Lorain County Metro Parks

September-October 2020 | Volume 60, Number 5

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS BOO-THRU OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25

Halloween Boo-Thru Enjoy a new twist on an old favorite this Halloween with the NEW drive-through, family-friendly Halloween Boo-Thru! | Pg. 12

Guide to the Parks Enjoy this 8-page exploration of every reservation in our park district! Get to know what makes each park special! | Pgs. 3-10 LorainCountyMetroParks.com Inside Letter from the Director 2 Letter from the Director Guide to the Parks 3 - 10 Guide to the Parks • ABC - BRR 3 Pull-out section featuring information on our amazing Parks & Reservations • CA - CAS 4 On behalf of the Board Our Arrowhead publication has taken on a • CHR - FHGC 5 of Park Commissioners different look during the pandemic as it was • FCR - KFR 6 and our Lorain County necessary to cancel almost all public programs • KR - MNP 7 Metro Parks staff, we out of an abundance of caution for the safety Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation • NCIT - SRR 8 want to thank all our park of our visitors and staff. We hope you enjoy this • SG - VRR 9 visitors for supporting issue which highlights the many parks Lorain • Address: 913 North Lake St, Whether you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, let the • WR 10 the parks during these County Metro Parks has to offer. Perhaps this Amherst, Ohio 44001 kids run free, or want to walk the paved trail from creek unprecedented times. guide will inspire you to visit a park less traveled bed to pine grove, come and check us out! For one of the Articles 11 Recent reports and or one you haven’t explored yet. • Phone: (440) 774-7078 smallest of the metro parks, this reservation has a surprising Boo-Thru 12 surveys indicate that Additionally, you will find details of our 2020 • Acreage: 108 Acres variety of both natural habitats and activities. park visitation in Lorain Halloween event. While we will certainly miss County has increased well in excess of 200%. our annual Halloween Fair, the Halloween Boo- • Facilities: Rentable News from the Park: In response to this park’s popularity, We are pleased that we have been able to keep Thru will give visitors a chance to see their Visitor's Center, Playground, a new parking lot was recently opened at the N. Main St. James E. Ziemnik all our parks open through the duration of the favorite LCMP spooky displays in a safe way. If Shelter, Soccer Fields entrance of the park. Director, Lorain County Metro Parks pandemic in large part due to you. Park visitors conditions allow, it is our intention to bring back have been encouraged to keep themselves Halloween Fair in 2021. • Trails: 1.5 miles, Asphalt and fellow park visitors safe by maintaining As we move into the cooler months, we 2020 Board of Park Commissioners: proper social distance, wearing a face mask encourage you to continue to visit the parks. We Kenneth M. Lieux • Chairman when within 6 feet of another, practicing good are open all year round. We wish you continued Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Vice Chairman hygiene, and most importantly staying home health and wellness. Joseph E. Hribar • Commissioner when feeling sick. These critical steps have Amherst Healthplex/HOllstein Reservation James Walther • Probate Court Judge allowed us to continue to offer natural spaces for respite, mental, and physical wellness and With extreme gratitude, • Address: 47160 Hollstein Dr, Hollstein Reservation is a 37-acre reservation that is home to has provided us the opportunity to explore new MercyHealth Amherst HealthPlex, the Inclusive Playground LorainCountyMetroParks.com Amherst, OH 44001 amenities, programs, and possibilities that will James Ziemnik and a 0.6-mile walking trail that ventures through the woods (440) 458-5121 better serve all of our patrons and visitors. Director, Lorain County Metro Parks • Phone: (440) 984-3470 and ends at the Beaver Creek. This reservation is perfect for • Acreage: 48 Acres those who are looking for exercise (whether indoors or out) and for those looking for a fun activity for the kids. • Facilities: Recreation Facility The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, (Indoor pool, 3 aerobics rooms, & corporations for their donations to the Lorain County Metro Parks be it through weights/cardio equipment, track, volunteer services, monetary gifts, or other. If you would like information about inclusive playground, splash pad) making a donation, please contact the Public Information Office at (440) 458-5121. Honor Roll • Trails: 0.6 miles, Asphalt Janet Anderson, New London Mikaela Weigel, Grafton Rick Kennedy by Gregg and Candice Rolfsmeyer, Cintas First Aid & Safety Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Solana Beach CA Bob and Marilyn Fabritius, North Ridgeville Scott and Jannah Wilson, Marblehead (gift to Sue Al Kneisel by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Michelle Hunkley Wilson) Beverly A. Lehman by Brenda and Rob Brown, Elyria Black River Reservation Mark and Pam Johns, Elyria Beverly A. Lehman by Robert Finch, Elyria OPRA Foundation Frank V. Radachi by Denise and • Addresses: With almost half a million visitors each year, this is one of Gift was given in Honor of: William Gross, Vermilion Matt & Barb Weisman, Elyria Richard and Jeanette Ready by Karen Pietch • 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (High the most popular parks in the Lorain County Metro Park Frank V. Radachi by George Hoppe Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Richard and Jeanette Ready by Maureen Shannon, Meadows) system. The most notable feature is the Bridgeway Trail and Lorain Frank V. Radachi by Cindy Majoras • 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (Bur the Steel Mill Trail. The Bridgeway Trail is highlighted by a Gwendolyn Stowers by The Zimmerman Oak) 1,000-footbridge that crosses the Black River twice. The Adopt-A-Raptor Family, Vermilion • 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055 Steel Mill Trail is connected to the Bridgeway Trail and is Faith United Methodist Church, Lorain Gift was given in Memory of: Jim and Ann Tomasic by The Tomasic/ Cantu Faith United Methodist Church (in memory of Pastor Bill Dalton by William and Kathleen Boyd, Findlay Family, Lorain (Day's Dam) highlighted by slag fields from the Steel Mill surrounding it. Joe’s granddaughter, Mattie) Leo Gorenshek by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Walter and Lillian Tripphahn by Timothy • Acreage: 919 Acres Steven A. Bridge, The Villages, FL (in memory of Leo Gorenshek by Harry Kallas, Vermilion Tripphahn, Grafton Margaret A. Bridge) Magdalene E. "Maggie" Holzhauer by Jeannine L. Richard Wiegand by Mary Sedano, Lorain • Facilities: 2 playgrounds, Judy Hutchinson, Amherst (Gift to Jack Ryan) Rock, Vermilion Antoinette Zinitz by Laverne and 6 shelters Mark & Pam Johns, Elyria Magdalene E. "Maggie" Holzhauer by Terry and William Hunady, Lorain John Kirkpatrick, LaGrange Monica Tomaszewski, Amherst • Trails: 5.5 miles, Asphalt 2 LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121 33 Caley Reservation Charlemont Reservation

