary Knoble

In memory of Nancy Jean Cecil by:

The Cecil and Sprunger Families

In memory of Peggy Peters by:

Friends and Family of Peggy Peters

Amherst Beaver Creek

Reservation

FUN FACT:

This popular park opened in 2001 and in May, 2021 the "Transformation Trail" was created, which is a set of trail activities rooted in brain science to encourage positive thought.

NATURE FACT:

The southern uplands is marked by large groves of red pine, Norway spruce and red cedar, none of which are native to the area but were planted over 50 years ago.

Amherst HealthPlex

at Hollstein Reservation

Black River Reservation

FUN FACTS:

• This 50,000-square-foot rec facility features an eight-lane swimming pool with a two-story slide, a therapy pool, a workout facility, and an indoor walking track and daily admission is only $8 (membership rates also available).

• The inclusive playground (featuring wheelchair swings, slide, sand pit, small fishing pond, and more) and splash pad offer a place for children of all abilities to play together.

FUN FACT:

This hike/bike trail at Black River Reservation spans between Elyria and Lorain and is highlighted by a 1,000-ft. bridge that crosses the Black River twice. The trail system is a crucial 5.5-mile section of the North Coast Inland Trail, which spans roughly 100 miles (nearly 30 of which is in Lorain County).

NATURE FACT:

The Cottonwood Trail, about a quarter-mile south of the Day's Dam Picnic Area, takes visitors directly to a cottonwood tree that might be the largest and oldest tree in Lorain County.

Caley Reservation

Carlisle Reservation

Cascade Park

ACREAGE: 529 Acres TRAILS: 0.75 miles (natural)

FUN FACT:

The two front ponds (pictured below) allow for catch-and-release fishing, which has become one of the most popular activities at this park.

NATURE FACTS:

• Caley Reservation supports both extensive field and wetland habitats; each supporting a characteristic assemblage of plants and animals. Nesting birds in Caley’s fields include meadowlark, field and vesper sparrows.

• As far as trees go, mature stands of cottonwood, box elder, sycamore, walnut, elm, willow, and maple can be found in the bottomlands of this gorgeous natural park.

ACREAGE: 1,689 Acres

FUN FACT:

TRAILS: 11+ miles (asphalt, stone, & natural)

The Visitor Center is a favorite of kids and families as it features the nature-themed Children's Nature Discovery Trail, the indoor Dino play space and Discovery Den exploration area, and live birds of prey at the Raptor Center (pictured below).

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• Maple Sugaring (Feb.-Mar.)

• Nature at Night (July)

• Halloween Fair (Oct.)

• Holiday Lights (Dec.)

ACREAGE: 145 Acres

FUN FACT:

Cascade Park features the confluence of the East and West branches of the Black River. Before converging, both branches feature waterfalls; the East (30’ high/50’ wide) and West Falls (35’ high/ 80’ wide), which are two of Lorain County’s most noteworthy and spectacular natural features.

NATURE FACT:

Even though the watershed is comprised of more than 50% agricultural farmlands, the bedrock of the Black River forms the backbone of Cascade Park. The bedrock was formed more than 300 million years ago when much of Ohio was covered by a tropical sea.

Cassell Reservation

815 HIGHBRIDGE RD., VERMILION

FUN FACT:

This wonderfully wooded new park in Vermilion officially opened to the public in June 2023.

NATURE FACTS:

• Cassell Reservation is a haven for rare, acidloving plants (e.g. Sphagnum Moss, Blueberry, Bracken Fern, among others) including several listed by Ohio as rare or endangered. One plant, in fact, has been found nowhere else in the state.

• Along the trail visitors can see woodland populated with black oak, black gum, and sassafras; glacial rock strewn on the forest floor; and prairie openings ablaze with wildflowers.

Century Park

1955 EAST ERIE AVE., LORAIN

FUN FACTS:

• The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation of the park in 2019 in partnership with the city of Lorain.

• The Harbor House is available for rentals for small events.

• Century Park sits along the North Coast Inland Trail (a roughly 100-mile-long hike and bike trail stretching across northern Ohio) at around mile 1.1 of the nearly 30-mile-long section located in Lorain County. The trail continues south into Longfellow Park and beyond.

FUN FACT:

Charlemont Reservation is the only reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks district that allows hunting (in-season rabbit and pheasant hunting only).

NATURE FACT:

The Park District both mows and burns the fields at Charlemont on a rotational basis to maintain habitat for field-loving birds and other wildlife. Many bird species have nested here including Meadowlark, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, Vesper, Grasshopper, and Henslow’s Sparrows. Charlemont is a great place to see raptors in winter as well.

