Arrowhead - September/October 2020

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

September-October 2020 | Volume 60, Number 5

RO PA RK S LO RA IN CO UN T Y M ET

BOO-THRU , OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 23

24, & 25

HALLOWEEN BOO-THRU Enjoy a new twist on an old favorite this Halloween with the NEW drive-through, family-friendly Halloween Boo-Thru! | Pg. 12

GUIDE TO THE PARKS Enjoy this 8-page exploration of every reservation in our park district!

Get to know what makes each park special! | Pgs. 3-10

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Letter from the Director Guide to the Parks • • • • • • • •

ABC - BRR CA - CAS CHR - FHGC FCR - KFR KR - MNP NCIT - SRR SG - VRR WR

Letter from the Director

2 3 - 10

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Articles 11 Boo-Thru 12

James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2020 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: Kenneth M. Lieux • Chairman Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Vice Chairman Joseph E. Hribar • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

(440) 458-5121

On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners and our Lorain County Metro Parks staff, we want to thank all our park visitors for supporting the parks during these unprecedented times.

Recent reports and surveys indicate that park visitation in Lorain County has increased well in excess of 200%.

We are pleased that we have been able to keep all our parks open through the duration of the pandemic in large part due to you. Park visitors have been encouraged to keep themselves and fellow park visitors safe by maintaining proper social distance, wearing a face mask when within 6 feet of another, practicing good hygiene, and most importantly staying home when feeling sick. These critical steps have allowed us to continue to offer natural spaces for respite, mental, and physical wellness and has provided us the opportunity to explore new amenities, programs, and possibilities that will better serve all of our patrons and visitors.

Honor Roll Janet Anderson, New London Cintas First Aid & Safety Bob and Marilyn Fabritius, North Ridgeville Michelle Hunkley Mark and Pam Johns, Elyria OPRA Foundation Matt & Barb Weisman, Elyria Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville

Adopt-A-Raptor

Faith United Methodist Church, Lorain Faith United Methodist Church (in memory of Pastor Joe’s granddaughter, Mattie) Steven A. Bridge, The Villages, FL (in memory of Margaret A. Bridge) Judy Hutchinson, Amherst (Gift to Jack Ryan) Mark & Pam Johns, Elyria John Kirkpatrick, LaGrange

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Our Arrowhead publication has taken on a different look during the pandemic as it was necessary to cancel almost all public programs out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our visitors and staff. We hope you enjoy this issue which highlights the many parks Lorain County Metro Parks has to offer. Perhaps this guide will inspire you to visit a park less traveled or one you haven’t explored yet.

Additionally, you will find details of our 2020 Halloween event. While we will certainly miss our annual Halloween Fair, the Halloween BooThru will give visitors a chance to see their favorite LCMP spooky displays in a safe way. If conditions allow, it is our intention to bring back Halloween Fair in 2021.

As we move into the cooler months, we encourage you to continue to visit the parks. We are open all year round. We wish you continued health and wellness.

With extreme gratitude, James Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks

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.

Mikaela Weigel, Grafton Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Scott and Jannah Wilson, Marblehead (gift to Sue Wilson)

Rick Kennedy by Gregg and Candice Rolfsmeyer, Solana Beach CA Al Kneisel by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Beverly A. Lehman by Brenda and Rob Brown, Elyria Beverly A. Lehman by Robert Finch, Elyria Frank V. Radachi by Denise and William Gross, Vermilion Richard and Jeanette Ready by Karen Pietch Frank V. Radachi by George Hoppe Richard and Jeanette Ready by Maureen Shannon, Frank V. Radachi by Cindy Majoras Lorain Gwendolyn Stowers by The Zimmerman Family, Vermilion Jim and Ann Tomasic by The Tomasic/ Cantu Bill Dalton by William and Kathleen Boyd, Findlay Family, Lorain Leo Gorenshek by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Walter and Lillian Tripphahn by Timothy Tripphahn, Grafton Leo Gorenshek by Harry Kallas, Vermilion Richard Wiegand

by Mary Sedano, Lorain Magdalene E. "Maggie" Holzhauer by Jeannine L. Rock, Vermilion Antoinette Zinitz by Laverne and William Hunady, Lorain Magdalene E. "Maggie" Holzhauer by Terry and Monica Tomaszewski, Amherst

Gift was given in Honor of:

Gift was given in Memory of:

Guide to the Parks PULL-OUT SECTION FEATURING INFORMATION ON OUR AMAZING PARKS & RESERVATIONS

AMHERST BEAVER CREEK RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 913 North Lake St, Amherst, Ohio 44001 • PHONE: (440) 774-7078 • ACREAGE: 108 Acres • FACILITIES: Rentable Visitor's Center, Playground, Shelter, Soccer Fields • TRAILS: 1.5 miles, Asphalt

Whether you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, let the kids run free, or want to walk the paved trail from creek bed to pine grove, come and check us out! For one of the smallest of the metro parks, this reservation has a surprising variety of both natural habitats and activities.

