Park District Acquires Property

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Park District recently received ownership of a vacant property at the intersection of Kearns and Northpointe Drives.

The 8.6 acres of land was donated by the Kearns Development Company and features prairie meadow and wetland habitats, which makes it prime for native wildlife and human observation. 

“Just sitting here this morning, I’ve probably counted 25 different Monarch butterflies, Giant Swallowtails and also noted that there’s some unique vegetation here as well,” Park District Executive Director Russell Edgington said. “There’s a huge stand of Prairie Pea, which is a native prairie plant and it’s kind of unique because it is a member of the Pea family. So it actually improves the soil by fixing nitrogen.” 

The lot is surrounded by properties that have already been developed but this one has been passed over by property developers due to the costs needed to solve its drainage issues. So the lot was donated to the park district, who have plans to alter it into a place that is more accessible for humans who like to experience nature up-close.

“And what our plans are: to hire a firm to come in and do a recommendation for enhancement of both the meadow and the prairie habitats and the wetlands,” Edgington said. “And then I see in the future, the potential for boardwalks. But most important, we’re going to be putting in a self guided, interpretive nature trail, where people can come out and learn about what is found in meadow prairie and wetland habitats and how they benefit us as neighbors.”

There is no timeline for the park’s development but Edgington figures it will take a year for the accessibility measures to be constructed, once they’re started. For more information about the Muskingum Valley Park District, you can visit them online.