A glorious autumn weekend marked the celebratory opening of Thompson Ledges Park’s new nature center and outdoor exhibits at 16755 Thompson Road in Thompson Township.
A glorious autumn weekend marked the celebratory opening of Thompson Ledges Park’s new nature center and outdoor exhibits at 16755 Thompson Road in Thompson Township.
In 1940, the citizens of Thompson Township voted to establish the first park district in Geauga County, leading to the founding of Thompson Ledges Township Park the following year.
The largest financial gift came from the trust of Francis Spatz Leighton, a lifelong nature lover who was raised on a local dairy farm. Her funds were designated for the creation of a Nature and Learning Center in the park.
Decades later, Leighton’s vision became reality with the opening of the Frances Spatz Leighton Learning and Nature Center Sept. 27. The center features static and interactive displays highlighting geology, ecology, flora, fauna and education.
Thompson Ledges Park Board member Mike Kuehn said the new facility reflects the experience of hiking the park’s trails.
This project has been four years in the making, Kuehn said, adding about two years were devoted to planning, followed by a two-year partnership with Second Nature Fabricators to produce and install exhibits.
“We see this nature center as being the premier place to not only learn about the
diverse aspects of the Thompson Ledges, but also the formation and unique
characteristics of the Sharon Conglomerate,” said Kuehn, who has been instrumental in the park’s recent developments. “The nature center gives you the feeling of being in nature with a replica of a rock ledge, plants and animals. The outdoor interpretive panels along the trails explain in detail how and when the ledges were formed, along with all the flora and fauna that call it home.”
The seven outdoor panels also provide education when the center is closed, offering an abundance of information to complement the indoor exhibits.
“It would be nice to offer days and times to local schools for field trips, and most obvious would be the Berkshire school district,” Kuehn added.
Collaboration Propels Park’s Mission
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District supported the park in applying for an Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Grant of $16,409.
They applied three years in a row, starting in 2021, said GSWCD Conservation Technician Lisa Berkheimer.
“The third time is the charm,” she said. “Thompson Ledges was awarded the grant during the 2023 application year. This was a true testament for not taking no for an answer.”
The grant covers three trail improvement projects. The first involves flattening the slope at the trailhead and constructing a wooden boardwalk to improve safety and drainage, reducing slipperiness caused by constant seepage from the ledges.
The second includes reconfiguring “Foxtrot Trail” to eliminate its switchback and make the path wide enough for emergency vehicle access.
The third will focus on adding drainage and a stronger base to the notoriously wet “Woodland Trail.”
“Once engrossed in the beauty of the Thompson Ledges, visitors are looking to expand their trek,” Berkheimer said. “This trail is notoriously wet since it sits at the bottom of the ledges, which as stated before, always seeps water. Drainage on this trail is imperative to give park visitors the ability to hike it in their ‘street shoes’ and not require boots. Along with drainage, this trail improvement would construct a sturdy trail base and gravel additions.”
Foundation for Geauga Parks Support the Vision
The Foundation for Geauga Parks played a key role in fundraising, marketing and outreach for the nature center’s grand opening.
“We are thrilled to see this grand opening come to life—it has been a long time coming for this special park,” FGP Executive Director Christine Davidson said. “The transformation of Thompson Ledges is due to the dedication of Mike Kuehn, who has adopted, cleaned up and shepherded a vision for the park by enlisting the support of conservation partners such as West Creek Conservancy, the Foundation for Geauga Parks, Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District and many others.
She added, “For the foundation, we are especially excited about establishing what we hope will be a long-term relationship with the Thompson Ledges Park Commissioners, including completing a formal agreement to create the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund — permanently supporting the interpretive plan designed by former Foundation Trustee Dan Best while also raising funds to enhance the park and its public spaces. Our shared goal is to make these resources available to educators, historians, environmentalists and the public for generations to come.”
Since December 2024, even before a formal agreement was finalized, FGP raised $6,786 for the Awareness Fund.
“These funds are earmarked for the nature and history centers and for future projects such as construction and installation of an amphitheater, a wildlife feeding station and a community firepit,” Davidson said. “This collaboration shows the power of local organizations working together to preserve natural spaces, provide outdoor educational opportunities and create new experiences for the community to connect with nature.”
FGP remains committed to investing in projects that align with its mission to connect people with nature, Davidson added.
“Thompson Ledges Park, its nature and history centers, and the creation of the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund reflect that mission in action,” she said. “We see this grand opening not just as a celebration of what has been accomplished, but as the beginning of ongoing opportunities for the community to explore, learn and be inspired by the natural and historical treasures of Thompson Ledges.”
Leighton’s Legacy Lives On
Long-time park groundskeeper Debbra Majikas arrived early to celebrate the community she loves and the improvements she has helped maintain.
Although she never met Leighton, Majikas said they share the same passion for nature and for Thompson Township.
She loves to be around trees, fresh air and close to the wild animals, she said, recalling how she took the groundkeeping job after high school and never looked back.
“Why wouldn’t I stay at a job I can’t wait to get to every week,” Majikas said. “I wish the park job was for 12 months. I like making the park look good and like the feeling I get when it’s accomplished. As for my long-time commitment to the park, I just feel I guess no one can do it better because I do it with a lot of love.
“Even though there’s times when I see that some people don’t love it like I have and may do things in the park to damage it or deface things, I feel keeping after it and keeping it looking good is important,” she added. “When most people see the park looking good, then they enjoy it more and also seem to help take care of it. I will continue to love it and take care of it as long as I’m on this earth and am able to do it.”
The Miller family, of Thompson, also stopped to enjoy the park, with young son Ronan chatting affectionately to the black bear statue — representing an endangered species that once denned in the Ledges.
“We were so impressed with the improved nature center,” said Amy Miller. “There was a perfect mix of Thompson and natural history throughout the building. I loved how there were nature displays low enough for smaller children to be able to interact with them. It’s so special and unique to have access to the ledges of the Sharon Conglomerate so close to home. The upgrades to Thompson Ledges really make the park more accessible to everyone.”
Looking ahead, Kuehn said the park has even more plans in the works.
“From the nature and history center improvements, the trail improvements and maybe most importantly, new land acquisitions, we have some new projects in the plans depending on how our donations drive unfolds,” Kuehn said. “We hope everyone purchases their leaf on our Donor Branch to ‘Leaf a Legacy’ at the Thompson Ledges Park. Donations may be made directly to The Thompson Ledges Park or The Foundation for Geauga Parks.”
