2 2 O O 8 SPECIAL EVENTS

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1 utreach Programs: 1,478 participants Naturalists brought the outdoors to Summit County schools, with an emphasis on serving those in the inner-city. This traveling road show also visited senior centers, garden clubs and community organizations upon request. utside Is In : 538 participants New in 2008, this partnership between Akron Public Schools, CY Camp Christopher and Metro Parks connected sixth-grade students with nature through hiking, fishing and camping. The program was funded, in part, by Friends of Metro Parks. Roving Programs: 9,115 participants Naturalists conducted roving programs throughout the park district, connecting with visitors who were on self-guided hikes. Scout Programs: 657 participants Summit County troops and dens fulfilled many of their badge requirements with help from naturalists and volunteers. SPECIAL EVENTS Fall Family utings, Goodyear Heights and Silver Creek Thousands of families enjoyed free hayrides, naturalist-led activities, live music, cider, popcorn, cookies and more. Fall Hiking Spree An estimated 100,000 hikers experienced Summit County s breathtaking fall foliage while hitting the trails during this annual hiking series. More than 21,000 hiking shields were awarded. Music by the Lake concert series, Munroe Falls Metro Park Visitors enjoyed free lake swimming, live music by the Metro Parks Ensemble, kids activities and free cake and ice cream served by Friends of Metro Parks. 11

2 R B I EP N N I A L RT Pops N More concert series, Firestone Metro Park The Akron Pops rchestra and Metro Parks Ensemble entertained visitors with live music, and Friends of Metro Parks served free cake and ice cream. Spree For All Metro Parks continued this award-winning annual hiking series for people of all ages, health levels and physical abilities. An estimated 20,000 visitors enjoyed the flat, easy trails. STMP Bicycle Adventure Cuyahoga Valley National Park s Howe Meadow This annual fund-raiser for Citizens for Metro Parks entertained more than 2,400 cyclists with live music and the choice of several exciting bicycle routes. STMP Bicycle Adventure offers three routes: 10-, 25- and 63-mile tours. Summer Celebration, Munroe Falls and Silver Creek Thousands celebrated summer with free lake swimming at two popular Metro Parks. Trout Derby, Firestone Metro Park Kids 15 and younger received a $1 cash prize when they caught a tagged fish at Little Turtle Pond. The annual event is co-sponsored by the hio Division of Wildlife and the Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club. In the Community The park district took part in numerous community parades and events. Participation jumped 30 percent in

3 CNSERVATIN & RESTRATIN Continued the restoration of Pond Brook in Liberty Park. The reconstruction of Stream Channel 25, funded by an hio EPA Section 319 grant, was completed, and funding for the restoration of Stream Channel 40 was obtained. Hosted a regional workshop to address ecological concerns in bat biology, especially the threat of White Nose Syndrome, a deadly disease afflicting bats of North America. The workshop was attended by more than 100 people and included indoor lectures and activities in the field. Continued to work with local utility partners to better manage natural resources along utility right-of-ways within park boundaries btained funding to begin the Furnace Run stream restoration project. Similar to the work done with Pond Brook, water quality and biological habitat will be improved within this high-quality tributary to the Cuyahoga River. Acquired the future site of Springfield Bog Metro Park and began planning a prairie restoration project on the property Conducted a prairie burn at the Nature Realm to restore and maintain grassland habitats Mike Johnson, chief of natural resources, explains the Pond Brook project. PND BRK RESTRATIN Partnered with a non-profit wildlife foundation to raise money and awareness for conservation in Northeast hio STUDIES & SURVEYS Completed ecological surveys of proposed parkland and along the Bike & Hike and Towpath trails Surveys uncovered seven endangered populations, 14 threatened populations, 21 potentially threatened species and 28 other noteworthy finds. Among those were 12 species previously not known to exist in our Metro Parks, including Carolina silverbell. Continued our successful Citizen Science program to monitor the health of wetlands, streams and wildlife. In 2008, data collection went online to reduce paper and time spent inputting data. As of December 2009, the Pond Brook restoration project had restored more than 100 acres of wetlands and three miles of stream corridor. The total cost, approximately $3.8 million, was paid for through mitigation and grants, and an endowment was established for the maintenance of the area. Carolina silverbell 13

