Legacy Point Park expands trails and programs

Last year the public got its first taste of the sheer beauty and natural splendor of Holmes County’s Legacy Point Park, a development perched atop one of the county’s highest points.

Now entering its first full year, the park continues to develop additional trails that will offer enjoyment for walkers, joggers, equestrians and those who simply want to enjoy nature at its finest.

“One of the things we are hoping to do is simply introduce the park to more people,” said Jen Halverson, Holmes County Park District. “The more people we can expose to the possibilities at Legacy Point Park, the more our local families will recognize that it is a beautiful place to bring the whole family, groups or just come by oneself to explore and enjoy nature.”

Legacy Point is designed to provide a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests and fitness levels. The hiking trail weaves through woodland and open meadows. With its diverse habitats, Legacy Point is a sanctuary for bird watchers. Enthusiasts can expect to spot a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot for both amateur and experienced bird watchers.

One of the park’s most breathtaking features is the panoramic sunset views it offers at the top of the old landfill, where one can see for miles. Visitors can unwind at the designated viewing area to witness the sun setting over the Killbuck Valley.

New to the trail scene at Legacy Point is the Outrider Trail, a meandering trail created for both walkers and equestrians that traverses the outside of the park, beginning at the front parking lot.

“It’s a beautiful new addition to the park,” Halverson said.

The park district will offer youth outdoor education programming with the support from the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation. The instruction for the youth programs, Nature Explorers Program and Let’s Get Outside Program, will be led by local naturalist Carrie Elvey, who spent 23 years as a naturalist at The Wilderness Center and currently works at the Untied Titanium Bug Zoo on OSU’s Wooster campus.

“One of the things we’re most excited about is teaming up with Carrie for some outdoor education for younger people,” Halverson said.

The Nature Explorers Program will run from 9-10:30 a.m. at Legacy Point Park. Each program will use hands-on activities, artifacts and guided investigations to help students and their adults explore the park.

Topics cover insects, mammals, birds and plants, and each session will help students gain confidence and build naturalist skills. The programs are geared for students in third grade through eighth grade.

Other nature-loving students are welcome; younger students will need more adult assistance. Participants may wish to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit and work on. The program will meet rain or shine. Extreme weather cancellations will be posted on the park district's Facebook page and voicemail.

Program dates and titles include the following:

—Tuesday, March 31: Becoming a Naturalist.

—Monday, June 8: Small Wonders.

—Friday, July 10: Bird Beak Bingo.

—Wednesday, Sept. 16: Investigating Insects.

—Friday, Oct. 16: Budding Botanists.

—Friday, Nov. 27: Mammal Skull Mysteries.

The Let’s Get Outside Program is designed for young explorers but open to all. The program focuses on family-friendly activities to get young naturalists exploring the park.

Through hands-on activities, short walks and guided explorations, children will work with their adults to discover the wonders of Legacy Point. Programs will run from 9-10 a.m.

These programs are slated to take place Saturdays, April 18, June 27, July 18 and Oct. 24.

There also are activities scheduled for adults.

The guided birding/nature hikes will continue this spring, led by local birding experts and local volunteer naturalists, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 25.

Trailblazing volunteer workdays also will continue for those who would be interested in growing, improving and maintaining the trail system at the park. These opportunities will take place Wednesday, March 11 from noon to 5 p.m.; Monday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Monday, May 18 from 1-5 p.m.

The park will be open to the public from dawn to dusk, and entry will be free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to practice “Leave No Trace” principles by keeping animals on leashes, removing any trash they bring with them and cleaning up after pets. With the beauty of nature comes hazards as well, such as being prepared for ticks and poison ivy. Proper clothing and being prepared keeps everyone safe.

The park is located northeast of Millersburg at 6601 Township Road 326, just off state Route 241.