Thursday, December 22nd, 2022
Heritage Trails to convert property into park
By Bob Tomaszewski
Photo by Daily Standard Staff
The Heritage Trails Park District plans to acquire 70.92 acres in Noble Township to become a new park. The land borders the 16-acre Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature preserve and is located between 66A and the Miami and Erie Canal.
WAPAKONETA - The Heritage Trails Park District plans to pay $1.27 million for 70.92 acres of farmland and forests near St. Marys officials want to convert into a park.
The property in question borders the 16-acre Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve.
District officials this week signed a memorandum of understanding and purchase agreement with landowner Brian Mackenbach. The $1.269 million agreement includes closing costs. The price comes to roughly $17,900 an acre.
The Western Reserve Land Conservancy would facilitate the transaction once officials come up with the money.
A good 75% of the funding hinges on a Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant which district officials are applying for. The other 25% is a local match which Moreland Hills-based Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization, has committed to providing through private donations and other grants.
District officials would develop wetlands and pollinator habitats on the land. There is also a potential for hiking loops and an educational staging area.
Other projects could include observation areas and a bridge over a waterway.
In an attempt to boost their Clean Ohio application score, district officials are seeking letters of support. For example, St. Marys City Schools issued a letter stating the proposed park would provide outdoor learning opportunities.
District commissioner Dave Stilwell, though, emphasized the area would be available to all schools in Auglaize County.
Before signing the agreement, district officials discussed an easement between Delphos St. Marys Road and about 10 properties adjoining the potential park. The easement could potentially involve a future sidewalk or drive approaches.
District officials this week also approved next year's budget totaling $28,817.
Administrator Terry McDonald is preparing for the Cabin Fever hike series, which kicks off from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Lockkeeper's House at 22 S. Water Street, New Bremen.
On Feb. 12 a hike will be held starting at the St. Marys Utilities Building at 106 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, from 1 to 3 p.m. Another hike will be held 1-3 p.m. March 12 at the Noble Township Hall at 16586 County Road 66A, St. Marys. The final hike on April 16 will also be held at the Noble Township Hall from 1 to 3 p.m.
