Lake Metroparks’ evolution spanning 60 years continues to attract generations of visitors

In looking over past and current data, Lake Metroparks continues to be a destination for millions annually, adhering to its mission to “….conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County while providing a variety of safe, affordable and enjoyable educational and recreational programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in Lake County now and for the generations to follow.”

Currently composed of over 9,000 acres, the park system was initially created in 1958 with the donation of property that became Helen Hazen Wyman Park in Painesville.

In that year, the Lake County Planning Commission contracted with community planners, landscape architects and development consultants, Carroll V. Hill & Associates, to assemble a “Comprehensive Plan” for the county.

In the cover letter to the plan, Carroll V. Hill detailed that the plan should “....provide a guide for the County’s growth and development for the next 20 to 25 years.”

“This is the earliest comprehensive plan for the county that we are aware of and was generated in response to the rapid growth in the county that was occurring at that time,” said Paul Palagyi, the Metroparks’ current executive director. “The plan examined various elements within the county, but one section in particular addressed the importance of parks to the quality of life of Lake County residents.

“The plan provided a map illustrating a ‘Proposed System of Parks and Recreation Areas.’ We estimate that the acreage of the proposed parks on this map represent approximately 15,000 acres. I would point out that this goal was for the term of the plan, which was for 20 to 25 years, so it proposed that we hit the 15,000 acres in the late 1970s.”

According to the letter, the priority of the planners was the protection and public access to the Grand River, Chagrin River and their tributaries.

The growth of the Metroparks over the past 60 years has continued that focus — as well as protecting additional acreage for public access to Lake Erie.

In the earlier days of Lake Metroparks, approaching the shoreline wasn’t a priority, as it was home to private residences and industry, for the most part. Over the decades, however, public desire to access to the lake grew.

Throughout the system’s evolution, being selective remains a key element in acquiring land for the parks, Palagyi said.

“Our priority remains to focus primarily on land that protects and provides public access to the rivers or the lake,” he added. “Acquisitions that connect existing parks in those areas are of specific importance. Quite often we are approached by land owners who want to sell us property in Lake County and we routinely turn down potential acquisitions because they do not meet these criteria.”

The Lake Metroparks’ 2017 budget provided $600,000 for land acquisition, with the park system spending only $155,740 of that amount.

Also in 2017, estimated park visitation (utilizing a system of car and pedestrian counters) was about 3.5 million among the 37 parks, an increase of nearly 800,000 visits over the 2.6 million visits in 2014.

In addition to protecting the natural resources of Lake County for future generations, Palagyi said Lake Metroparks remains equally dedicated to providing public access to publicly owned land, ensuring citizens of all ages, interests and levels of mobility can access their parks.

“We have developed award-winning programs for seniors and have built trails and boardwalks that are easily accessible by seniors and others with mobility impairments,” he said. “We have designed a wide range of extremely popular children’s programs and summer camps as well as various family-oriented programs and outdoor adventures.

“We have also created outstanding amenities that allow the citizens of Lake County to enjoy their parks.”

Over 600 family events, including weddings and family reunions, are held in various shelters every year at Lake Metroparks. A new 50-foot observation tower and public pier have also increased visitation.

Board President and longtime Metroparks Commissioner Frank Polivka believes the park system’s development has been extraordinary, highlighting the generational appeal of the traditional programs and the newer amenities.

“The opportunities we provide for people to connect with nature are incredible,” Polivka said. “We’re doing something right. And the tower and pier attest to that. Pier fishing is popular all over the United States. Now, fishermen here have the chance to enjoy it during our nicer seasons. Everything comes back to life in the spring.

“Through our growth, we’ve continued to stress three things — conservation, recreation and education. And we’ve continued to address these in our activities and in a variety of splendid ways. It’s amazing.”