2015 Annual Report to the Community by Summit Metro Parks

2Oî&#x20AC;&#x20AC;5 Annual Report to the Community

Your Back Yard for 95 Years

1921 2016 to

2O5 ANNUAL REPORT SENIOR STAFF Lisa King Executive Director

Loretta Bowers Chief of Human Resources & Administration

Nathan Eppink

Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park Peninsula

Chief of Community Engagement

Cascade Valley Metro Park Akron

Firestone Metro Park Akron

Chief of Finance

Furnace Run Metro Park Richfield

Shannon Hasenstab

Goodyear Heights Metro Park Akron

Dale Fobean

Chief of Customer Service

Gorge Metro Park Cuyahoga Falls

Chief of Operations

Hampton Hills Metro Park Cuyahoga Falls

Michael Johnson

Aaron Hockman

Chief of Natural Resources

Nick Moskos Chief of Planning & Development

Douglas Shepard

Liberty Park Twinsburg Munroe Falls Metro Park Munroe Falls F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Akron

Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Green

Chief of Rangers

EDITOR Nathan Eppink

O’Neil Woods Metro Park Bath Sand Run Metro Park Akron

Chief of Community Engagement

ART DIRECTOR Karl Simonson

Springfield Bog Metro Park Springfield Twp.

Wood Hollow Metro Park Hudson

Bike & Hike Trail 34 miles

Freedom Trail 6.2 miles

Graphic Design Coordinator

Summit Metro Parks 975 Treaty Line Rd. Akron, OH 4433-5837 330-867-55 F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm: 330-865-8065 Liberty Park Nature Center: 330-487-0493 Seasonal Information: 330-865-8060 Volunteer Information: 330-865-8047

Silver Creek Metro Park Norton

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail 22.4 miles Visit our website for addresses and directions.

summitmetroparks.org Photos contributed by: Rob Blair Christy Counterman Doug Dawes Jennie Levy J.J. Prekop Jr.

Sarah Putnam Robert Roach Karl Simonson Rob Vaughn

Summit Metro Parks manages

FSC Logo & Info

4,00 acres, including 6 parks, several conservation areas and

Printed on FSC-certified Chorus Art Silk; a 30% post-consumer, processed chlorine-free recycled paper. ©206 Summit Metro Parks

more than 25 miles of trails. Annual attendance averages 5 million visits.

Joel D. Bailey

Mark A. Spisak Tonya Block

Herbert Newman Jane Bond

206 is the park district’s 95th anniversary. Last year, plans were put in place to make this anniversary one to remember. Summit Metro Parks will open its first mountain bike trails — at Hampton Hills Metro Park — and a new cross-country course in Silver Creek Metro Park. New events and programs are planned, too. As we celebrate our history, we also look enthusiastically to the future. Themes of conservation, education and clean, safe parks will remain strong, as they have for 95 years. Residents can expect to see a greater Summit Metro Parks presence in the community, with diverse opportunities to connect people to nature. Indigo Bunting

Thank you for your continued support.

We invite you to go out and ENJOY your Metro Parks.

The mission of Summit Metro Parks is to acquire, conserve and sustainably manage natural resources to provide the public with passive outdoor recreational and educational opportunities through a regional system of natural-area parks. 3

One year after Congress created the National Park Service, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation 925

in 97 allowing for the appointment of metropolitan park commissioners and taxing authority for the acquisition and management of parklands. On December 3, 92, Summit Metro Parks was established, becom-

A boulder and plaque commemorate the first gift of land donated by dairy farmer Joseph Courtney. He gave .76 acres to the park district in 925.

ing just the second countywide park system in Ohio.

4 METRO PARKS have been open more than 85 YEARS:

Furnace Run Metro Park, Richfield

GYH

Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Akron

In the ’20s, commissioners for the fledgling park district hired the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York’s Central Park and Boston Common, to develop Summit

Gorge Metro Park, Cuyahoga Falls Sand Run Metro Park, Akron

NEARLY 500 ACRES: the first large acquisition by the park district. It was donated by F.A. Seiberling — co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and an early park commissioner — to help form Sand Run Metro Park.

