Rivendell Nature Preserve to open Sept. 20 in Medina County
203-acre gift from Diane O’Neil becomes MCPD’s largest land donation, launches with $500K fund
Rivendell Nature Preserve, a 203-acre property donated by Diane “Dedee” O’Neil and the largest land gift in Medina County Park District history, will open to the public Sept. 20 with trails, fishing platforms and other amenities.MCPD
Published
The Medina County Park District will open Rivendell Nature Preserve on Sept. 20, a 203-acre donation from Diane “Dedee” O’Neil that stands as the district’s largest land gift and features trails, fishing areas and scenic views.MCPD
Rivendell Nature Preserve, a 203-acre property in Westfield Center and Westfield Township at 7223 Greenwich Rd., opens to the public Sept. 20 as the newest site in the Medina County Park District. The property, donated in 2022 by longtime resident Diane “Dedee” O’Neil, is the largest single gift of land in the district’s 60-year history.
To coincide with the preserve’s opening, the park district and its nonprofit partner, Friends of Medina County Parks Inc., are announcing the creation of the Rivendell Nature Preserve Fund. A gift of $500,000 has been pledged to create the new fund, which will be managed by the Cleveland Foundation on behalf of Friends. The revenue generated may be used by the park district only at Rivendell Nature Preserve for nature programming, general maintenance and facility improvements.
The first phase of development features a parking area, picnic shelter, nearly one mile of ADA-compliant gravel trail, fishing platforms and an overlook of Camel Creek. These amenities were made possible through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, including Friends of Medina County Parks, Westfield Insurance Foundation, Lodi Lumber and Strong Construction.
Two ADA-compliant fishing platforms now extend over the pond, complemented by additional access points designed with natural stone to reflect the preserve’s rural character. Fishing at Rivendell is catch-and-release only. A mowed path circles the pond, providing convenient access for anglers. Funding for the platforms was provided by Friends of Medina County Parks and the Michael Bennett Memorial Fund, while flower beds of native plants near the shelter were created by O’Neil using plants she propagated in her own greenhouse.
When donating the property, O’Neil chose the name Rivendell Nature Preserve, inspired by the sanctuary described in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. The name reflects both the natural beauty of the land and its role as a place of peace and discovery for the community. O’Neil has referred to the property as Rivendell since the late 1960s.
The preserve protects diverse natural resources, including meadows, woodlands and more. This gift ensures the long-term conservation of an ecologically significant landscape and the plants and wildlife it supports. Future plans call for the addition of more hiking trails designed with input from O’Neil.
Rivendell Nature Preserve highlights the park district’s long tradition of community collaboration and generosity. Those interested in supporting preservation efforts — including the Rivendell Nature Preserve Fund — and other projects can contact Development Coordinator Natalie Peacock at 330-722-9364.