• Address: 18207 West Rd., Caley Reservation is a semi-developed park reserved for • Address: 48600 New Charlemont is an undeveloped park located in the main Wellington, Ohio 44090 wildlife and nature study. Its 529 acres include wetlands, London Eastern Rd., New farming region of southern Lorain County and is the only forest, fields and two large ponds. Wellington Creek runs reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks system that • Acreage: 529 Acres roughly through the middle of the reservation. Two popular London, OH 44851 allows hunting (rabbit and pheasant). The park is also • Trails: 0.75 miles, Natural activities include wildflower hikes and fishing, but visitors are • Acreage: 785 Acres a favorite of horseback riders, who are free to enjoy the welcome to simply come and enjoy the quiet and natural equestrian trails built and maintained by the Lorain County beauty of this unique park. • Trails: 5.2 miles, Natural chapter of the Ohio Horse Council.

Carlisle Reservation Columbia Reservation

• Address: 12882 Diagonal Rd, Carlisle is the largest of the Lorain County Metro Parks. • Address: 25145 Royalton Rd, As a wetland reservation, Columbia features several ponds LaGrange, OH 44050 This park also offers a large variety of events and activities Columbia Station, OH 44028 built around waterways near the west branch of the Rocky throughout the year and is home to the administrative offices River. With miles of trails, a playground, miniature golf, a • Phone: (440) 458-5121 for the entire park system. From Holiday Lights to horseback • Phone: (440) 236-3254 concession stand, and a shelter, you can bring the whole • Acreage: 1,689 Acres riding to stargazing, Carlisle Reservation is a place you’ll • Acreage: 405 Acres family out for some fun! want to get to know better. • Facilities: Visitor Center, • Facilities: Playground, Raptor Center, Playground, News from the Park: Now through September, LCMP 18-hole mini-golf course, 3 Shelters, Observatory, is partnering with the Elyria Public Library to provide a Historic Block House, Equestrian Arena Storybook Stroll on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail. A Shelter, Briarwood Lodge new story is presented each month, so be sure to come back • Trails: 11+ miles, and visit. • Trails: 4+ miles, Asphalt, Stone, Natural Asphalt, Stone, Natural

