Park system sees increased visitation

Lake Metroparks debuted its sprawling, all-natural, childfriendly outdoor play area, Nature Play, at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in May, and unveiled its 200-foot pier at Painesville Township Park in October.

Those two big projects easily overshadowed a third, the new stairs constructed at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. But the stairs, providing access to the beach after high lake levels and erosion posed stability issues, were a necessary addition.

“Providing clean and safe parks drives everything we do,” said Lake Metroparks Executive Director Paul Palagyi. “We realize

the stairs are no tower or pier, but we know access to the beach and lakefront is a huge draw there and we want people to enjoy our parks.”

The three projects, in addition to last year’s 50-foot Observation Tower at Lake Erie Bluffs, and other popular annual events and programming, helped Lake Metroparks visitation increase by 3.37 percent over the same time period last year. That equates to 114,000 additional visitors and an overall total of 3.5 million visitors.

“Those are our big metrics for measuring our success,” said Palagyi. “Our programs are incredibly popular, especially our premier fall events — we sell out very quickly. It’s a good indicator. The amenities and policy changes we’ve made to make the parks more accessible over the last several years have been very helpful.”

Spikes in visitation are expected to increase again in 2018 as plans for additional property amenities are looming.

They include:

• The construction of a shelter, restroom and fishing dock at Blair Road Park.

• An archery range at Hidden Lake.(A shelter opened in September at the property.)

• A flush restroom at Nature Play.

• A restoration project at Grand River Landing.

“These were also 2017 projects, but people aren’t really going to experience them until 2018,” said Palagyi. “And the biggest feedback we received regarding Nature Play was that it’d be nice to have a restroom closer.

“Not only will it serve Nature Play, but also the train line and the shelter which will be popular as a rental for birthday parties there. That wasn’t part of the plan, but the message is we’ve responded to people’s requests.”

Lake Metroparks will also address basic maintenance issues, including its 60 miles of trails, and dead or dying trees posing threats to park trails, facilities, guests or privately owned property.

Palaygi realizes maintenance projects may not “grab” people but again noted the necessary nature of the activity.

“These projects will have a phased approach,” he said. “Again, providing clean and safe parks is paramount.”

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD The 200-foot pier at Painesville Township Park was officially opened in October.

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD Nature Play has been wildly popular with guests, particularly families, since its May opening at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland.