Grant Awarded to Create Avon Lake Park (OH)

Cleveland, OH, 4/1/03 – The Trust for Public Land announces that the District 9 Natural Resources Assistance Council has?granted $1,250,000 from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for the creation of a public park in the heart of Avon Lake. The award will enable a partnership of the Trust for Public Land, the Avon Lake Save the Woods Committee, the Lorain County Metro Parks, and the City of Avon Lake to acquire a 70-acre property of woodlands and streams currently owned by Kopf Builders at a price of $2,230,000.

The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, created by Governor Taft in 2000, provides $400 million over four years for preservation of natural areas and farmland, protection of streams, creation of outdoor recreational opportunities and revitalization of urban areas. The Avon Lake award is pending final authorization from the Ohio Public Works Commission, which distributes Clean Ohio funds. The City of Avon Lake and Lorain County Metro Parks will provide the match of local resources required by the grant, bringing the vision of a 170-acre park closer to reality for Avon Lake residents.

The opportunity to conserve this land was made possible by the Avon Lake Save the Woods Committee, a group of citizens determined to preserve this natural area and the childhood memories it holds. Since February 2, 2003, Save the Woods Committee has collected more than 4,500 signatures from residents and rallied city leaders, school officials, and neighbors to join their effort. Save the Woods spokesperson Jan VanWagner beams, “It is nearly impossible to mention this project to anyone without seeing a smile and hearing a ‘Woods’ story. The Committee is overjoyed about the funding, but the thousands of Avon Lake residents who helped to make this happen will also celebrate with us.”

The Trust for Public Land, established in 1972, is a national nonprofit land conservation organization specializing in conservation real estate, applying its expertise in negotiations, public finance, and law, to protect land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Across the nation, the Trust for Public Land has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres and has been serving Ohioans for more than 25 years. The Trust for Public Land depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission. The Trust for Public Land Ohio Office is generously supported by The Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation. For more information please contact us at 216-928-7518.