CASCADE Cascade Park PARK Forest Hills Golf Course

• Address: 387 Furnace St, Cascade Park offers rivers, waterfalls, and hemlock forests • Address: 41971 Oberlin- Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, Forest just minutes from downtown Elyria. Inside this park, the east LORAIN COUNTY Hills has something to offer. As an intermediate course, there are Elyria, OH 44035 MET RO PARKS Elyria Rd, Elyria, OH 44035 and west branches of the Black River converge and cascade many challenging holes (number 16 is one of the most difficult in • Phone: (440) 323-9238 over Berea sandstone. Lorain County Metro Parks assumed • Phone: (440) 323-2632 the county) and plenty of scenic holes as well. The Black River runs • Acreage: 145 Acres operations of Cascade Park in 2014 through a partnership • Course: 18-holes through the course and comes into play in six holes, and there are with the City of Elyria. plenty of other ponds, bunkers, and hills to keep things interesting. • Facilities: Nature Center, • Amenities: Driving range, Pro 2 playgrounds, 2 shelters shop, Snack Bar/Clubhouse • Trails: 2.5 miles, • Website: Asphalt, Natural www.golftheforest.com

4 *Photo courtesy of Jeremy James (@47frames on Instagram) LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121 5 French Creek Reservation Kipton Reservation

• Addresses: French Creek Reservation is vast and features over 4.5 miles • Address: 16000 St. Rt. 511, The pathway at Kipton Reservation is a hidden gem. Many of • 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, of trails through gorgeous forests and over and along three Oberlin, OH 44074 the trees, including white pine, catalpa, larch, ash, red oak, OH 44054 (Nature Center) separate creeks. The French Creek Nature Center is not only black locust, and Norway spruce, are non-native to the area • 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield home to French Creek Theatre but also offers plenty of things • Phone: (440) 774-7078 and were planted back in 1905 as part of a reforestation Village, OH 44054 (Pine Tree Picnic Area) to do and see, including programs and exhibits, wildlife • Acreage: 151 Acres project by the city of Oberlin. Although it is a popular park for observation area, and an indoor play area. horseback riders, it is one of the least-visited parks, making • Phone: (440) 949-5200 • Trails: 2.2 miles, Natural it perfect for a journey off the beaten path. • Acreage: 450 Acres News from the Park: A new bluebird trail has been established, and in March a chimney swift tower was • Facilities: Visitor Center/ installed at the Burrell Homestead, a project supported by Theatre, Playground, the Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. 2 Shelters, Kayak Launch • Trails: 4.5+ miles, Natural, Stone Indian Hollow Reservation Lakeview Park

• Addresses: The Sheldon Woods section of the park offers many scenic • Address: 1800 West Erie Ave, Lorain County Metro Parks’ first lakeside recreational park • 38744 Parsons Rd, views of the Black River, sandstone outcrops, quarrying Lorain, OH 44052 offers gorgeous Lake Erie views along the north side of West Grafton, OH 44044 (Sheldon Woods) debris, and wildlife. The Royal Oaks portion of Indian Hollow Erie Avenue in Lorain. This nearby neighborhood park, known • 1057 Parsons Rd, is a former golf course turned hiking and fitness trail. The • Phone: (440) 245-1193 for its historic rose garden, spectacular sunsets, and views Grafton, OH 44044 (Royal Oaks) crushed limestone trail is a great place to run or walk • Acreage: 35 Acres of the Lorain Lighthouse, hosts a variety of recreational your dog as it travels through beautifully scenic fields and opportunities awaiting visitors of all ages, from swimming • Acreage: 809 Acres features three catch-and-release fishing ponds. • Facilities: Beach, and sunbathing to lawn bowling, beach volleyball, • Facilities: Playground, Playground, Rose Garden, picnicking and much more! 2 Shelters, Meeting room, Sunset Terrace Café, Lawn Bowling Court, 5 Shelters News from the Park: In a partnership with the Lorain Public Soccer complex Library System, Lakeview Park recently became home to the • Trails: 5+ miles, “Little Library on the Lake" a place to borrow books, sports Stone, Natural equipment, and educational activities with just a library card. See pg. 11 for more details!

