Residents concerned over proposed changes in Hinckley Reservation

by Chris Studor

A variety of questions and concerns regarding the Hinckley Reservation were expressed at a public information session held Oct. 29.

As Cleveland Metroparks officials delivered an updated plan for the park, concerns over the park’s proposed expansion and additional improvements would increase property values for Hinckley residents.

Residents also questioned whether homes in the area would see higher property taxes, increased traffic and reduced speed limits on township roads surrounding the park. They also inquired as to whether park officials were considering the addition  of trail connections that would involve purchasing land from residents or taking of private property by eminent domain.

The last time Hinckley’s plan was updated was in 2016, at which time Cleveland Metroparks officials said improvements and adjustments would be implemented both in the immediate future and in the next five to 10 years.

Before Metroparks Chief Planning and Design Officer Sean McDermott launched into future park plans, he presented an update on the construction of the Hinckley Dam and lake improvements.

“The construction of the new Hinckley dam is on time and on budget,” said McDermott. “The cost was around $11 million, and the park was not able to obtain any outside funding for that. By December of this year, most of the work on the dam will be wrapped up. The next step is dredging of the lake which will involve some temporary haul roads in the southeast portion of the lake. This silt will be placed in holes by the Buzzard Roost where we removed clay for the dam project. Swimming season will begin the summer of 2026. We will also be doing some bank stabilization of the picnic area near the boat house which has been ‘loved to death.’ Overall, the lake will be fairly shallow at a depth of 5 to 9 feet.”

One of the larger projects the Metroparks is considering is the construction of a new multi-story boat house on the site of the Duncan property, located adjacent to the dam and spillway, which the park recently purchased. Concept plans for the new boat house call for steps leading down to the lake, making it possible for boaters to travel from one side to another. In time, McDermott said, the current boat house would likely be eliminated. McDermott also said there is a possibility of a restaurant would be built at the new boat house.

McDermot and Kelly Coffman, Metroparks Principal Planner, said additional plans being considered at this time include a connector trail between Hinckley and the Rising Valley area. Coffman said there are many nature trails in the area and a new connector trail would allow people to hike through their park and travel to the Hinckley Reservation. Additionally, park officials said they are pursuing external connections at Mill Stream Run, Brecksville Reservation, Medina County Parks, Summit Metro Parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Richfield Heritage Preserve.

“We are looking at improving the overall trail systems and way findings,” said McDermott. “We want to designate loops to connect popular destinations like ledges, lake, forest, river, etc. We would strive to balance offerings for various types of users and experiences.”

One resident who questioned the proposed plans was Hinckley resident John Kalas. He said that conservation efforts and bike trails affect the rights of private property owners.

“The Cleveland Metroparks currently owns a significant percentage of Hinckley Township with plans for more land acquisition,” said Kalas. “Each acre conserved translates to a loss of Hinckley Township tax revenue while increasing park operating costs.”

Kalas noted the project is multi-layered, featuring many different Cuyahgoa County-based agencies looking to reshape transportation in Medina County.

“These agencies have transit-based solutions in need of a problem. The influx of tourist, cyclist and pedestrians on township roads will create a crisis that demands their intervention,” he said. “In the future, the possibility of lowered speed limits, bike lanes and roundabouts are a concern.”

Metroparks representatives also proposed the construction of two primitive campsites near the Ledges area which Coffman said “would provide through hikers with a place to rest overnight before continuing their hike.”

Trustee Monique Ascherl said she would like to see no more than a two-night stay permitted at any  primitive campsite in the Hinckley Reservation.

Other upgrades to the park include replacing Redwing Cabin through a donation that will pay for the project within the next one to two years, and improving the clubhouse and course at Ironwood Golf Course.

Several Hinckley residents, including Theresa Smith, expressed concern over whether the park was looking to purchase or take land from property owners on Parker and Harter roads for trails.

“We have no intentions of using eminent domain,” said McDermott. “We like to work with property owners who are interested in selling a portion of their land for park use. Principally, we are interested in conserving property all along the East Branch of the Rocky River which affects all the Metroparks reservations in some form.”

Hinckley resident Jim Bialosky said he walked away from the meeting with several concerns.

“First is the impact to my taxes,” said Bialosky. “As the park district looks to expand either by eminent domain, acquisition or by purchasing land that reduces the tax base of the township and increases my taxes to cover that shortfall or reduction in tax base. Then the park district needs additional revenue to cover their added costs so now I incur additional taxes to cover their expenses.”

“My second concern is their areas of focus,” Bialoski continued. “I struggle to see the need for campgrounds within the Hinckley Reservation and whom they are looking to stay there. Finally, it seems like there is a disconnect between what they said at the meeting and their recent actions. They are looking to expand bike paths and trails in multiple cities, including [the addition of] a connection between Brunswick, Medina and Wadsworth. They have used eminent domain to try to acquire land in the past, how will they try to acquire land in all of these areas for trails? If these trails are by existing streets, it will come at an additional request to change speed limits and other impacts to those areas.”

The next step, Metroparks officials said, is to document all public comments and potentially come up with some adjustments. Coffman said the plans will then be presented to the board of park commissioners in late November or December, and if approved, those plans will become a part of the Metropark’s overall park district plan.

To view the full draft plans for the Hinckley Reservation or submit a public comment, visit tinyurl.com/4cby5bn5. ∞