County’s first master plan for natural-area parks. John Charles and Frederick Law, Jr. mapped out areas worth preserving from north to south — a plan that served Summit Metro Parks for generations. Conservation was the driving force behind the formation of the park district, and its presence is just as important 95 years later. Since 998, the district has nearly doubled in size to its August 966

current 4,00 acres, guaranteeing even more natural areas for future generations.

Founded in 92, the park district has had 3 NAMES:

The park district’s first nature center reflects a commitment to conservation.

• Akron Metropolitan Park District • Metro Parks, Serving Summit County • Summit Metro Parks

EXHIBITS, DISPLAYS & MORE F.A. SEIBERLING NATURE REALM & VISITORS CENTER 828 Smith Rd., Akron The 04-acre Nature Realm includes a 0,000-square-foot visitors center with exhibits, live animals, a gift shop and more. The grounds include several gardens, observation decks, ponds, wetlands, hiking trails and a tall-grass prairie. Dogs are not permitted at the Nature Realm, since the park is a specialuse area for the study and enjoyment of nature — including the hand-feeding of chickadees. LIBERTY PARK / TWINSBURG LEDGES AREA & NATURE CENTER 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg The 3,000-acre Liberty Park is the largest natural area managed by Summit Metro Parks. It harbors countless rare and endangered species and is recognized by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. From wetlands and woodlands to meadows, ponds and moss-covered ledges, Liberty Park has an abundance of habitats and natural features, plus several miles of hiking trails. The trailside nature center invites visitors to learn and explore.

continued on page 8

YO U R METRO PA RKS TODAY

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Killian Rd.

Tisen Rd.

Killian Rd.

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Jacoby Rd.

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Darrow Rd.

Hametown Rd.

South Ave.

Medina Line Rd.

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FIRESTONE PARK

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Barberton Reservoir

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Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

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Beaver Marsh

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Hale Farm & Village

O’Neil Woods Metro Park

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Everett Rd.

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State Rd.

Ledge Rd.

Riverview Rd.

Cleveland-Massillon Rd.

Kniss Conservation Area

Administrative Offices in Sand Run Metro Park

Happy Days Lodge

Haas Rd.

Southern Rd.

Medina Line Rd.

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Stow Rd.

Barr Rd.

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Oakes Rd.

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TWINSBURG

MACEDONIA Aurora Rd.

Brandywine Rd.

Royalton Rd.

All-Purpos

REMINDERVILLE

Liberty Rd.

480

SAGAMORE HILLS

Mt. Pleasant Rd.

Singer Lake

Akron-Canton Airport

A Liberty Park Entrances on Liberty, SR 82/E. Aurora, Old Mill and

Aurora-Hudson roads

B Furnace Run Metro Park Entrances on Townsend and Brush roads C Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park Entrance on Riverview Rd. D Wood Hollow Metro Park Entrance on Barlow Rd. E O’Neil Woods Metro Park Entrance on Martin Rd.

N. Aur Rd./4 ora

F Hampton Hills Metro Park Entrances on Akron-Peninsula, Bath, W. Steels Corners and

Aurora Lake

Theiss roads

G F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Entrance on Smith Rd.

Aurora-Hudson Rd.

ra Rd

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Old

Mill

H Sand Run Metro Park Entrances on Revere Rd., Portage Path, N. Hawkins Ave., Treaty Line Rd. and Sand Run Rd.

Rd.

I Cascade Valley Metro Park/North Entrance on Cuyahoga St. J Cascade Valley Metro Park/South Entrances on Cuyahoga St. and Sackett Ave. K Gorge Metro Park Entrances on Front St. L Munroe Falls Metro Park Entrances on SR 9/North Ave. and S. River Rd.