News from the Park: In response to this park’s popularity, a new parking lot was recently opened at the N. Main St. entrance of the park.

AMHERST HEALTHPLEX/HOLLSTEIN RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 47160 Hollstein Dr, Amherst, OH 44001 • PHONE: (440) 984-3470 • ACREAGE: 48 Acres • FACILITIES: Recreation Facility

Hollstein Reservation is a 37-acre reservation that is home to MercyHealth Amherst HealthPlex, the Inclusive Playground and a 0.6-mile walking trail that ventures through the woods and ends at the Beaver Creek. This reservation is perfect for those who are looking for exercise (whether indoors or out) and for those looking for a fun activity for the kids.

(Indoor pool, 3 aerobics rooms, weights/cardio equipment, track, inclusive playground, splash pad)

• TRAILS: 0.6 miles, Asphalt

BLACK RIVER RESERVATION • ADDRESSES:

• 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (High Meadows) • 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (Bur Oak) • 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055 (Day's Dam)

• ACREAGE: 919 Acres • FACILITIES: 2 playgrounds, 6 shelters • TRAILS: 5.5 miles, Asphalt

With almost half a million visitors each year, this is one of the most popular parks in the Lorain County Metro Park system. The most notable feature is the Bridgeway Trail and the Steel Mill Trail. The Bridgeway Trail is highlighted by a 1,000-footbridge that crosses the Black River twice. The Steel Mill Trail is connected to the Bridgeway Trail and is highlighted by slag fields from the Steel Mill surrounding it.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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CALEY RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 • ACREAGE: 529 Acres • TRAILS: 0.75 miles, Natural

Caley Reservation is a semi-developed park reserved for wildlife and nature study. Its 529 acres include wetlands, forest, fields and two large ponds. Wellington Creek runs roughly through the middle of the reservation. Two popular activities include wildflower hikes and fishing, but visitors are welcome to simply come and enjoy the quiet and natural beauty of this unique park.

CARLISLE RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 12882 Diagonal Rd, LaGrange, OH 44050 • PHONE: (440) 458-5121 • ACREAGE: 1,689 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitor Center, Raptor Center, Playground, 3 Shelters, Observatory, Equestrian Arena • TRAILS: 11+ miles, Asphalt, Stone, Natural

Carlisle is the largest of the Lorain County Metro Parks.

This park also offers a large variety of events and activities throughout the year and is home to the administrative offices for the entire park system. From Holiday Lights to horseback riding to stargazing, Carlisle Reservation is a place you’ll want to get to know better.

News from the Park: Now through September, LCMP is partnering with the Elyria Public Library to provide a Storybook Stroll on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail. A new story is presented each month, so be sure to come back and visit.

CASCADE PARK • ADDRESS: 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035 • PHONE: (440) 323-9238 • ACREAGE: 145 Acres • FACILITIES: Nature Center, 2 playgrounds, 2 shelters • TRAILS: 2.5 miles, Asphalt, Natural

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CASCADE

PARK

Cascade Park offers rivers, waterfalls, and hemlock forests just minutes from downtown Elyria. Inside this park, the east and west branches of the Black River converge and cascade over Berea sandstone. Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operations of Cascade Park in 2014 through a partnership with the City of Elyria.

LORAIN COUNTY M E T RO PA R K S

*Photo courtesy of Jeremy James (@47frames on Instagram)

CHARLEMONT RESERVATION Charlemont is an undeveloped park located in the main farming region of southern Lorain County and is the only reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks system that allows hunting (rabbit and pheasant). The park is also a favorite of horseback riders, who are free to enjoy the equestrian trails built and maintained by the Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Horse Council.

