Community invited to work on projects at Legacy Point

Big things are happening at Holmes County’s Legacy Point, the county’s newest addition to its many attractions, and while the park isn’t yet open to the public, volunteers and the team leading the creation of the park that resides on the former Holmes County Landfill are eagerly anticipating its opening and also committing a lot of hard work and volunteer hours to making the park both beautiful and useful to community members and travelers hoping to experience the scenery of Holmes County.

“This park is absolutely gorgeous,” said Melissa Biltz of the Holmes County Park District, who has spearheaded much of the progress on Legacy Point. “We’re excited about the progress taking place and looking forward to it finally being open to the public sometime soon.”

From bird watching to star gazing, hiking and exploring nature, Holmes County’s Legacy Point will soon provide all that and more for those who enjoy getting out in nature.

However, until the day it finally opens, work continues to take place, and December will offer plenty of opportunities for community members to lend a hand as the park takes shape.

Holmes County Eagle Scout candidate Terrence Miller is finishing up the mulching of the hiking trail and will have a work day on Dec. 30 from noon to 2 p.m. He is currently looking for volunteers to help spread the mulch. Those who would like to add their muscle and expertise to the project are invited to bring wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels. Call Biltz at 330-231-6175 if you can help.

In addition, the boundary survey has been completed by Baker Surveying, and Jason Biltz of Tekton Engineering is looking for volunteers to help paint the boundary.

Due to the time of year, volunteers are asked to dress in warm clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. In addition, bringing along pairs of loppers, machetes or a mini saw would be handy. Call Jason Biltz at 330-473-0927 if you can help.

The dates for the project are Dec. 9, 13, 16 and 20 from 1-4 p.m. and Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One addition that already has taken place was the construction of the new parking lot that was installed near the entrance of the park. The bare dirt is being seeded with native wildflowers, and on Earth Day on April 22, the park district will team up with Holmes Soil and Water and Scouters of Holmes County to plant trees and do invasive species control.

“We are also looking for native nuts and seeds like hickory nuts, dogwood seeds and spicebush berries to work into soil as well,” Melissa Biltz said.

For those who would like to participate in the Earth Day activity, contact Biltz if you would like to donate seeds, saplings or funds to purchase seedlings through HSWCD in the spring.

As for the grand opening of the park, patience is being tested, but those who have invested much know their patience and their effort will be rewarded soon enough.

“We are still waiting for EPA approval to open the park to the public,” Melissa Biltz said. “However, these work days are great opportunities to stop out, lend a hand and get a sneak peek at everything that has been happening.”

She also said the community support has been a driving force in the progress of Legacy Point, and it wouldn’t be as far along as it is without that support, both financially and from a volunteer work standpoint.

“It’s called Holmes County’s Legacy Point for a good reason,” Biltz said. “It’s the Holmes Countians who have really stepped up to build this park. The park belongs to them.”

She said the Plain community in particular has been gracious in its giving to the effort, and with over 250 acres of land in the park, it will provide a perfect place to hike, something Biltz said will only add to the capabilities already presented by the Holmes County Rails to Trails system.

Once open, Legacy Point will be open from dawn to dusk, although Holmes County Park District Director Jen Halverson said they will create special evenings for those who enjoy star gazing or for evenings when the heavens put on special shows like meteor showers.

The park district board is excited about bringing yet another beautiful addition to the Holmes County Trail and the many other natural settings that have helped draw people to the county while providing places for locals to enjoy.