Ten Members and a guest of the Exchange Club of Springfield, Ohio met for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun at local parks. The tour was led by National Trail Parks and Recreation Director Leann Castillo. Starting with a picnic lunch at venerable Snyder Park, the group caravanned to George Rogers Clark Park, touring the grounds via automobile and visiting the Hertzler House, built in the late 1854 by, pioneer and wealthy entrepreneur Daniel Hertzler. Hertzler was a 19th century corporate king and a moneylender who owned a grist mill, sawmill, brick distillery, whiskey distillery and over 1,000 acres of farmland. Hertzler’s wealth and status would ultimately lead to foul play and Mr. Hertzler’s demise. From there, the members visited the nearby Davidson Interpretive Center and explored the site of the 1780 Battle of Peckuwe, the largest Revolutionary War battle west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Center encourages one to experience the life of a Shawnee warrior, stroll around the grounds of this historic battle, or enjoy a themed program with friends. Located on the grounds of the former Peckuwe Village, a key Shawnee Indian settlement and British ally during the Revolutionary War, the Interpretive Center offers a window into a pivotal moment in American history. This village served as a strategic base for British and Indian raids, drawing the attention of American Colonel George Rogers Clark. Additionally, the area is notable as the birthplace of the renowned Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh, who witnessed the battle as a young boy.
Club members then travelled to the Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve, 91 acres of natural beauty, encompassing a main hiking trail along an old railroad, access to the Mad River, natural dolomite cliffs reaching heights up to 50 feet for rock climbing, and a beautiful stream-side forest teeming with native wildflowers and ideal birdwatching opportunities.
Shuttling next to the Perrin Woods neighborhood we visited Perrin Woods Park and Nature Preserve. A pristine natural encounter waiting to happen. The woods compose nearly 12 acres of undeveloped nature preserve, creating perfectly accessible open space for outdoor get-togethers and fun! On April 6, 2018, a ADA-Accessible Park shelter was dedicated by Zeta Phi Beta, Inc sorority. The shelter and memorial were dedicated in honor of two of their founding members, sisters Myrtle Lavenia Tyler Faithful and Viola Margaret Isabelle Goings who lived in the Perrin Woods neighborhood for many years.
Finally, members visited Old Reid Park where one may relax along the tranquil ponds and lagoons or take the court with a game of tennis or volleyball. This 60-acre park offers shelter houses, a playground, volleyball courts, nine lighted soft tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, and fishing (no license needed). This park serves as the north trailhead for the Buck Creek Scenic Trail and offers plenty of parking. ADA-Accessible fishing is available and by entry off of the Buck Creek Trail.
The Kirby Preserve at Old Reid Park is now open to the public. This nearly 110-acre preserve was acquired through a Clean Ohio grant. For the past year, crews have been eradicating honeysuckle, developing prairie, meadow and wildflower areas, planting over 600 trees and removing old structures. It features nearly 4 miles of hiking trails, access to Beaver Creek and two catch and release fishing ponds.
A big Exchange thank you to NTPR Director Leann Castillo! What a great advocate for the local parks. Our community is fortunate to have her here!
