There was a time when only golfers were allowed to use the cart trails along the edge of French Creek in the Bob-O-Link Golf Course in Avon. But golf carts are now being replaced by pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and baby strollers.
“We are in the process of converting some of those old cart paths into park trails and we have made a small parking lot at Jaycox Road into a trailhead,” says Jim Ziemnik, director, Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP). “Our ultimate goal is to work with some families who own other properties nearby and run a trail closer to where we connect with the Riegelsberger Road wetland site.”
LCMP acquired 42 acres of the golf course in 2022 and officially “took the keys,” in January of this year, according to Ziemnik. Avon will also benefit from improved and expanded connectivity to city facilities, gathering points and even local shopping areas via LCMP trails and city-owned pathways.
“We want to work with the City of Avon to make the connection from the Schwartz Road Park soccer fields all the way through our parks and back up through the city and its subdivisions and neighborhoods. Families will never have to be on a major road,” says Ziemnik.
Expanded trails also involve Miller Nature Preserve, a 145-acre park area best known for its 5,000-square-foot conservatory, Butterfly House and popular Orchid Cafe. A new pedestrian bridge over French Creek will connect two existing neighborhoods, Wyndemere Estates and Kensington Park Estates to the park.
“Before the expansion of trails and sidewalks through Avon, primarily it was only residents who would use trails in their neighborhoods. But now, with the Lorain County Metro Parks trail expansions and our partnership with the city, many more people can visit and use the park and travel farther distances,” says Ziemnik, noting that standard multipurpose trail is a minimum of 10 feet wide.
More Ways to Enjoy the Parks
Lorain County Metro Parks consists of 35 park properties, 118 total miles of multi-purpose trails, 11,257 acres of park land and 27 designated water trails for kayaking, canoeing and water-related programs. It would take more than one summer to experience everything available to park visitors. But Bev Walborn, LCMP outdoor experiences manager, offers suggestions for starters.
Schoepfle Garden features 77 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodlands that delight visitors of all ages. Youngsters particularly find the Children’s Garden to be magical with its restored carousel and musical-themed areas. Children learn and play while crawling through the Flute-A-Pillar and climbing the Rocky G Clef.
11106 Market St., Birmingham; 440-965-7237; loraincountymetroparks.com
Wellington Reservation is a 541-acre park with an outstanding visitor center overlooking a 21-acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir. Four miles of trails follow a reservoir loop plus pass through a variety of habitats, including wetlands and grasslands. Walking, hiking and biking are popular here and fishing is allowed. Paddleboats and kayaks can be rented.
535 Jones Road, Wellington; 440-647-2509; loraincountymetroparks.com
Lakeview Park is a paradise for those who enjoy summertime recreation. Located on Lake Erie, the park offers a beach, bathhouse and changing rooms with showers, lawn bowling court, beach volleyball and a cafe. Sunsets are memorable.
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain; 440-458-7630; loraincountymetroparks.com