4 R B I EP N N I A L RT PATRLS Rangers tallied more than 22,000 hours of foot patrols and nearly 2,000 hours of bicycle patrols, resulting in more than 117,500 contacts with visitors. The Bike Patrol, which consists of more than100 volunteers, rode the Bike & Hike and Towpath trails to offer assistance to visitors. Thirty-five lifeguards kept watch each summer at Munroe Falls and Silver Creek. EDUCATIN & TRAINING Rangers trained with local law enforcement and emergency medical service agencies, at the hio Peace fficer Training Academy and at universities offering law enforcement studies in a natural resources setting. More than 5,000 local students learned how to be safe outdoors during the in-school Junior Ranger safety program. Employees were trained in CPR and first aid. Rangers presented information at several career and safety fairs throughout Summit County and at Hocking College in Nelsonville, hio. RANGER DEPARTMENT The mission of the department is to provide safety, security and information to visitors and ensure safe and enjoyable park experiences. Rangers perform their duties with tact, diplomacy, discretion and impartiality to protect lives and resources and maintain good order within the park district. All rangers are commissioned peace officers who enforce the park district s rules and regulations and other applicable laws. Each park has a designated park manager who oversees daily maintenance and is also a commissioned peace officer. The position of ranger captain was created in Ranger supervision now includes the chief, captain, lieutenant and sergeant. Rangers patrol each of the park district s developed parks and conservation areas. The department uses UHF radio communications for direct contact with dispatchers from the Summit County Sheriff s ffice. Patrols are conducted using motor vehicles, mountain bikes and allterrain vehicles. Several Metro Parks rangers are certified first aid/cpr instructors, while others are certified instructors in physical fitness, firearms and other defensive equipment through the hio Peace fficer Training Academy. Each summer, the department oversees the lifeguards stationed at Munroe Falls and Silver Creek. Rangers are also assisted by the volunteer Bike Patrol, April through ctober. 14

5 HUMAN RESURCES Created in 2008, the park district s newest department oversaw or took part in a number of significant items, including: Supervisory training for park managers and Senior Staff Hiring employees and conducting new-employee orientation Union negotiations Employee health initiatives Governmental compliance Moving the volunteer office from the Nature Realm to Sand Run Metro Park VLUNTEERS Volunteers average 30,000 service hours each year. During the biennium, volunteers contributed in the following roles/ways: animal care bike and trail patrol corporate and group projects data entry and clerical projects Eagle Scout projects exhibit guides Fall Hiking Spree green building tour guide information desk assistant interpretive naturalist invasive species management library organization maintenance Metro Parks Ensemble photography program aide promotional exhibits and parades ranger reserves and patrol assistants Red Cross instruction resource management school and scout group guides special events Spree For All stream surveys taxidermy wildlife surveys For more information about the volunteer program, call INVASIVE SPECIES SQUAD Volunteer squad leaders were recruited in 2009 to help eradicate garlic mustard, an invasive herb with stalked, triangularshaped leaves that smell like garlic when crushed. Squad leaders were trained by Marlo Perdicas, park biologist, and then allowed to lead volunteer work sessions. More than 1,300 volunteer hours were spent pulling up plants in April and May. Without their continued support, beautiful native species would give way to garlic mustard, Perdicas said. Garlic mustard is a non-native plant that monopolizes light, moisture, nutrients and soil. It is one of the most invasive species in the Metro Parks. 15

