Legacy Point Park launches hikes, trail workdays and nature programs

Legacy Point Park hasn’t been open long, but that hasn’t deterred the Holmes County Park District from diving into a slate of activities for the public.

Legacy Point Park, Holmes County’s newest addition to its recreational parks, turned a landfill into a new park with incredible views, amazing walking paths and more, and it was designed to add to the essence of Holmes County’s slate of outdoor activities.

Now that Legacy Point is open, the Holmes County Park District is already beginning to create new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

“When we built this park, our mission was to create plenty of opportunities for the public to enjoy this incredible gift of nature,” said Jen Halverson, director at the Holmes County Park District.

The first new event is Tuesdays on the Trail, which will provide group-led hikes to explore the area’s trails while observing wildlife and the scenic nature. These will take place the first Tuesday of each month, with the first meeting set for Oct. 7. The event will be held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to all ages.

The other new event is Trailblazing Saturdays, a day set aside for people who want to help maintain old trails and blaze out new ones.

Tuesdays on the Trail will feature multiple guest leaders. These group hikes will not be focused on one part of Legacy Point; rather, they will focus on all the marvels of the park.

Trailblazing Saturdays will feature more of a hands-on experience.

In addition to a nature hike and observation on the trails, Trailblazing Saturdays will offer an opportunity for service-minded people to help maintain and expand Legacy Point Park. These sessions will be every last Saturday of the month, starting Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The first Trailblazing Saturday will feature Robert Hershberger, a local bird expert and owner of Time and Optics, and Melissa Biltz, volunteer coordinator for the property.

The park district also will host volunteer workdays once a month. The workdays will focus primarily on the maintenance of the current trails and development of future trails.

“These sessions mark a turning point for Legacy Point,” Halverson said. “Legacy Point is no longer in the early stages of becoming a park; it is now a community of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Our Trailblazing Saturdays will showcase this community of people who are trying to improve the trail. Hikers for Trailblazing Saturdays and the Monday workdays are encouraged to bring gloves and loppers to begin blazing the way to a brighter future.”

Halverson said the future looks bright for creating even more public events, but for now they want to generate some excitement and early opportunities before the weather turns cold.

“We think there is great opportunity for all kinds of groups to get involved, from homeschool groups to youth groups to company outings,” Halverson said. “We want this park to be our community’s park, which is why we have invited everyone to get involved with its progress.”

Upcoming events at Legacy Point

—Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon: Trailblazing Saturdays featuring birding and volunteer opportunities.

—Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon: Tuesdays on the Trail focusing on a group nature hike.

—Friday, Oct. 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with a special evening group nature hike.

—Monday, Oct. 20 from 1-4 p.m. with a volunteer workday.

—Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon: Trailblazing Saturdays with a nature hike and volunteer opportunities.

—Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon: Tuesdays on the Trail and a group nature hike.

—Monday, Nov. 17 from 1-4 p.m. with a volunteer workday.

—Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon with Tuesdays on the Trail and a group nature hike.

—Monday, Dec. 15 from 1-4 p.m. with a volunteer workday.

There will be no Trailblazing Saturdays in November or December due to the holidays.

The park district invites everyone to follow it on Facebook or call 330-674-3353 for weather-related cancellations and updates.

Holmes County Park District is dedicated to the betterment of the lives of residents and visitors by preserving natural areas and promoting safe and scenic recreational opportunities.