Trail Lake Virtual Ribbon Cutting
From our Executive Director, Christine Craycroft
On behalf of Portage Park District, I am happy to welcome you to Trail Lake Park!
In lieu of an in-person formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, we are offering the opportunity to chat with Park District staff and volunteers during open house hours this weekend. Stop out to enjoy the park in-person, and in the meantime check out our short video and brochure as an introduction to this gorgeous, accessible park.
Thank You!
Trail Lake Park is the culmination of efforts from many park staff, landowners, funders, volunteers, and contractors that pulled together to efficiently create this new public space for all to enjoy year-round.
The park district secured over $2.3 million in grants and donations, about 60% of total project costs, from several sources including the Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, ODOT, Portage Park District Foundation, and reduced prices for land and amenities. The remaining funds came from the Park District levy approved by voters in 2014. Download our full thank you list here.
Temporary Park Closure November 9th and 10th
We wanted to get Trail Lake open to the public as soon as possible. Due to rain delays, our construction workers need just a couple more days for finishing touches. The park will be closed Monday and Tuesday, November 9 & 10, to allow them to finish without interference. Thanks for your understanding!
I’m especially proud to work with our fantastic team of staff and volunteers who collaborate and support each other so well and graciously adjust to often changing plans and circumstances.
Our Board of Park Commissioners, appointed by our supportive Judge Bob Berger, oversee the park district and approve all of our land acquisitions, grant applications, project budgets, and contracts. They are dedicated professionals and are unpaid for the many hours they contribute each month.
Craig Alderman, Operations Manager, is our unflappable on-site construction coordinator. Craig was involved from the park planning stage through site preparation and construction, working with several engineers and contractors to make sure we delivered a quality product. Craig and his staff (Dan Mars, Logan Carpenter, Andy Hagat) constructed amenities, cleared trails, and will ensure that the park is well maintained going forward.
Bob Lange, Natural Areas Steward, worked on the mapping and resource inventories that secured grants and developed natural resources management plans. Bob oversees volunteer groups and his team of technicians (Lindsay Leightner, Emmett Roberts, and Tomas Curtis) in reseeding and reforesting fields and managing invasive species.
Andrea Metzler, Public Engagement Manager, coordinates overall public outreach, photography, video, print materials, and manages volunteers as well as the schedule for Owlbert. She and Education Coordinator Jen White have enthusiastically developed a variety of alternative and virtual programs for people of all ages and abilities can creatively experience the parks, in-person or virtually.
Rory Becker, Administrative Assistant, is our behind-the-scenes engine making sure the many cogs of project management keep moving. She juggles everything from processing revenues, payments, payroll, and permits, to managing records and board proceedings, public inquiries, the wild hikes program, staff support, and contracts. And she does it all and more with calm confidence and a smile.
Tell us what you think!
Trail Lake is a work in progress, and we’d like to get your suggestions. Check out the park and then reply to our survey here. Your input is important and will help secure funding for more improvements. Thanks!