Columbia Reservation

25145 ROYALTON RD., COLUMBIA STATION (440) 236-3254

Dorlon Reservation

18200 STATION RD., COLUMBIA STATION

Forest Hills Golf Course

FUN FACT:

Columbia Reservation is home to 'Sundaes in the Park' (open seasonally), an 18-hole dinosaur-themed minigolf course (pictured) and ice cream shop serving hard scoop ice cream, sundaes, hot dogs, and more!

NATURE FACTS:

• Plenty of wildlife calls Columbia Reservation home, including muskrat, deer, skunk, rabbit, raccoon, fox, coyote, wild turkeys, snakes, frogs and turtles as well as many other mammals.

• Columbia Reservation has more than 7 ponds or wetlands that provide homes to many wildlife and gorgeous views to park visitors.

FUN FACT:

Dorlon Reservation was the former Dorlon Golf Course that closed its doors in August 2018. The former course was well known as one of the first northeast Ohio public courses featuring more than 7,000 yards of play. After taking full ownership of the property in 2021, the Park District purposely left the land untouched. This intentional effort allowed the land to heal while additional planning took place. The park opened to visitors on March 4, 2024.

NATURE FACT:

This beautiful reservation is home to various wildlife and trees, such as the Pin Oak and Swamp White Oak trees.

18-hole course, Driving range, Pro shop, Snack bar/Clubhouse

FUN FACT:

Forest Hills Golf Course is the home to the annual Citizen's Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks golf outing in July which typically offers participants a round of golf with a cart, lunch at the turn and an Antigua golf shirt.

NATURE FACT:

The Black River runs through the course and comes into play in six holes, and there are plenty of other ponds, bunkers and hills to keep things interesting.

French Creek Reservation

Indian Hollow Reservation

SHELDON WOODS: 38744 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON

ROYAL OAKS: 1057 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON

809 Acres

6+ miles (natural, stone)

FUN FACT:

The French Creek kayak launch (pictured below) located about 1 mile west of the Nature Center on Old Colorado Ave. offers paddlers access to the French Creek (a Black River tributary) and is only about 5 miles from Lake Erie.

NATURE FACT:

French Creek Reservation features over 4.5 miles of trails through 450 acres of mostly wooded landscape with high cliffs, deep ravines and three creeks-Sugar Creek, Fish Creek, and the reservation's namesake, the French Creek.

FUN FACT:

A trail was built in 2021 to connect the two popular sections of the park, Sheldon Woods and Royal Oaks (pictured below). Visitors are now able to park at either location and walk, hike, or bike the entire 6+ miles worth of trails this Grafton park offers.

NATURE FACT:

Indian Hollow is home to a cucumber tree. This large, and fairly unknown, tree is actually a magnolia (Magnolia acuminate) and is not known to grow anywhere else in the Lorain County Metro Parks.

16000 ST. RT. 511, OBERLIN

ACREAGE: 151 Acres

FUN FACT:

2.2 miles (natural)

Kipton Reservation is the former site of a reservoir (Kipton Reservoir) which once served as the City of Oberlin’s water supply. The now largely dry basin is grown over and ringed with forest.

NATURE FACT:

The reservoir served as Oberlin’s water supply until 1905 and it was at about this same time that Oberlin launched an effort to reforest portions of the site. The chosen trees included a mix of native and non-native species including white pine, catalpa, ash, red oak, black locust, larch, and Norway spruce.

Kopf Family Golf Course

at Cherry Ridge

1211 WEST RIVER RD., ELYRIA (440) 324-3713

FUN FACT:

ACREAGE: 82 Acres

The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation in 2020 after a donation from the Kopf Family.

NATURE FACT:

This gorgeous 9-hole course is almost completely surrounded by the Black River on all sides except for the small entryway drive.

Kopf Family Reservation

32649 ELECTRIC BLVD., AVON LAKE

ACREAGE: 139 Acres

FUN FACTS:

TRAILS: 3+ miles (asphalt, stone)

• Kopf Family Reservation features a storybook trail along the 0.4-mile long Library Connector Trail.

• In 2023, the playground located near Belle Rd. was renovated.

NATURE FACT:

Kopf Family Reservation consists of approximately 139 acres of oak-hickory woodlands accompanied by maple, elm, ash, cherry, sassafras, and willow. Daily visits by white-tailed deer and fox squirrel make for great wildlife viewing year-round.

ACREAGE: 35 Acres

FUN FACT:

Sunset Café (Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m., MondayFriday from Memorial Day through Labor Day) is located in the bathhouse right on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie and is open for lunch during the summer. Serving soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, this is a great spot for lunch with a view!