6 R B I EP N N I A L RT Cascade Valley Metro Park contains open fields, a rugged valley and historic sites among its 533 acres. The park includes hiking trails, baseball, softball and soccer fields and a reservable open-air shelter. Cross-country skiing is possible on lower portions of the xbow and Chuckery trails, and the xbow Area features a large sledding hill. The 73-acre Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park contains the deepest lock on the hio & Erie Canal and an old quarry from which blocks of Berea sandstone were cut to build canal locks and other local structures. Trails include the 1.2-mile Quarry Trail, the statewide Buckeye Trail and the hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Among its 258 acres, Firestone Metro Park features play fields, more than three and a half miles of hiking trails, a reservable open-air shelter and pavilion, and areas for cross-country skiing, sledding and fishing. More than 175 bird species have been sighted in this park. The 890-acre Furnace Run Metro Park has nearly three miles of hiking trails, including the 0.6-mile Daffodil Trail, which is flowered with thousands of daffodils each spring. The park contains a small sledding hill, a reservable pavilion and Brushwood Lake, in which anglers can drop a line for bass and bluegill. The 410-acre Goodyear Heights Metro Park features a large play field and sledding hill, more than five miles of hiking trails and areas for cross-country skiing, ice skating and fishing. The park also includes a reservable pavilion and Pioneer Shelter, which relief crews built during the Depression using flagstone flooring cut at Deep Lock Quarry. The 1.8-mile Gorge Trail in Gorge Metro Park leads to Mary Campbell Cave, where legend says a pioneer girl was brought in 1759 after being captured by Delaware Indians. ther trails in this 155-acre park include the 1.8-mile Glens Trail and 3.2-mile Highbridge Trail, which connects to Cascade Valley Metro Park. Hampton Hills Metro Park is made up of 278 acres of forested woods and ravines. Stunning views of the Cuyahoga Valley can be had along the 3.2-mile Adam Run and 1.6-mile Spring Hollow trails, two of the park district s most rugged and demanding hikes. The 1,759-acre Liberty Park is the largest area in the park district. The City of Twinsburg manages the park s 100-acre recreation area, including the play fields and playground. Metro Parks manages the remaining acreage, including Pond Brook Conservation Area and the 1.6-mile Buttonbush and 0.6-mile Sugarbush trails. Munroe Falls Metro Park features a 13-acre swimming lake, the 2.2-mile Indian Spring Trail, scenic picnic areas and three reservable open-air shelters. This 509-acre park also includes playground equipment and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. Sledding and cross-country skiing are permitted as conditions allow. During swim season, a daily admission fee or season pass is required to enter the park. 16 F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is a 104-acre special area with three hiking trails, two ponds, several gardens, a tall-grass prairie and a visitors center. The Nature Realm was named in honor of Frank A. Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and an early member of the park district s Board of Park Commissioners.

7 Much of the 295-acre Neil Woods Metro Park was farmland prior to Cattle and horses grazed near the still-standing barn. Today, the aptly-named 1.8-mile Deer Run Trail follows a path worn by white-tailed deer. A portion of the statewide Buckeye Trail also runs through the park The 991 acres that make up Sand Run Metro Park have been greeting visitors for centuries, including American Indians who portaged canoes between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers. Today, the park contains more than 14 miles of hiking and jogging trails, open-air shelters and pavilions, a soccer field and areas for sledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Silver Creek Metro Park features a 50-acre lake and 11 miles of trails, including the 7.9-mile Bridle Trail, the only such trail offered by Metro Parks. This 621-acre park also includes a reservable open-air shelter, playground equipment and fishing areas. During swim season, a daily admission fee or season pass is required to enter the beach area. AREA SIZE CITY VISITRS Cascade Valley Metro Park 533 acres Akron 572,142 Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park 73 acres Peninsula 226,317 Firestone Metro Park 258 acres Akron 1,192,365 Furnace Run Metro Park 890 acres Richfield 250,130 Goodyear Heights Metro Park 410 acres Akron 789,669 Gorge Metro Park 155 acres Cuyahoga Falls 177,241 Hampton Hills Metro Park 278 acres Akron 141,540 Liberty Park 1,759 acres Twinsburg 182,440 (Pond Brook Conservation Area) Munroe Falls Metro Park 509 acres Munroe Falls 244,904 F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm 104 acres Akron 69,662 Neil Woods Metro Park 295 acres Bath 74,570 Sand Run Metro Park 991 acres Akron 3,871,893 Silver Creek Metro Park 621 acres Norton 637,647 Bike & Hike Trail 33.5 miles Sagamore Hills to Stow 295,973 hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail* 9.28 miles Akron 287,487 hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail* 5.11 miles Barberton 206,388 hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail* 4.54 miles PPG Industries N/A hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail* 2.60 miles Clinton 233,929 * Thirty-five miles of the projected 101-mile Towpath Trail are in Summit County. Metro Parks manages four sections totaling 21.5 miles. TTAL 9,454,297 17

