As nature transforms through the seasons, so is Geauga Park District’s Big Creek Park, with new additions under construction.
As nature transforms through the seasons, so is Geauga Park District’s Big Creek Park, with new additions under construction.
“We are proud to update and improve one of our oldest parks in Big Creek Park,” said GPD Executive Director John Oros of the park at 9160 Robinson Road in Chardon Township. “We are pleased the residents of our county have provided Geauga Park District with these outstanding resources to steward on their behalf. Our desire to maintain and improve this park speaks to our desire to make parks and nature more and more accessible to our residents.”
The park is surrounded by an old growth forest with some of the largest tree species in GPD system.
Currently, Mother Nature’s paintbrush adorns it with autumn’s rich colors.
“The red oak trees, tulip poplar, black cherry and hemlock trees are spectacular,” Oros said. “They are truly big trees. Couple these spectacular tree species with the deep ravines of Big Creek parks and the experience with nature is spectacular.”
Mathew McCue, GPD director of planning and operations, helped lead the vision with the new Deep Woods Lodge, nature-based playground and tree house camping.
“Geauga Park District is fortunate to have a group of creative planners and a skilled in-house construction crew that take a creative and collaborative approach to projects, such as the nature-based play areas that we have added to a number of our parks in the last couple years, and the tree house camping at Big Creek Park that will be ready for spring,” McCue said.
Collaboration allows the team to challenge each other to develop creative and unique design solutions. The most notable feature is replacement of an old open-air shelter at Deep Woods with a new four-season lodge.
On a recent weekday afternoon, crews worked inside and outside as sunlight filled the future rentable gathering space.
“The new Deep Woods Lodge drew inspiration from our other parks, including the Headwaters Boathouse and the lodge at Claridon Woodlands,” GPD park planner Anne Lynch said. “The building footprint was re-oriented to be more south facing to take advantage of the natural sunlight through the front façade of glass windows.”
The lodge also features a side and back patio with stone benches and a fire pit.
Deep Woods offers multiple trailheads where visitors can head out for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
“Our new lodges at Claridon Woodlands and Holbrook Hollows are getting rave reviews and positive feedback when I talk with our residents,” Oros said. “The Deep Woods Lodge at Big Creek Park will be another shining example of our desire to remain relevant. As has been the case since I’ve been director, we want our parks and natural
areas to provide meaningful experiences for our residents and their families.”
Existing boardwalks and stream crossings completed this summer plan to keep this trail system enjoyable for years to come, Lynch said, adding future tree house camping, based loosely on their already established lean-to campsites with sliding doors, will open up to allow people to camp under roof while being very open to the outdoors.
The elevated camper cabin also includes a deck and is along the edge of a ravine overlooking some mature beech trees to give campers a sense of camping in a “tree house,” she said.
Wild Goose Pond will feature fishing platforms.
Children will be able to romp through nature at Maple Grove’s new play area.
GPD construction crew’s Isaiah Shipman said while they get directives and plans from their planning department, the crew has a lot of freedom to create and design within their parameters.
Lynch said the new playground area enhances the local environment and provides the opportunity for young children to connect with nature and spark their imaginations.
Elements include log beams, a swing, stone steppers and a small low-lying ropes course. The area has a green infrastructure design with drainage to alleviate erosion.
“It is so exciting and rewarding to watch the transformation of Big Creek Park,” Lynch said. “Parks define communities and places, and together, we can meld architecture, construction, landscape/horticulture into innovative and inspiring visual concepts and a very important connection to nature.”
McCue added, “I feel the improvements at Big Creek Park are a reflection of the strong sense of responsibility our planning department feels in creating quality designs and improvements throughout the Geauga Park District that have a unique sense of place in each park, yet still carry a consistent quality and look.
“Whether this can be achieved in a variety of ways through the use of natural materials such as large timbers and stone for the lodges, complementing and enhancing the beautiful park settings they are in for years to come, to the thoughtfulness and effort that goes into designing a new playground, or trail, allowing a young child to experience the natural environment and nurturing the natural desire to explore.”
