North Fork Preserve opens to the public

by Laura Bednar

The 78 acres at 4400 Everett Rd., known as the North Fork Preserve, opened to the public on June 14, as Bath Township’s newest park.

The property was transferred from the Lemmon estate to Bath in 2020, acquired through the Trust for Public Land and a $1.65 million grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. To complete the transfer, the Lemmon Trust, represented by Dolly Lemmon Powers, Terry Lemmon, Wesley Lemmon and Cindy Lemmon, contributed $650,000, according to Bath trustee Elaina Goodrich.

The Clean Ohio grant stipulated that the property can be used only for passive recreation activities like walking, bird watching and field study. No buildings can be constructed.

After acquiring the property, former Parks Director Alan Garner oversaw the removal of a pool and cabin, the clearing of the first and second loop of the preserve’s Triple Loop Trail and the entry sign installation. Boy Scout Thomas Angle built an informational kiosk at the entrance to the trail as his Eagle Scout project.

Interim Parks Director Caine Collins has overseen the following improvements since April: placing a port-a-potty, trash cans, trail markers and doggy bags on site; stabilizing the barn doors; and mowing the first trail loop and placing stone in wet areas on the second loop.

Twenty-three community members served on six subcommittees to learn more about the property. Committees included history, virtual tours, flora, fauna and streams, wetlands, trails and buildings.

Richard Bradner, chair of the history committee, charted the property ownership as part of a presentation in fall 2021. From 1860-1925 it was the Andrew family farm; 1925-1955, the Nemer family farm; 1955-2020, it was owned by the Lemmon family and known as the Happy Hollow Farm and Greenberg Riding Centre.

During North Fork Preserve’s opening, trustees Vice President Sean Gaffney recalled riding horses at the Greenburg Riding Centre as well as swimming and participating in other activities the Lemmon family organized.

Several Lemmon family members attended the opening. Wesley Lemmon, who grew up on the property, said, “I’m happy to see the land preserved. The trustees strive to preserve a lot of open space and preserve the rural character of the township.”

Alex Wilson, son of Dolly Lemmon Powers, said it’s weird not to see the pool and cabin that were once on the property but added that preserving the land “is what the family would have wanted.”

Gaffney read a letter from the 135th Ohio General Assembly, which applauded Bath on the opening. It read in part, “The opening will enhance the area and community, and visitors will benefit for years to come.”

Trustees President Sharon Troike also read a commendation from the General Assembly, which recognized the preserve for its open fields, streams, wetlands and hiking. “It’s a fitting tribute to all those who call Bath Township home,” it read.

Of the 78 acres, 65 are forest, nine are wetlands and the remaining four hold the barn and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house. The flora, fauna and streams committee, co-chaired by Dr. Lara Roketenetz, University of Akron Field Station director, identified 411 species of flora and fauna on the property and over 65 bird species.

According to Goodrich, the eBird coordinator for the area plans to make the North Fork Preserve an eBird hotspot. The National Audubon Society created eBird, an online database of bird observations.

Future

Bath received a number of grants to propel the North Fork project forward, including a $120,000 grant from the Ohio State Capital Budget, $2,000 for trail markers from the Bath Community Fund and a Summit County Community Grant of $12,500 for trail renovation, the entry sign and informational kiosk, according to Goodrich.

The township is waiting to hear if it will receive a $120,000 Community Development Block Grant for building renovations. A structure survey determined the barn was in good condition, provided joist supports are added for reinforcement. Trustees are discussing potential uses for the barn. The on-site house, built in 1958, will be renovated for use as public meeting space, and the attached carport may become an outdoor shelter.

Two miles of the property’s Triple Loop Trail was available to walk at the opening. Once cleared, the third loop will point towards Cleveland-Massillon Road, where Goodrich said there might be parking.

A 500-foot connector trail was proposed between the North Fork trail and the Firestone Trace development, but Goodrich said Firestone’s homeowner’s association refused it.

The virtual tour committee collected enough material to create a documentary on North Fork and plans to create a short video for the township’s website.

Residents can walk the North Fork trails and participate in the township’s “Explore Bath Parks” summer program, in which guests take photos of the historical information sign at each of Bath’s eight parks. Those who take a photo at each park can receive a lanyard at the Bath Township Museum.

“The North Fork Preserve is the latest gem added to the treasure trove of Bath parks,” said Troike. ∞

On our cover (Photos): Township trustees past and present (l-r) James Nelson, Becky Corbett, Elaina Goodrich, Sharon Troike and Sean Gaffney cut the ribbon opening the Triple Loop Trail at the North Fork Preserve. The entry sign for the preserve can be spotted on Everett Road. Photos by Laura Bednar.