Licking Park District Announces Dedication of the Newell Recreation Preserve
GRANVILLE, OHIO (August 7, 2020) The Newell Recreation Preserve was formally dedicated on July 17, 2020. The dedication was attended by approximately 50 people including Newell family members, Licking Park District Board of Park Directors, and many persons who helped make this preserve a reality. A special thanks to the Licking County Commissioners and the Licking County Planning Commission for taking the lead in the grant writing and purchase process.
Additionally, the Licking Park District would like to thank the following persons/organizations:
The Newell Family, Rodney and his mother Betty; Knox County Commissioners/Parks, Delaware County Friends of the Trail, Ohio To Erie Trail Board, OPWC-NRAC (Ohio Public Works Commission – Natural Resource Assistance Council)
The preserve has a total of 40 acres, 15 acres of wetlands and 25 acres that will be planted with prairie grasses and pollinator flowers. This preserve includes a 4.5 acre high quality wetland and multiple vernal pools that will be preserved and protected. In addition, the preserve will serve as a critical connection between Delaware and Knox counties on the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, a cross-state bikeway that extends from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie at Cleveland.
It is the intent of the Newell Family that this preserve be set aside to offer an educational opportunity to capture early Ohio history, to honor those Native Americans, and all those since that were able to live and prosper on this land. They are our ancestors and we are the purveyors for future generations.
A bronze plaque is being constructed to memorialize this important preserve and reads:
Newell Recreation Preserve
The Newell Recreation Preserve is named in honor of Owen Davis Newell and Betty (Anderson) Newell. This preserve was dedicated on July 17, 2020 for the purpose of the preservation of the natural wetlands, connection of the Ohio to Erie Trail and returning a portion of the preserve to its original native state. This preserve will provide educational opportunities about the native people who lived here and the flora that once helped sustain human life.
Licking Park District’s Mission
The mission of the Licking Park District (LPD) is to acquire, manage, preserve, and conserve natural areas within Licking County, while protecting wildlife and local history in a manner that enriches our communities and provides access to diverse parks, educational opportunities, and health and wellness activities. The Licking Park District manages over 1,600 acres of parkland on 12 sites and manages over 46 miles of paved multi-use trails across Licking County. The Licking Park District office, located at Infirmary Mound Park, is easily accessed from Rt. 37. Visit the website www.lickingparkdistrict.com to see all the programs and opportunities your Licking Park District offers or contact us at 740-586-2535.