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• Sunset Concert Series (June-Aug.)

• Pirate Invasion (July)

• Sunset Beach Fest (Aug.)

• Santa Nights & Lights on the Lake (Nov. & Dec.)

Miller Nature Preserve

North Coast Inland Trail

Sandy Ridge Reservation

FUN FACT:

In 2023, a 0.5-mile trail was installed at the Avon Wetlands area of Miller Nature Preserve. A planting of over 3,000 tree seedlings also took place at this newly opened section of the park.

NATURE FACT:

The 5,000 square foot conservatory is an indoor oasis featuring an orchid collection donated in part by Dr. Ibrahim Eren of Lorain. Other species include bromeliads, ferns, bonsai, desert plants, palms, cycads, other tropical plants, and even more rotating plants in bloom.

NOTABLE TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:

MILE 0.0:

LAKESIDE LANDING, 401 LAKESIDE AVE., LORAIN

MILE 6.4:

DAY'S DAM, 2720 EAST 31ST ST., LORAIN

MILE 12:

CASCADE PARK, 387 FURNACE ST., ELYRIA

MILE 14.3:

GATEWAY TRAILHEAD, 6302 GATEWAY BLVD., ELYRIA

MILE 19.7:

BUTTERNUT TRAILHEAD, 44342 BUTTERNUT RIDGE RD., OBERLIN

MILE 27:

KIPTON COMMUNITY PARK, 57 ROSA ST., KIPTON

FUN FACT:

The North Coast Inland Trail begins at mile 0.0 at Lake Erie's Lakeside Landing in Lorain, then traverses nearly 30 miles throughout Lorain County. The entire hike/bike trail extends west nearly 100 total miles all the way to the Toledo area.

This wetland and wildlife preserve is a birdwatching paradise, attracting birders from all over the state. Since 1995, nearly 250 species of birds have been identified in the reservation.

NATURE FACTS:

• Some notable bird residents include sand hill cranes, egrets, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, as well as the elusive great horned owl.

• In addition to the wide variety of bird species, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife including white-tailed deer, fox, squirrel, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, coyote and mink.

Schoepfle Garden

11106 MARKET ST., WAKEMAN (440) 965-7237

Splash Zone Aquatic Center

Vermilion River Reservation

Acres

FUN FACT:

2.2 miles (natural)

In 2007, the Children’s Garden was added to Schoepfle Garden. Inspired by Mr. Otto Schoepfle’s love of gardening, music and youth, the Children's Garden features various musically-themed toys and structures as well as a restored carousel (pictured below). The Children's Carousel is free to ride and runs Wed., Thur., and Sat. from 1-4 pm and Fri., from 10 am-12 pm through August.

NATURE FACT:

The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries and trees.

95 WEST HAMILTON RD., OBERLIN (440) 774-5059

AMENITIES:

8-lane swimming pool, Kiddie pool, Outdoor pool with slide, Fieldhouse with basketball/volleyball courts, Workout facility, Splash pad, Dog park

FUN FACTS:

• The outdoor pool is perfect for the summer months and features two different 24-foot tall water slides, tumble buckets, water jets, water cannons and a separate tot pool with a mushroom waterfall. The outdoor pool also features a concession stand as well as a playground.

• Splash Zone offers a large eight-lane indoor competition pool (pictured below) perfect for laps and water aerobics classes.

FUN FACT:

Vermilion River Reservation was the very first Lorain County Metro Park after its donation to the newly-formed park district in 1958.

NATURE FACTS:

The most striking feature of the park is the winding ribbon of shale cliffs (pictured below) carved by the Vermilion River. The park is known as a habitat for bald eagles and several other wildlife including Great Blue Heron, Greenback Heron and various geese and ducks.

Wellington Reservation

535 JONES RD., WELLINGTON (440) 647-2509

ACREAGE:

541 Acres

FUN FACT:

TRAILS: 6+ miles (asphalt, stone)

The park sits on a 21-plus acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir and is perfect for kayaks and paddleboats, which can be rented from the on-site livery (open Thur.-Mon., Memorial Day-Labor Day)

NATURE FACT:

The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and a lot of bluegill. Visitors may bring their own non-gas motorized boats to fish in the 107 million-gallon body of water.

Yours to Explore

SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

NATURE AT NIGHT

Sat., July 13 | 7–11 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

$5/participant | Registration by 7/11 required

Join us at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center for a fun-filled evening focused on species that are active after sundown, such as bats, owls, fireflies, and moths! There will be night hikes, crafts, insect light trapping, a campfire, and more! Come explore Nature at Night!