• ADDRESS: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, OH 44851 • ACREAGE: 785 Acres • TRAILS: 5.2 miles, Natural

COLUMBIA RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 25145 Royalton Rd, Columbia Station, OH 44028 • PHONE: (440) 236-3254 • ACREAGE: 405 Acres • FACILITIES: Playground, 18-hole mini-golf course, Historic Block House, Shelter, Briarwood Lodge • TRAILS: 4+ miles, Asphalt, Stone, Natural

As a wetland reservation, Columbia features several ponds built around waterways near the west branch of the Rocky River. With miles of trails, a playground, miniature golf, a concession stand, and a shelter, you can bring the whole family out for some fun!

FOREST HILLS GOLF COURSE • ADDRESS: 41971 OberlinElyria Rd, Elyria, OH 44035 • PHONE: (440) 323-2632 • COURSE: 18-holes • AMENITIES: Driving range, Pro shop, Snack Bar/Clubhouse • WEBSITE: www.golftheforest.com

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, Forest Hills has something to offer. As an intermediate course, there are many challenging holes (number 16 is one of the most difficult in the county) and plenty of scenic holes as well. 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.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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FRENCH CREEK RESERVATION • ADDRESSES:

• 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 (Nature Center) • 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 (Pine Tree Picnic Area)

• PHONE: (440) 949-5200 • ACREAGE: 450 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitor Center/ Theatre, Playground, 2 Shelters, Kayak Launch • TRAILS: 4.5+ miles, Natural, Stone

French Creek Reservation is vast and features over 4.5 miles of trails through gorgeous forests and over and along three separate creeks. The French Creek Nature Center is not only home to French Creek Theatre but also offers plenty of things to do and see, including programs and exhibits, wildlife observation area, and an indoor play area.

News from the Park: A new bluebird trail has been established, and in March a chimney swift tower was installed at the Burrell Homestead, a project supported by the Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc.

INDIAN HOLLOW RESERVATION • ADDRESSES:

• 38744 Parsons Rd, Grafton, OH 44044 (Sheldon Woods) • 1057 Parsons Rd, Grafton, OH 44044 (Royal Oaks)

• ACREAGE: 809 Acres • FACILITIES: Playground, 2 Shelters, Meeting room, Soccer complex • TRAILS: 5+ miles, Stone, Natural

The Sheldon Woods section of the park offers many scenic views of the Black River, sandstone outcrops, quarrying debris, and wildlife. The Royal Oaks portion of Indian Hollow is a former golf course turned hiking and fitness trail. The crushed limestone trail is a great place to run or walk your dog as it travels through beautifully scenic fields and features three catch-and-release fishing ponds.

KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 32649 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH 44012 • PHONE: (440) 387-8107 • ACREAGE: 139 Acres • FACILITIES: Playground • TRAILS: 3+ miles, Asphalt, Stone

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Kopf Family Reservation opened in 2008 and boasts more than 3 miles of maintained trails that wind through streamside woodlands. A partnership between the Lorain County Metro Parks, the City of Avon Lake, Avon Lake School District, and Avon Lake Public Library, this neighborhood gateway park offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities.

KIPTON RESERVATION The pathway at Kipton Reservation is a hidden gem. Many of the trees, including white pine, catalpa, larch, ash, red oak, black locust, and Norway spruce, are non-native to the area and were planted back in 1905 as part of a reforestation project by the city of Oberlin. Although it is a popular park for horseback riders, it is one of the least-visited parks, making it perfect for a journey off the beaten path.

• ADDRESS: 16000 St. Rt. 511, Oberlin, OH 44074 • PHONE: (440) 774-7078 • ACREAGE: 151 Acres • TRAILS: 2.2 miles, Natural

LAKEVIEW PARK • ADDRESS: 1800 West Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052 • PHONE: (440) 245-1193 • ACREAGE: 35 Acres • FACILITIES: Beach, Playground, Rose Garden, Sunset Terrace Café, Lawn Bowling Court, 5 Shelters

Lorain County Metro Parks’ first lakeside recreational park offers gorgeous Lake Erie views along the north side of West Erie Avenue in Lorain. This nearby neighborhood park, known for its historic rose garden, spectacular sunsets, and views of the Lorain Lighthouse, hosts a variety of recreational opportunities awaiting visitors of all ages, from swimming and sunbathing to lawn bowling, beach volleyball, picnicking and much more!

News from the Park: In a partnership with the Lorain Public Library System, Lakeview Park recently became home to the “Little Library on the Lake" a place to borrow books, sports equipment, and educational activities with just a library card.

See pg. 11 for more details!