Rav enn

M Goodyear Heights Metro Park Entrances on Newton St., Eastwood Ave. and Frazier Ave.

N Firestone Metro Park Entrances on Harrington and E. Warner roads and on S. Main St.

Bike & Hike Trail managed by Portage Park District

O Springfield Bog Metro Park Entrance on Portage Line Rd. P Silver Creek Metro Park Entrances on Hametown, Eastern and Medina Line roads KENT

Q Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Entrances on Christman Rd. and S. Main St.

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Bike & Hike Trail

• SR 82 Lots: 685 & 686 Aurora Rd., Sagamore Hills

• Springdale Lot: 968 Springdale Rd., Stow

• Brandywine Falls: 876 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills

• Silver Lake Town Hall: 2985 Kent Rd., Stow

• Boston Heights: 298 W. Boston Mills Rd., Boston Hts.

• SR 9 (Brust Park) Lot: 30 N. Main St., Munroe Falls

• SR 303 Lot: 64 W. Streetsboro Rd., Boston Heights

• Silver Springs Park & Campground: 5027 Stow Rd., Stow

• Barlow Lot: 33 Barlow Rd., Hudson

Freedom Trail

Mogadore Reservoir

og k

Mt. Pleasant Rd.

• Middlebury Trailhead: 765 Northeast Ave., Tallmadge

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Wingfoot Lake

• Botzum: 2928 Riverview Rd., Akron

• Manchester Road: 2740 Manchester Rd., Akron

• Big Bend: 337 Merriman Rd., Akron

• Barberton: 5 Fairview Ave., Barberton

• Memorial Parkway: 499 Memorial Pkwy., Akron

• Wolf Creek: 33 Snyder Ave., Barberton

• Mustill Store: 248 Ferndale St., Akron

• Beech Street: 40 Beech St., Akron*

• Vanderhoof Road: 2445 Vanderhoof Rd. New Franklin

• Summit Lake: 380 W. Crosier St. Akron*

• Wilbeth Road: 392 W. Wilbeth Rd., Akron

• Franklin: 2328 Center Rd., New Franklin

• Clinton: 2749 North St., Clinton

ICONS IN BLUE INDICATE ACCESSIBILITY

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* Managed by the City of Akron

Archery

Cross-Country Skiing

Mountain Bike Trail

Snack Stand

Ballfield

Drinking Water

Nature Center

Soccer

Basketball

Enclosed Lodge

No Pets

Swimming

Biking

Fishing

Open-Air Shelter

Tennis Court

Boat Rental

Fitness Trail

Play Equipment

Visitors Center

Bridle Trail

Hiking Trail

Picnic Area

Volleyball

Bus Stop

Ice Skating

Restrooms

Canoe/Kayak Access

Jogging Trail

Sledding

continued from page 5

Dozens of naturalist-led activities are offered every month, year-round, and most are free. Learn to fish, draw and kayak. Discover trees, birds, wildflowers and more. Train for your first or fastest 5K. Enjoy live music in the Great Outdoors. Whatever your interest, age or ability, there is something for everyone in the Metro Parks.

Visit our brand-new website, summitmetroparks.org, for program descriptions, concert listings and other offerings.

Trails are enjoyed by thousands of visitors during our SPREES:

Spree For All Flat, easy trails for all abilities (est. 2004)

May  – June 30

Summer Biking Spree Multipurpose trails to explore by bike (est. 203)

July  – August 3

Running Spree Natural-surface and paved trails for all runners (est. 205)

June  – August 3

Fall Hiking Spree Easy, moderate and challenging hiking trails (est. 964)

