Seneca Parks to begin master plans for Fruth, Steyer

Seneca Parks board Tuesday took the next step toward creating master plans for Fruth Wetland and Steyer nature preserves. The district is accepting statements of qualifications from architectural design firms interested in creating park master plans. Executive Director Sarah Betts said the master plans for individual parks are a direct result of the county comprehensive plan, which was approved in 2020. "Continuing with implementation of the plan, the Seneca Parks is ready to begin search for a firm to provide architectural design services for conceptual and schematic designs of park areas for potential future improvements that can be implemented in phases," she said. While the comprehensive plan broadly defines the park district's goals, she said park master plans "help us see the big picture in a little more detail." She said multiple facets of the parks will be taken into consideration — public areas, educational plans, maintenance needs, for example. "They might include driveways, parking lots, maintenance and operations, buildings, nature center, shelters, restrooms, additional trails," she said. "We're trying to get all of those ideas sketched out in a little more in detail first, and then from there we can do actual building designs." Betts said the company chosen will be supplied with details from the public input sessions during the comprehensive planning process as well as input from public surveys, the park staff, park board and other people. She said Fruth Wetland and Steyer parks were chosen because "those are the two sites where we're almost starting from a clean slate" and because their locations help improve Seneca Parks' offerings in the county. "On the east and south sides, Bowen and Garlo already have development on them," she said. "This helps with coverage on the north and west sides." Steyer NP, CR 33 near Fort Seneca, started with 89 acres donated by Tony and Kathy Steyer in 2003, and has grown to 210 acres through grants from Clean Ohio, ODNR Scenic Rivers and ODNR Division of Wildlife. More than 4 miles of trails traverse the diverse wooded and grassland terrain offering scenic views of the Sandusky River. The ODNR Abbott's Bridge Scenic River Access parking lot off CR 33 at the river is the main entry into the park, and a hunter's parking lot is located on TR 148. Fruth Wetland NP received a name change as ownership shifted to Seneca Parks in 2020. The 18-acre acquisition and wetland restoration were made possible through a grant from the H2Ohio fund. Previously, the site had been operated by the Geary Family YMCA of Fostoria as a location for youth sports and other outdoor programs in cooperation with Seneca Parks. The site has a long heritage as an educational and outdoor experience site dating back to the 1960s when the block building (still standing on the site as the Roppe Lodge) was built as a bunk house for overnight camps. Betts said she hopes the master plans are completed this year. During her report, Betts said the park district is working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to update the ODNR-owned Sandusky River access at Abbotts Bridge at Steyer Nature Preserve. She said the park district will head the $50,000 project with the park district and ODNR each paying half. The project is schedule to be completed by June. She said the project is to provide year-round access options for hand-powered watercraft, reduce further site erosion and allow better fishing access. Betts said 243 people participated in 22 programs in January, and another order of walking sticks was placed to accommodate increased numbers of new hikers participating in the Walking Stick Program. "Sasquatch sightings continue to happen on a regular basis, from three different parks now," she said. "We have had so many great comments from those who have and are planning to participate." A cutout of Sasquatch is being placed in the parks to be sighted by hikers as part of the district's 25th anniversary. In turn, people who sight the creature can turn in a photo and a comment about the park where it was found. Program listings and announcements can be found on the park website, www.senecacountyparks.com, and its Facebook page. As part of COVID requirements, registration is required by emailing lrose@senecacountyparks.com. Nature Preserves Manager Troy Gibson reported he has been working on "behind-the-scenes" projects in maintenance facilities. He said Paul Fleming donated some blacksmithing tools to the blacksmith shop at Garlo NP, and an anonymous donor donated an anvil. Also Tuesday, the board increased tuition for Out & About Preschool from $105 to $115 per month for the morning class, which meets three days each week. The fee for the afternoon class, which meets twice a week, remains at $80 per month. Linda Rose, preschool administrator, said the morning class contains 14 of the maximum 16 children because of recent moves, and the afternoon class has seven of the maximum 10 students. In another matter, the board approved a rental agreement for the park district's picnic shelters, gazebos and other park areas. Roppe Lodge was removed from the rental list. Betts said the facility does not meet requirements for safety and handicapped accessibility. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance by any person at least 21 years old. Fees are $50 for the shelters at Fruth Wetland and Garlo Heritage NPs. The fee for other park areas is $50 for groups of fewer than 50 people and $75 for groups of 50-100. The board approved the purchase of a new security system at Garlo Heritage NP at an estimated cost of $8,249 from Bee Safe LLC, of New Riegel. Betts said the new system will improve on the former four-camera system by providing remote access to information gathered by cameras in multiple locations. The board also approved the purchase of 2021 Ford F-250 Super Cab truck for $32,513 from Tiffin Ford Lincoln Inc., and the installation of electricity by Clouse Electric, of Tiffin, at maintenance buildings at Garlo preserve for $5,400 and Bowen Nature Preserve for $4,800. The board's next meeting is at 9 a.m. March 9 at Roppe Lodge, Fruth Wetland Nature Preserve, 10130 W. SR 18, Fostoria.