Here we Grow Again!

(Hiram Township, OH) – Portage Park District recently acquired and has permanently conserved 325 acres in Hiram Township, formerly owned by the Carlisle Family. The property is located on the south side of State Route 82 and runs a mile south to meet the adjacent Headwaters Trail, a hike and bike trail between Garrettsville to Mantua. The property is also adjacent to 137 acres of protected land owned, restored, and managed by Hiram College for student research. Comprised of rolling hills both forested and open, the park property also includes portions of Eagle Creek and Silver Creek and their associated high-quality wetlands. Eagle Creek flows through Garrettsville and Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve toward the Mahoning River.

As with many park and conservation projects, it takes the efforts of Portage Park District, partners, and funders to bring a project to life. Approximately $1.14 million from Clean Ohio Greenspace Grants provided funding for acquisition and initial restoration. Additional funding included: Portage Park District $325,000 in levy funds, $1,000 from Portage Park District Foundation and $1,000 in in-kind volunteer labor from Hiram College. Western Reserve Land Conservancy holds a conservation easement on the property as an additional layer of protection into the future.

In true collaborative fashion– conservation-minded landowners and siblings, Jane Hill, Stan Carlisle, and Gayle Lane sister and executor for Gary Miller's estate sold the property for $75,000 below appraised value, as an in-kind ‘bargain sale’.  

Family History

The Carlisle's father, Bob Carlisle loved and worked on the property his whole life. The family memories of sharing time with cousins and other relatives run deep. Bob and Stan often had students from neighboring schools to the property for bonfires. Bob Carlisle had a team of horses which he would use for sleigh rides with grandkids, parades, and more. The siblings are incredibly excited about the transition of the property to Portage Park District and look forward to spending time at the park.

Jane Hill talks about how happy she is to share the properties with others, “We are excited about this and we feel like the beauty of the land can be preserved and enjoyed by people, to include us. I feel like we are getting the best of both worlds.”

Stan Carlisle shared his thoughts on encouraging other landowners who might be thinking of preserving their land through selling to the Portage Park District,  “Their property will be preserved and protected and be something they are proud of when it’s out of their control” “We are comfortable knowing it will be preserved and people can enjoy it for years to come.”

Future Plans

“We’re grateful for the Carlisles’ willingness to partner on protecting their beautiful land for future generations, and for the funding from the Clean Ohio program which made it possible”, said Christine Craycroft, Executive Director.  “We’re looking forward to planning for its development into a park and offering programs there as soon as we can.”

Portage Park District will initially focus on the restoration of the property, currently known as Eagle Creek Greenway Phase I, planting native trees and plants in the fields. Eventually, trails will be developed with connections to the Headwaters Trail. Recreation emphasis will be on low-impact uses such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and programs.

Portage Park District conserves important natural areas and creates parks and trails for public use and enjoyment.  For more information, visit portageparkdistrict.org or call (330) 297-7728. The Portage Park District’s mission is to conserve Portage County’s natural heritage and provide opportunities for its appreciation and enjoyment.