September  – November 30

2O5 ANNUAL REPORT

In one year, the park district’s employees complete thousands of projects. Many are accomplished behind the scenes in non-public facilities, or in support of day-to-day operations. What follows is a partial list of the more visible improvements undertaken in 205: FIRESTONE METRO PARK • Replaced 80 feet of boardwalk along Redwing Trail GOODYEAR HEIGHTS METRO PARK • Restored Alder Pond by removing a retaining wall, dredging silt and adding boulders to naturalize the edge HAMPTON HILLS METRO PARK • Continued construction of the Mountain Bike Area on land leased from the City of Akron LIBERTY PARK • Completed construction of the Liberty Park Nature Center, the outdoor classroom and interpretive exhibits F.A. SEIBERLING NATURE REALM • Repaired the leaking roof on the formerly underground visitors center by removing the soil and sealing and insulating the concrete structure NIMISILA RESERVOIR METRO PARK • Assumed management of the park from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and completed tree work, litter pickup and more SPRINGFIELD BOG METRO PARK • Constructed a bog viewing platform, and built a deck with benches at the man-made pond SAND RUN METRO PARK • Due to ongoing erosion, rerouted and extended Mingo Trail WOOD HOLLOW METRO PARK • Constructed a shelter and fishing platform, and opened the park MULTIPURPOSE TRAILS • Resurfaced several miles of the Towpath Trail, opened a 2-mile extension of the Freedom Trail, and added several bike fix-it stations along the Bike & Hike and Towpath trails

2O5 ANNUAL REPORT

Several strategies were introduced to protect wildlife, including new “critter crossings” along the Bike & Hike Trail in Boston Heights. The special underpasses will help amphibians, reptiles and small mammals avoid bike and pedestrian conflicts. Fish were stocked in multiple areas, including the small pond at the new Wood Hollow Metro Park.

• Rangers tallied 2,449 hours of foot patrols and more than 54,000 contacts with visitors. • Thirty-five lifeguards kept watch during the swim season at Munroe Falls and Silver Creek.

More than ,000 volunteers gave 34,90 service hours. Roles included support of customer service, resource management, interpretation, rangers and operations.

EDUCATION Naturalists led ,002 programs, teaching 29,653 visitors of all ages about environmental education, recreational activities and the park district’s natural and cultural history. Scouts earned badges and students met Ohio’s science standards through experiential learning in an outdoor setting.

0

At the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 67,954 visitors learned about nature with our educational exhibits, native live animals and events. At the new Liberty Park Nature Center, which opened in May, 6,825 visitors discovered the importance of the region’s habitats and wildlife through displays and programs.

2O5 ANNUAL REPORT

TOTAL RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . $34,752,890 Fund Balance as of January  . . . . . . . . . $7,958,74 2O5 RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,794,76 Property Taxes n $3,93,609 Intergovernmental Revenue n $,887,52 Charges for Services & Merchandise n $478,690 Other Revenues n $27,48 Grants* & Special Revenue n $87,4 Donations n $38,067

TOTAL EXPENDITURES . . . . . . $20,803,20 n Wages & Benefits $8,473,62 n Supplies, Materials & Services $3,339,82 n Development & Capital Improvements $3,28,2 n Land Acquisitions $2,646,869 n Health Care $,688,344 n Other Expenses $80,877 n Equipment $725,5

WHY A FUND BALANCE? Summit Metro Parks receives a number of grants every year, leveraging tax dollars to expand the protection of natural resources and your enjoyment of the outdoors. * A number of projects, programs and initiatives would not have been possible without

grants from the following: F.W. Albrecht Family Foundation • Allstate Foundation • Clean Ohio Trails Fund • Federal Highway Administration, Transportation Alternatives Program • Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation • Ohio EPA Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance • Ohio EPA Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program • Ohio Department of Natural Resources • Ohio Department of Transportation • Ohio & Erie Canalway Association • Ohio Public Works • Summit County Community Grant Program • The Welty Family Foundation • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Habitat Development Grant & Wildlife Restoration Funds



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975 Treaty Line Rd. Akron, OH 4433-5837

Your Metro Parks are funded by a small Summit County real-estate tax.

YOUR PUBLIC DOLLARS AT WORK

PRSRT STD

PERMIT NO. 49

CLEVELAND, OH

PAID

U.S. POSTAGE