Medina County Park District History

In April 19, 1965, over sixty people gathered before Medina County Probate Court Judge W. W. Garver to support the creation of Medina County Park District. Fourteen political subdivisions and twenty-five service clubs of Medina County presented resolutions to the court in support of the formation of the park district. When the judge polled those present, over forty indicated their support for the creation of the park district, and no one spoke against it. Louis Bohley, Virgil Burris, Alice Dallas, and County Commissioner Chairman Dunn expressed their support to the probate court for the creation of the park district. In his journal entry, Judge Garver found ". . . the evidence presented at the meeting was conclusively in favor of the creation of the park district." Judge Garver then ordered the creation of Medina County Park District in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code Section 1545 including all of Medina County with the exception of Hinckley Township. (Hinckley Township had previously become a part of the Cleveland Metropark District.)

While the park district struggled in its early years to find a funding source, the face of Medina County began to change rapidly. Once a predominantly rural county, the influx of new residents thrust the county into becoming the fastest-growing county in Northern Ohio, a distinction that remains in place today. With the explosive growth came a change in the landscape from largely rural to more suburban. Residents of the county approved a 1/2 mill levy in 1989 to fund the park district and its operations. That levy was replaced with a new 1/2 mill levy in 1998. With vital funding established, the park district began a systematic approach to the preservation of important natural resources in Medina County. From its humble beginnings when it accepted the donation of its first 33 acres, the park district has grown to over 6,300 acres.

The generosity of Medina County residents did not start with the passage of the first levy. Through the years, over 500 acres of land have been donated to the park district by residents of the county. This generosity resulted in the park district being able to obtain grants to purchase other lands as well. It is amazing to think about the value of these donations to the residents of Medina County.

We continue to work toward the goal of preserving as much open space in Medina County as possible. How much is enough? Good question! As long as funding is available, the park district will continue to acquire special places in Medina County. Much work remains to be accomplished. The preservation of open space is vital to bring a balance to the ongoing development around us. We appreciate the support of Medina County residents as we enhance the quality of your life -- naturally.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
On April 19, 1965, over 60 people, 14 political subdivisions, and 25 service clubs of Medina County gathered before Medina County Probate Court Judge W. W. Garver to support the creation of Medina County Park District. Below is a list of community organizations that signed the original resolution.

- Black River Game Club, Inc. - Brunswick Chamber of Commerce - Brunswick City Council - Brunswick Hills Township - Brunswick Kiwanis Club - Brunswick Lions Club - Chatham Township - Chatham Ladies Auxiliary - Guilford Township - Harrisville Township - Homer Gun Club - Homer Township Trustees - Lafayette Township

- Litchfield Township - Liverpool Lions Club - Liverpool Township - Lodi Rotary Club - Medina Bird Club - Medina ASC Co. Committee - Medina Chamber of Commerce - Medina Chapter Izaak Walton League - Medina Co. Agricultural Society - Medina Co. Assoc. of Twp. Trustees -     and Clerks - Medina County Coon Hunters - Medina County Rose Society

- Medina Co. Resource Development       Committee - Medina County Soil and Water       Conservation District - Medina Family Campers - Medina Girl Scouts - Medina Kiwanis Club, Inc. - Medina Lions Club - Medina Parks and Cemeteries - Medina Rifle and Pistol Club - Medina Rotary Club - Montville Garden Club - Montville Township

- Sharon Township Trustees - Spencer Garden Club - Valley City Garden Club - Wadsworth Garden Club - Wadsworth Izaak Walton League - Wadsworth Rotary - Wadsworth Township Trustees - Weymouth Civic Group - York Garden Club - York Township Trustees

CURRENT MANAGED LAND TOTAL 8500 acres The park district diligently strives to preserve land in Medina County. There are currently 22 open park sites/nature preserves and over 50 trails throughout Medina County for residents to enjoy.

PARK OPENINGS Green Leaf Park: 1972 Letha House Park: 1976 Plum Creek Park: 1980 Hubbard Valley Park: 1981 Hidden Hollow Camp: 1984 Buckeye Woods Park Schleman Nature Preserve: 1989 River Styx Park: 1996 Allardale: 1997

Lester Rail Trail: 1997 Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary/Oenslager Nature Center: 2000 Chippewa Inlet Trail: 2002 Lake Medina: 2002 Princess Ledges Nature Preserve: 2005 Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park: 2013 Killbuck Lakes: 2015 Montville Trail: 2017 Black River Nature Preserve/Bluebell Valley: 2019 Sharon Nature Preserve: 2022 Litchfield Wetlands Nature Preserve: 2023 Granger Wetlands Wildlife Sanctuary: 2023