PIRATE INVASION AT LAKEVIEW

Sat., Jul. 13 | 12:00-4:00 pm

Lakeview Park

Free! | No registration required

BUBBLE DAY

Wed., Aug. 14 | 10:00-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

$1 per person | Registration required Enjoy bubbles in all forms! From foam to bubble art this program has a station for every kind of bubble! Fun for all ages!

The Pirates are BACK at Lakeview Beach! Free and open to all, no registration is required. Join the fun and come dressed in your Pirate best to enjoy all the family fun activities. Challenge a pirate to a duel, get a (temporary) tattoo, walk the plank, visit with a mermaid, and search for treasure! All games and crafts are FREE. Piratethemed meal options are available for a fee in the Sunset Café.

Picnic n’ Play

Wed., July 3 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Lakeview Park

Wed., July 10 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Cascade Park

Wed., July 17 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Black River Res.: Days Dam Wed., July 24 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Century Park

NATURE'S PALETTE DISPLAY

Daily | 10 am-5 pm

Miller Nature Preseve

$2 | No registration required Explore the sensory perception of light and color, textures, fragrances, and tastes during this seasonal display in the Conservatory and Outdoor Gardens!

Come enjoy an afternoon in the park with your friends and family! Each week, travel to a different park to enjoy games, crafts, and a free lunch! Registration is required for this FREE program. Parks have various hiking levels. This event is for all ages! Please call (440) 865-8786 with any questions.

Yours to Explore

SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

Sat., Aug. 10 | 4–8:30 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Free | No registration required Enjoy food, live music, an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset, and a campfire on the beach! Recreation specialists will be on hand to allow participants to try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing for free (age restrictions apply). All try-its are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are weather-permitted. Plus, various organizations will also be on hand with information about local natural resources.

-LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS-

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION

Sunday Evenings | 6:00 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater

July 7 | Polka Pirates (Polka)

July 14 | Cats on Holiday (Louisiana-inspired Rock/Roots/Zydeco)

July 21 | Backstreet Blues Band (Blues/Country/Rock)

July 28 | Jim Gill (Soft Rock)

Aug. 4 | Kristine Jackson (Blues)

Aug. 11 | Jam Machine (70's & 80's Rock)

LAKEVIEW PARK

Every other Thursday Evening* | 6:00 pm

*No concert on July 4. Additional concert on Aug. 10

Lakeview Park (Lorain)

July 18 | Backspin Horns & Rhythm (Pop Swing)

Aug. 1 | The Big North Band (Country)

Aug. 10** | Scott Sopata (Island - Steel Drums)

**Special Saturday Beach Fest Concert

Aug. 15 | Dirty Little Blues Band (Blues)

Aug. 29 | The RayBans (Island, Contemp., Motown)

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE

Every other Thursday Evening | 6:00 pm

Miller Nature Preserve patio (Avon)

July 11 | Cloud9CLE (Classic & Contemporary Rock)

July 25 | Island Song (Island/Classic Rock/Country)

Aug. 8 | Tweed (Celtic & Contemporary Folk)

Aug. 22 | Ronnie Clinton (Americana)

LITTLE GREEN CHOO RIDES

Sat. afternoons: July 20, 27, Aug. 10, and 17 | 1–3 pm

Thur. mornings: July 18, Aug. 1, 8, and 15 | 10:30 am–12:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

All aboard for a train adventure to discover nature’s wonders on the Little Green Choo! The train will run every 15 minutes. Weather permitting.

We offer general admission tickets only (First-Come, First-Served). Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime! Tickets are on sale now at loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre or by phone at FCT Box Office (440) 949-5200. If you or a member of your party will be needing ADA compliant seating, please call 440-949-5200 ext. 226 to make a reservation.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR.

July 27, 28*, Aug. 2, 3, 4* | 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm

(*July 28 & Aug. 4: matinee performances at 2 pm)

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall

$10 per person

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life in French Creek Youth Theatre Camp’s presentation of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. Youth actors from our summer theatre camp will present the story of Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High. Sing along as they deal with issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to have you dancing in your seat.

This show is a production put on by the participants of our Theatre Camp. Campers channel their creativity and work as a team. At the end of the camp, they showcase their newly learned skills by putting on a production of ‘High School Musical Jr.’

SNOWFLAKE COMEDY CLUB

Sat., Aug. 17 | 7:00 pm

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall

$15 per person

For one show only, enjoy laughs from the Snowflake Comedy Club and snacks from local food truck vendors. The Snowflake Comedy Club is a pop-up comedy club in Northeast Ohio that features “comics from underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, and folks in the queer community.” With material that strives to “regulate and advocate for everyone that attends a show to be treated with dignity and respect.”