Kopf Family Reservation Miller Nature Preserve

• Address: 32649 Electric Blvd, Kopf Family Reservation opened in 2008 and boasts more • Address: 2739 Center Rd, Miller Nature Preserve visitors can find a visitor center featuring than 3 miles of maintained trails that wind through streamside Avon, OH 44011 a café, gift shop, and event hall. The highlight of this preserve is Avon Lake, OH 44012 woodlands. A partnership between the Lorain County Metro the 5,000 square foot conservatory, the first in Lorain County. Just • Phone: (440) 387-8107 Parks, the City of Avon Lake, Avon Lake School District, and • Phone: (440) 937-0764 behind the conservatory, outdoor garden and Butterfly House are Avon Lake Public Library, this neighborhood gateway park • Acreage: 145 Acres the park’s beautiful wooded hiking trails. Bring your family, friends, • Acreage: 139 Acres offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities. and camera to capture the beauty inside and outside. • Facilities: Playground • Facilities: Conservatory, Butterfly House, Orchid Café, • Trails: 3+ miles, Gift Shop, Demo Kitchen Asphalt, Stone • Trails: 1.1 miles, Gravel

6 LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121 7 North Coast Inland Trail Schoepfle Garden

• Trail Access Points: The North Coast Inland Trail, also known as the skinniest • Address: 11106 Market St, Schoepfle Garden consists of 70-acres of botanical gardens • 6302 Gateway Blvd, Elyria, OH 44035 park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system, is open to Wakeman, OH 44889 and natural woodland along the Vermilion River. The garden • 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd, non-motorized traffic of all kinds (except skateboards), features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, Oberlin, OH 44074 including walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, and • Phone: (440) 965-7237 shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries, and trees. cross-country skiing. The trail’s long 16-mile straight-aways • Acreage: 77 Acres Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden by participating in • Phone: (440) 774-7078 pass through a variety of countryside, including farm, field a guided tour or wandering at your own pace. This park • Acreage: 287 Acres and forest, and numerous intersections serve as convenient • Facilities: Visitor's is named after the original landowner and gardener, Otto places to jump on or off the trail. So grab your bike, in-line center, Botanical garden, Schoepfle whose home remains on the property today and • Trail: 16+ miles, Asphalt skates or cross-country skis, and check it out! Playground, Children's serves a historical museum. Garden, Carousel • Trails: 2.2 miles, Natural

THE NORTH STAR The North Star Preserve/Henry's Barn PRESERVE Splash Zone

• Address: 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, The North Star Preserve is home to Henry’s Barn. The • Address: 95 West Hamilton The aquatic and fitness center provides numerous property was donated by Richard and Kathleen Nord, to LORAIN COUNTY recreational opportunities year-round, including aquatics, Oberlin, OH 44074 METRO PARKS Rd, Oberlin, OH 44074 allow the park system to relocate and preserve the historic fitness, youth activities, and even an outdoor water park • Acreage: 11 Acres barn structure. The barn was initially built in the late 1800s • Phone: (440) 774-5059 to cool off in the summer months. Splash Zone is open to • Facility: Henry's Barn on the H.A. Johnson estate on South Professor St. in Oberlin. • Acreage: 24 Acres members and non-members and offers plenty of fitness The facility was endearingly named after the Johnson programs. Dog-owners can also take advantage of a 1-acre (Reservable event space) family’s caretaker Henry R. Thomas, a former slave who • Facilities: Rec Facility dog park located behind the rec center. • Capacity: 100 people remained with the family throughout his entire life. (Indoor pool, Outdoor Pool, Aerobics Rooms, Weights/cardio equipment, • Cost: $150 - $1,250 Fieldhouse, Indoor track, depending on day/time Playground, Splash pad) Dog Park

Sandy Ridge Reservation Vermilion River Reservation

• Address: 6195 Otten Rd, Sandy Ridge’s most notable feature is its wetlands. The park • Address: 51211 North Ridge Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill North Ridgeville, OH 44039 is home to muskrats, beaver, raccoon, coyote, and mink. Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—this park is The marsh area is a favorite of bird watchers with 250 bird great for family picnics, and nature lovers. Mill Hollow opened in • Phone: (440) 327-3626 varieties spotted since the park’s opening in 1999. Residents • Phone: (440) 967-7310 1960, and became the very first Lorain County Metro Park and is still • Acreage: 526 Acres include sandhill cranes, egrets, American bittern, as well • Acreage: 1,334 Acres a favorite among Lorain County residents today as it is one of the as bald eagles. Most recently, the park featured a pair of most visited parks in the district. • Facilities: Visitor Center, trumpeter swans nesting in the marsh (see article and photo • Facilities: Visitors center, Playground, Shelter on pg. 11). Benjamin Bacon Museum, News from the Park: The Great Nest of Brownhelm that was housed at Carlisle Reservation for many years has now been relocated to its • Trails: 2 miles, Stone 2 playgrounds, 4 shelters, Amphitheatre, 11-hole Disc original home in Vermilion here at the park. Eagles used this 12-foot- tall nest for over 30 years before it came down in a storm in 1925. Golf Course The Great Nest that you see today at Vermilion River Reservation is • Trails: 5+ miles, an artist’s reproduction of the original nest. Asphalt, Stone, Natural 8 LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121 9 Wellington Reservation