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE • ADDRESS: 2739 Center Rd, Avon, OH 44011 • PHONE: (440) 937-0764 • ACREAGE: 145 Acres • FACILITIES: Conservatory, Butterfly House, Orchid Café, Gift Shop, Demo Kitchen • TRAILS: 1.1 miles, Gravel

Miller Nature Preserve visitors can find a visitor center featuring a café, gift shop, and event hall. The highlight of this preserve is the 5,000 square foot conservatory, the first in Lorain County. Just behind the conservatory, outdoor garden and Butterfly House are the park’s beautiful wooded hiking trails. Bring your family, friends, and camera to capture the beauty inside and outside.

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NORTH COAST INLAND TRAIL • TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:

• 6302 Gateway Blvd, Elyria, OH 44035 • 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd, Oberlin, OH 44074

• PHONE: (440) 774-7078 • ACREAGE: 287 Acres • TRAIL: 16+ miles, Asphalt

The North Coast Inland Trail, also known as the skinniest park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system, is open to non-motorized traffic of all kinds (except skateboards), including walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. The trail’s long 16-mile straight-aways pass through a variety of countryside, including farm, field and forest, and numerous intersections serve as convenient places to jump on or off the trail. So grab your bike, in-line skates or cross-country skis, and check it out!

THE NORTH STAR PRESERVE/HENRY'S BARN • ADDRESS: 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, OH 44074 • ACREAGE: 11 Acres • FACILITY: Henry's Barn (Reservable event space) • CAPACITY: 100 people • COST: $150 - $1,250 depending on day/time

The North Star Preserve is home to Henry’s Barn. The property was donated by Richard and Kathleen Nord, to allow the park system to relocate and preserve the historic barn structure. The barn was initially built in the late 1800s on the H.A. Johnson estate on South Professor St. in Oberlin.

The facility was endearingly named after the Johnson family’s caretaker Henry R. Thomas, a former slave who remained with the family throughout his entire life.

SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 6195 Otten Rd, North Ridgeville, OH 44039 • PHONE: (440) 327-3626 • ACREAGE: 526 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitor Center, Playground, Shelter • TRAILS: 2 miles, Stone

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Sandy Ridge’s most notable feature is its wetlands. The park is home to muskrats, beaver, raccoon, coyote, and mink.

The marsh area is a favorite of bird watchers with 250 bird varieties spotted since the park’s opening in 1999. Residents include sandhill cranes, egrets, American bittern, as well as bald eagles. Most recently, the park featured a pair of trumpeter swans nesting in the marsh (see article and photo on pg. 11).

THE NORTH

STAR PRESERVE

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN Schoepfle Garden consists of 70-acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland along the Vermilion River. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries, and trees.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden by participating in a guided tour or wandering at your own pace. This park is named after the original landowner and gardener, Otto Schoepfle whose home remains on the property today and serves a historical museum.

• ADDRESS: 11106 Market St, Wakeman, OH 44889 • PHONE: (440) 965-7237 • ACREAGE: 77 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitor's center, Botanical garden, Playground, Children's Garden, Carousel • TRAILS: 2.2 miles, Natural

SPLASH ZONE • ADDRESS: 95 West Hamilton Rd, Oberlin, OH 44074 • PHONE: (440) 774-5059 • ACREAGE: 24 Acres • FACILITIES: Rec Facility

(Indoor pool, Outdoor Pool, Aerobics Rooms, Weights/cardio equipment, Fieldhouse, Indoor track, Playground, Splash pad)

The aquatic and fitness center provides numerous recreational opportunities year-round, including aquatics, fitness, youth activities, and even an outdoor water park to cool off in the summer months. Splash Zone is open to members and non-members and offers plenty of fitness programs. Dog-owners can also take advantage of a 1-acre dog park located behind the rec center.

Dog Park

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION • ADDRESS: 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 • PHONE: (440) 967-7310 • ACREAGE: 1,334 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitors center, Benjamin Bacon Museum, 2 playgrounds, 4 shelters, Amphitheatre, 11-hole Disc Golf Course • TRAILS: 5+ miles, Asphalt, Stone, Natural

Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—this park is great for family picnics, and nature lovers. Mill Hollow opened in 1960, and became the very first Lorain County Metro Park and is still a favorite among Lorain County residents today as it is one of the most visited parks in the district.

News from the Park: The Great Nest of Brownhelm that was housed at Carlisle Reservation for many years has now been relocated to its original home in Vermilion here at the park. Eagles used this 12-foottall nest for over 30 years before it came down in a storm in 1925.

