In 2025, Medina County Park District proudly celebrates 60 years of enhancing the quality of all life through education, conservation, and the protection of natural resources. Established on April 19, 1965, the park district has become a beloved community resource, offering residents and visitors access to more than 22 park sites, over 50 trails, and a variety of educational programs that inspire people of all ages to connect with nature. Over the decades, the park district has emerged as a leader in conservation, successfully acquiring and managing nearly 9,000 acres of protected land.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone and are deeply grateful to the residents of Medina County who have supported our mission over the years, This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past 60 years but a commitment to preserving our natural spaces for generations to come.”
Medina County Park District Director Nathan Eppink
To honor this milestone, the park district has planned a series of celebratory events and activities throughout the year, and a number of new park areas and amenities will be opening to the public.
Here’s a glimpse of some exciting capital projects planned for 2025.
Rivendell Nature Preserve
Westfield Center and Westfield Township
This 203-acre property was donated to the park district in 2022. Phase 1 of the nature preserve will open in late summer with parking, trails, restrooms, a fishing pond, and more.
Chippewa Lake Park
Lafayette Township
Phase 1 of public access to the former amusement park property will open in Oc- tober this year. It’ll feature approximately one mile of aggregate trail, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. The trailhead will be built next to a house the park district is leasing to the Chippewa Lake Historical Society, which will establish a small museum there.
Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina
Medina Township
Over several years, the Shotwell family donated 25 acres at the cor- ner of Foote and Weymouth roads. Phase 1 of this new entrance to Lake Medina will open in October.
Liverpool Meadows Nature Preserve
Liverpool Township
This will be the first park district site to open in Liverpool Township. This 104-acre preserve will feature a one- mile aggregate loop trail and views of the Rocky River.
Be sure to visit https://www.medinacountyparks.com/ for information about anniversary events and programs.
Park Perks Challenge
Celebrate Medina County Park District’s 60th Anniversary by taking part in the Park Perks Challenge! This is a self-guided adventure where you will need to successfully complete challenges to collect perk points to earn park prizes! Challenge yourself across three categories: Research It, Seek and Find, and See You There, all designed to help you explore and learn about Medina County parks.
Prizes will be awarded at four different levels based on the number of park perk points achieved. The more points you collect, the more prizes you’ll get! Prize value increases with point values. The challenge officially begins on the actual anniversary date of April 19 and runs through October 4. The form will be available to download starting on April 18 at www.medinacountyparks.com. Hard copies will be available at the nature centers or park head- quarters in mid-April.
