Rivendell Nature Preserve opened to the public on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Rivendell Nature Preserve is the largest gift of property in Medina County Park District’s history. Its 203 acres were donated by Diane (Dedee) O’Neil. The property includes rich natural resources such as native wildflower meadows, beautiful woods, and a fishing pond. The preservation of this property is ecologically significant because it protects a portion of Camel Creek and a variety of flora and fauna.
Newlyweds Rory and Dedee O’Neil moved to the farmhouse in Westfield in 1968. Before Rivendell Nature Preserve opened in 2025, Dedee spent decades exploring the fields and woods with her Labradors on daily walks, always finding something that brightened her day—the first wildflowers in the spring; the sounds of the spring peepers, butterflies, and bees on the flowers; the brilliant colors of the leaves in autumn; and the glittering crystals of ice on the trees after a winter storm.
After Rory’s death in 2020, Dedee and their daughters agreed the land should be preserved. “With this gift of land to Medina County Park District, the woods and fields will be preserved for others to explore, and I hope they will find a favorite spot, something to brighten their days,” Dedee said.
With her donation, O’Neil earned the right to name the property. She chose Rivendell Nature Preserve. The name “Rivendell” is from J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. In the books, Rivendell is a place of peace and safety where guests are always welcome.
Learn more about Dedee’s story and the history behind the property, watch a brief YouTube video HERE.
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