• Address: 535 Jones Rd, Wellington Reservation was developed in 2005 through a collaboration between the Lorain County Metro Parks and Wildlife Updates Wellington, OH 44090 the Village of Wellington. This park provides opportunities • Phone: (440) 647-2509 for hiking, biking, strolling, fishing, boating, and wildlife Parks provide us with space to participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities, and to have moments of peace and solitude. • Acreage: 541 Acres observation. A beautiful Visitor’s Center sits on the bank of Parks are also essential natural habitats for local wildlife species. Over the summer months, many interesting wildlife the gorgeous, 21-plus-acre lake formed by the Wellington sightings have been reported throughout the Park District. Here are a few photos and highlights from the summer! • Facilities: Visitor Center, South Reservoir. Playground, Kayak/Canoe 1 launch, Boat livery News from the Park: The new kayak/paddleboat livery has Trumpeter Swans Nesting at become a popular hotspot for those looking to explore the Sandy Ridge Reservation • Trails: 6+ miles, reservoir. A nest of baby Green Herons was recently spotted Asphalt, Stone on the reservoir by LCMP staff (see photo on pg. 11). For the second consecutive spring, a pair of Trumpeter Swans is raising a brood of cygnets (baby swans) at Sandy Ridge Reservation. These birds are uncommon in most of Ohio. They require wetland habitat like the marsh at Sandy Ridge. Our largest native swan, Trumpeters tip the scales at over 20 pounds, and have an 80” wingspan.

Top spots in the Lorain County Metro Parks In 2019, the Cob and Pen (male and female swans respectively), All of our parks have something special to offer. Based on survey results, check out a few of our top spot recommendations! successfully raised a large brood we nicknamed “The Magnificent Seven”. On April 19th, 2020, we got our first glimpse of this year’s Best Park for a Hike: Best Location for a batch, “The Fab Five”. Vermilion River Reservation Best Park for Fishing: Wellington Reservation Wedding Ceremony: Best Park to go swimming: Henry's Barn at the Historical records indicate that the trumpeter swan was extirpated North Star Preserve from Ohio by the early 1700's because of hunting by early settlers. 2 3 Lakeview Park Best Park for Horseback Riding: In 1996, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources initiated a Best Park for Bird Watching: Best Park for a Picnic: reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans with the release of 15 birds at the Carlisle Reservation French Creek Reservation Sandy Ridge Reservation Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in northwest Ohio along the shore of Lake Best Park for Bike Ride: Erie. In 2016, the number of breeding pairs increased to 74 pairs, 49 of Best Park for Kids & Families: Best Park for Fall Colors: Black River Reservation Charlemont Reservation which were successful. Cascade Park

Lorain County Metro Parks Locations & Facilities: • Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation Equestrian Center/ French Creek Nature Center: • North Coast Inland Trail Little Library on the Lake 913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001 Nielsen Observatory: 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Butternut Ridge Trailhead: The Lorain County Metro Parks invites you to visit the “Little Library • Amherst HealthPlex 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 Ohio 44054 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., on the Lake” at Lakeview Park. This initiative was possible through 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park (440) 949-5200 Oberlin, OH 44074 a partnership with the Lorain Public Library System and the City of (440) 984-3470 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Pine Tree Picnic Area: Gateway Trailhead: Lorain. Park visitors can now find a unique collection of items, not • Black River Reservation (440) 458-5121 4951 French Creek Rd., 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 typically found at a traditional library, right on the beach of Lake Erie. (440) 324-5481 • Charlemont Reservation Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: The “Little Library on the Lake” will offer games, educational activities 4 5 Bur Oak: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., • Indian Hollow Reservation 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 and sporting equipment for all ages, provided with support from Lorain 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 New London, Ohio 44851 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation County Public Health and the State Library of Ohio. Days Dam: • Columbia Reservation Royal Oaks: 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626 “Little Library on the High Meadows: Ohio 44028 • Kopf Family Reservation • Schoepfle Garden Lake” will be open 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 236-3254 32649 Electric Blvd., 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 Tuesday-Sunday from Briarwood Lodge: Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 387-8107 • Splash Zone Aug. 30 and will reopen • Carlisle Reservation Ohio 44028 • Kipton Reservation 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 again when the beach (440) 458-5121 • Forest Hills Golf Course St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., opens in spring. For more Carlisle Visitor Center: • Lakeview Park • Vermilion River Reservation Photos: 1. Trumpeter Swans at Sandy Ridge Reservation; 2. Green Heron Elyria, Ohio 44035 information, and to see 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 Nest at the Wellington Reservation; 3. Bluebird Box with snake skin nesting (440) 323-2632 the full list of available Duck Pond Picnic Area: • Miller Nature Preserve (440) 967-7310 material on the Bluebird Trail at the Burrell Homestead; 4. Bull Frog at the • French Creek Reservation items for loan, visit 12550 Diagonal Rd., 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 • Wellington Reservation Miller Nature Preserve; 5. Luna Moth at the French Creek Nature Center LaGrange, Ohio 44050 Burrell Homestead: (440) 937-0764 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LorainPublicLibrary.org. 10 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 647-2509 LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121 11 Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 | 5-10 pm Sundays, Oct. 18 & 25 | 4-9 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center, LaGrange $10 per vehicle (Pre-registration is required - Opens Oct. 5)