The Great Nest that you see today at Vermilion River Reservation is an artist’s reproduction of the original nest.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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WELLINGTON RESERVATION Wellington Reservation was developed in 2005 through a collaboration between the Lorain County Metro Parks and the Village of Wellington. This park provides opportunities for hiking, biking, strolling, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. A beautiful Visitor’s Center sits on the bank of the gorgeous, 21-plus-acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir.

• ADDRESS: 535 Jones Rd, Wellington, OH 44090 • PHONE: (440) 647-2509 • ACREAGE: 541 Acres • FACILITIES: Visitor Center, Playground, Kayak/Canoe launch, Boat livery • TRAILS: 6+ miles, Asphalt, Stone

News from the Park: The new kayak/paddleboat livery has become a popular hotspot for those looking to explore the reservoir. A nest of baby Green Herons was recently spotted on the reservoir by LCMP staff (see photo on pg. 11).

TOP SPOTS IN THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

All of our parks have something special to offer. Based on survey results, check out a few of our top spot recommendations!

BEST PARK FOR A HIKE: Vermilion River Reservation

BEST PARK TO GO SWIMMING: Lakeview Park

BEST PARK FOR BIRD WATCHING: Sandy Ridge Reservation

BEST PARK FOR KIDS & FAMILIES: Cascade Park

Wellington Reservation

BEST LOCATION FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY:

BEST PARK FOR HORSEBACK RIDING:

BEST PARK FOR A PICNIC:

BEST PARK FOR FISHING:

Carlisle Reservation

BEST PARK FOR BIKE RIDE: Black River Reservation

Henry's Barn at the North Star Preserve

French Creek Reservation

BEST PARK FOR FALL COLORS: Charlemont Reservation

L O R A I N C O U N T Y M E T R O PA R K S L O C AT I O N S & F A C I L I T I E S : • Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001

• Amherst HealthPlex

Equestrian Center/ Nielsen Observatory:

French Creek Nature Center:

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

• North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead:

13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 984-3470 Pine Tree Picnic Area: 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Gateway Trailhead: 4951 French Creek Rd., • Black River Reservation (440) 458-5121 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 324-5481 • Charlemont Reservation • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: • Indian Hollow Reservation Bur Oak: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 New London, Ohio 44851 Royal Oaks: Days Dam: • Columbia Reservation 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626 Ohio 44028 High Meadows: • Kopf Family Reservation • Schoepfle Garden (440) 236-3254 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 32649 Electric Blvd., 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 Briarwood Lodge: Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 387-8107 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 • Splash Zone Ohio 44028 • Kipton Reservation 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 • Carlisle Reservation • F orest Hills Golf Course St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059 (440) 458-5121 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., • L akeview Park • V ermilion River Reservation Carlisle Visitor Center: Elyria, Ohio 44035 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 323-2632 (440) 967-7310 • Miller Nature Preserve Duck Pond Picnic Area: • F rench Creek Reservation 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 • Wellington Reservation 12550 Diagonal Rd., Burrell Homestead: (440) 937-0764 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 647-2509 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

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Wildlife Updates Parks provide us with space to participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities, and to have moments of peace and solitude.

Parks are also essential natural habitats for local wildlife species. Over the summer months, many interesting wildlife sightings have been reported throughout the Park District. Here are a few photos and highlights from the summer!

TRUMPETER SWANS NESTING AT SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION

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For the second consecutive spring, a pair of Trumpeter Swans is raising a brood of cygnets (baby swans) at Sandy Ridge Reservation.

These birds are uncommon in most of Ohio. They require wetland habitat like the marsh at Sandy Ridge. Our largest native swan, Trumpeters tip the scales at over 20 pounds, and have an 80” wingspan.

In 2019, the Cob and Pen (male and female swans respectively), successfully raised a large brood we nicknamed “The Magnificent Seven”. On April 19th, 2020, we got our first glimpse of this year’s batch, “The Fab Five”.

Historical records indicate that the trumpeter swan was extirpated from Ohio by the early 1700's because of hunting by early settlers.

In 1996, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources initiated a reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans with the release of 15 birds at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in northwest Ohio along the shore of Lake Erie. In 2016, the number of breeding pairs increased to 74 pairs, 49 of which were successful.