8 R B I EP N N I A L RT ABUT METR PARKS Metro Parks, Serving Summit County was established in Today, the park district manages 10,000 acres, including 13 developed parks, six conservation areas and more than 120 miles of trails. Annual attendance averages 4.5 million visitors. The park district s governing body is the three-person Board of Park Commissioners, appointed by the Summit County Probate Judge. Commissioners serve overlapping threeyear terms without compensation and are assisted by the director-secretary, who oversees the work of full-time and part-time employees, seasonal workers and volunteers. SENIR STAFF Keith D. Shy Loretta Bowers Nathan Eppink Shannon Hasenstab Michael Johnson Maureen McGinty Robert Peters Douglas Shepard David C. Whited Director-Secretary Chief of Human Resources & Administration Chief of Marketing & Communications Executive Secretary Chief of Natural Resources Chief of Interpretive Programming & Education Chief of perations Chief of Rangers Chief of Planning & Development DEPARTMENT VERVIEWS Customer Service Customer service representatives are typically the public s first point of contact, whether it is to sign up for programs, obtain forms for the Fall Hiking Spree or reserve a pavilion for a family reunion. Metro Parks employees manage 13 developed parks, sections of the hio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Bike & Hike Trail and several conservation areas in Summit County. Staff* Full-time Part-time 9 13 * Board-authorized totals 18 Human Resources The department oversees the volunteer program and is responsible for developing and implementing employee policies and procedures. Interpretive Programming & Education Naturalists are the educational face of the park district, promoting stewardship through programs, exhibits and activities that instill an appreciation of Summit County s natural resources. Marketing & Communications The department manages publications, special events, the Web site and guides all communication between the park district and other parties. Natural Resource Management Biologists protect the plants, animals and cultural features within our parks and conservation areas. perations The department s primary responsibility is the day-to-day care of the facilities and natural resources located within the park district. Planning & Development The department is responsible for long- and short-range physical planning, identifying and facilitating land acquisition projects, and providing design, engineering and construction oversight for capital improvement projects and major maintenance projects. Rangers Park rangers patrol assigned areas and assist visitors to ensure safe, enjoyable and pleasant experiences.

9 Fund Balance on January $7,613, $15,767, Resources Taxes $18,013, $17,780, Grants*/Special Revenue $977, $140, Donations $7, $13, Investment Income $303, $69, Swimming Fees $207, $204, Merchandise & Concession Sales $50, $37, Programming Fees $20, $17, Pavilion/Shelter/Property Rentals $173, $162, Fines/ther Receipts $199, $496, Total Resources $19,954, $18,922, Total Resources & Fund Balance $27,567, $34,690, Expenditures Wages & Salaries $5,046, $5,285, Employee Benefits $884, $928, Administration/perations $3,396, $4,084, Development & Capital Improvements $1,476, $3,581, ther Expenses $292, $555, Equipment $401, $351, Land Acquisition $301, $1,439, Total Expenditures $11,800, $16,225, * A number of projects, programs and initiatives would not have been possible without grants from the following agencies: Akron Community Foundation City of Akron County of Summit Northern hio Golf Charities Foundation hio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hio Department of Transportation (DT) hio Environmental Protection Agency hio & Erie Canalway Association hio Public Works Commission 19

10 PRESERVING THE PAST F.A. SEIBERLING NATURE REALM Many parks exist today due to the foresight of a few visionary individuals, including F.A. Seiberling, who founded Goodyear Tire & Rubber in The company produced bicycle and carriage tires and went on to capture the automobile tire business. 975 Treaty Line Road Akron, hio , Metro Parks, Serving Summit County Any or all materials in this publication may be reproduced with the permission of the director-secretary, providing Seiberling s interests went well beyond rubber. He helped form the original Akron Metropolitan Park District and was a member of the Board of Park Commissioners from 1924 to He also donated more than 400 acres to expand Sand Run Metro Park. In 1964, land that he once owned was purchased by Metro Parks to become the Nature Realm, which opened in proper credit is given to Metro Parks, Serving Summit County.