This fall we are putting a new twist on an Included in this admission is one goody bag of old favorite, and introducing a NEW event, fun treats for each car. Please register online LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS Halloween BOO-THRU 2020! This drive- and bring your printed receipt with you to through, family friendly program will feature the event, or be prepared to show the receipt BOO-THRU some of our classic attractions from the past, on your phone. We are taking registrations OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25 as well as some new BIG features you don’t 30 minute time blocks. Please arrive at your want to miss! This event will be held at the registered time. Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange. Be prepared to drive You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle slowly to enjoy the exhibits. The event will take during the drive through experience. Restrooms approximately 30 minutes. will be available off Diagonal Road near the Carlisle Visitor Center but there are no restrooms Pre-registration opens on Monday, Oct. 5. available at drive through event. This event will Pre-registration is required and is $10 per car. take place in inclement weather. No refunds. Visit www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com/halloween for more info and to register! Theatre in the Parks The Lorain County Metro Parks is happily able to provide a safe environment where patrons FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS: can now see live theatre in a socially distant setting. Keep an eye out for these FREE events! THE An Evening of Songs from Ballet in the park your Favorite Musicals Sat., Sept. 19 | 6:00-7:30 pm Sept. 4 & 5 | 6:30 pm Lakeview Park fountain, Lorain Lakeview Park fountain, Lorain The Lorain County Metro Parks Olde Towne Hall Theatre in partnership welcomes the North Point Ballet as Last with the Lorain County Metro Parks they present their annual fall repertoire presents “An Evening of Songs from concert featuring excerpts from past your favorite Musicals”. The Olde Towne performances and new works. This free Hall Theatre has been awing audiences outdoor “Ballet in the Park” performance in North Ridgeville for 44 years and is will adhere to all guidelines established YEARS proud to present a relaxing evening Olde Towne by Lorain Co. Department of Health. WRITTENive AND COMPOSED BY of performances with the back drop Hall Theatre Patrons are encouraged to bring water JASON ROBERT BROWN of the beautiful fountain at Lakeview bottles, lawn chairs, and blankets The LaFst Five Years Park. Members of their award winning youth theatre will also in order to maintain social distance Sept. 25-27 | 6 pm be performing. So bring a chair and relax for an evening of from other attendees. Restrooms and Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow fun and entertainment. concessions will be available at the French Creek Theatre Presents “The Last Five facility. Ring of Fire Years” written and composed by Jason Robert Oct. 2 & 3 Brown. An emotionallySEPTEMBER powerful and intimate25-27 Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow musical about two New YorkersFRIDAY, in SATURDAY, their AND twenties SUNDAY NIGHT AT 6:00PM who fall in and out of loveFREE SHOW!over | the LIVE THEATREcourse IN THE of PARK! Following up their September performance, Olde Towne Hall PERFORMED AT VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION AMPHITHEATRE five years. Enjoy this stunningly talented51211 NORTH RIDGE cast RD., VERMILIONof then brings you a story about Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire” ADDRESS 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village | ONLINE LorainCountyMetroParks.com/Theatre | PHONE 440.949.5200 ext. 221 2, outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation Amphitheater. Amphitheater for a night of free theatre. More details to come.