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LITTLE LIBRARY ON THE LAKE The Lorain County Metro Parks invites you to visit the “Little Library on the Lake” at Lakeview Park. This initiative was possible through a partnership with the Lorain Public Library System and the City of Lorain. Park visitors can now find a unique collection of items, not typically found at a traditional library, right on the beach of Lake Erie.

The “Little Library on the Lake” will offer games, educational activities and sporting equipment for all ages, provided with support from Lorain County Public Health and the State Library of Ohio.

“Little Library on the Lake” will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 30 and will reopen again when the beach opens in spring. For more information, and to see the full list of available items for loan, visit LorainPublicLibrary.org.

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PHOTOS: 1. Trumpeter Swans at Sandy Ridge Reservation; 2. Green Heron Nest at the Wellington Reservation; 3. Bluebird Box with snake skin nesting material on the Bluebird Trail at the Burrell Homestead; 4. Bull Frog at the Miller Nature Preserve; 5. Luna Moth at the French Creek Nature Center LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 | 5-10 pm Sundays, Oct. 18 & 25 | 4-9 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center, LaGrange $10 per vehicle (Pre-registration is required - Opens Oct. 5)

LO R AIN CO UNT Y M ETRO PARKS

BOO-THRU OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25

This fall we are putting a new twist on an old favorite, and introducing a NEW event, Halloween BOO-THRU 2020!

This drivethrough, family friendly program will feature some of our classic attractions from the past, as well as some new BIG features you don’t want to miss! This event will be held at the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange. Be prepared to drive slowly to enjoy the exhibits. The event will take approximately 30 minutes.

Pre-registration opens on Monday, Oct. 5.

Pre-registration is required and is $10 per car.

Included in this admission is one goody bag of fun treats for each car. Please register online and bring your printed receipt with you to the event, or be prepared to show the receipt on your phone. We are taking registrations 30 minute time blocks. Please arrive at your registered time.

You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle during the drive through experience. Restrooms will be available off Diagonal Road near the Carlisle Visitor Center but there are no restrooms available at drive through event. This event will take place in inclement weather. No refunds.

Visit www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com/halloween for more info and to register!

Theatre in the Parks

The Lorain County Metro Parks is happily able to provide a safe environment where patrons can now see live theatre in a socially distant setting. Keep an eye out for these FREE events!

AN EVENING OF SONGS FROM YOUR FAVORITE MUSICALS Sept. 4 & 5 | 6:30 pm Lakeview Park fountain, Lorain Olde Towne Hall Theatre in partnership with the Lorain County Metro Parks presents “An Evening of Songs from your favorite Musicals”. The Olde Towne Hall Theatre has been awing audiences in North Ridgeville for 44 years and is proud to present a relaxing evening OLDE TOWNE of performances with the back drop HALL THEATRE of the beautiful fountain at Lakeview Park. Members of their award winning youth theatre will also be performing. So bring a chair and relax for an evening of fun and entertainment.

RING OF FIRE Oct. 2 & 3 Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Following up their September performance, Olde Towne Hall then brings you a story about Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire” outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation Amphitheater.

More details to come.

BALLET IN THE PARK Sat., Sept. 19 | 6:00-7:30 pm Lakeview Park fountain, Lorain The Lorain County Metro Parks welcomes the North Point Ballet as they present their annual fall repertoire concert featuring excerpts from past performances and new works. This free outdoor “Ballet in the Park” performance will adhere to all guidelines established

by Lorain Co. Department of Health.

Patrons are encouraged to bring water bottles, lawn chairs, and blankets in order to maintain social distance from other attendees. Restrooms and concessions will be available at the facility.

Last ive F

F R E N C H

C R E E K

T H E A T R E

P R E S E N T S :

THE

YEARS

WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY JASON ROBERT BROWN

THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Sept. 25-27 | 6 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow French Creek Theatre Presents “The Last Five Years” written and composed by Jason Robert Brown. An emotionally powerful and intimate S EPTEMBER 25- 27 musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties FREE SHOW! LIVE THEATRE IN THE who fall in and out of love over| the course ofPARK five years. Enjoy this stunningly talented cast of 2, outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation Amphitheater for a night of free theatre.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY NIGHT AT 6:00P

PERFORMED AT VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION AMPHITHEATR 5 1 2 1 1 N O R T H R I D G E R D. , V E R M I L I O

ADDRESS 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village

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ONLINE LorainCountyMetroParks.com/Theatre

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PHONE 440.949.5200 ext.