ASHLAND — The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop the Ashland County Park District from completing numerous projects throughout its 18 park system.
Since early 2020, the ACPD has already made substantial progress at its new Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park and added amenities to existing parks including Cool Springs and Byers Woods.
“We’ve seen such an increased use in the parks in the past few weeks, and we’ve been fortunate that all our projects have not been delayed due to the pandemic. The contractors have been able to get what they need for the project,” ACPD director Stephanie Featheringill said.
At the park district’s newest park, work is being completed to create enhance the existing pond and build a parking lot nearby. The park is located at the intersection of State Route 60 and County Road 1754.
“Contractors worked on dredging the pond to improve the fish habitat and added a small parking lot in April and May,” Featheringill said. “Contractors also completed a handicap accessible fishing pier around the same time.”
Last month, volunteers added a few additional fish habitats at the bottom of the pond and installed several animal nesting boxes including some for blue birds and kestrels.
Volunteer Henry Beecher made these boxes and donated them. He will also help mange the park by mowing trails.
Additionally, volunteers and staff have created a trail through a ravine and laid out other trails through the fields.
Final pond preparations were made this week, as volunteers seeded the pond and spread straw.
It could soon open for catch-and-release fishing. Featheringill anticipates celebrating the park’s grand opening in 2020.
Meanwhile at Cool Springs Wildlife Conservation Area, a new swinging bridge was installed for hikers to use while on the trails. It’s located just past the third pond on the trail to the right.
“Since the bridge is tucked into the woods, it provides a beautiful view of the creek below,” Featheringill said. “Cool Springs is one of the hilliest parks so if you wish to avoid the first big hill, just hop on our new swinging bridge.”
She thanked the Martin family and Dave McClure for their assistance in this project.
At Byers Woods, work has been completed on the installation of a new ADA double vault restroom for visitors. There will be an accessible walkway added in the near future as well.
Additionally, three new pavilions were installed at parks from April through June. Pavilions have been installed with a concrete pad at Audubon Wetlands, The Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Ground and Sauers Farm. Picnic tables have already been installed at the Black Fork and Sauers Farm, and will soon be added to the Audubon.
In the near future, park visitors will also get to experience a new paved trail will be installed at the Ashland Fire Company Nature Cabin. The quarter mile loop will start at southwest corner of the cabin parking lot and end at the north west corner.
“This will be a great addition to the paved drive way and parking lots,” Featheringill said.
Depending on the weather, Featheringill hopes to start the paved trail around the end of June or beginning of July.
View a map of all 18 ACPD parks at ashlandcountyparks.com.
