Bainbridge Township Trustees unanimously approved the final development plan for Phase 1A of Aurora Park at Geauga Lake following a presentation at their Dec. 15 meeting.
Bainbridge Township Trustees unanimously approved the final development plan for Phase 1A of Aurora Park at Geauga Lake following a presentation at their Dec. 15 meeting.
Cullen Meves, of Cleveland-based MKSK Landscaping, presented the plan, outlining design updates and next steps as the project moves toward construction this spring.
Two primary changes were made since Meves last appeared before trustees: the placement of the park’s entry sign and the location of the maintenance building, she said.
“You can see the Aurora Park sign down here. We moved it over here so you see it when you’re coming in,” Meves said. “It’s right next to the sidewalk so that people can go up to it and take a picture next to it.”
The maintenance building was relocated to the lower right portion of the park, eliminating the need for gates, Meves said.
“All the gates came down with the maintenance area moving to the south, there’s no more gated access. It’s free access to the park,” she added.
Meves also highlighted more detailed plans for landmarks including the Gatehouse Pavilion and the Turnstile Building.
The Gatehouse Pavilion will be open to the public and available as a rental space for events, added Trustee Jeff Markley.
A building at the end of the Turnstile Building will include restrooms, a small office and utilities, Meves said.
“We are maintaining one of the (original Geauga Lake) ticket booths just for nostalgia,” she said.
Historic interpretation signage and nature-based education displays will also be installed throughout the park to inform visitors about the site’s origins, she added.
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District approved the stormwater management and sediment control plan for the property Dec. 4, said Assistant Zoning Inspector Dave Dietrich.
Architectural consultant Jim Duber also approved the final development plan on behalf of the township, Dietrich added.
“We did indicate to Cullen that the zoning department will need zoning permit applications, of course, before this goes to the (Geauga) County Building Department,” Dietrich said. “I’d like to compliment Cullen and her team. It’s been great working with her and her staff.”
Trustees asked department heads whether they had any concerns about the plan.
Bainbridge Township Police Chief Jon Bokovitz asked how boats entering and leaving the lake would be monitored.
Meves said only paddle boats and kayaks will be permitted initially and monitored by park staff.
Private kayak owners will be required to check in at a desk and obtain permission before entering the lake, she said.
Life jacket rentals will also be offered by park staff, Meves added.
Construction on phase 1A is slated to begin in the spring, she said.
Following the presentation, trustees unanimously voted to approve the final developmental plan for phase 1A.
