The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Park meeting officials’ forecast
Leaders look to add indoor pavilion, restrooms, playground equipment
Desiree Spencer of Mentor frequents the city’s newest park on Heisley Road with her terrier mix, Chloe. The 50-acre Springbrook Gardens Park is sandwiched between dense residential and bustling commercial areas.
While Spencer often sees parents pushing strollers, runners, fishermen and older couples walking, she said the number of visitors is usually small when she is there during the day.
“I think a lot of people don’t know about it yet,” she said. “I wouldn’t say there’s normally more than five cars here, but it’s OK with me that it’s not very busy. You kind of come here for some peace and quiet.”
The park unofficially opened late last fall and continues to be molded into the vision foreseen by city officials when they agreed to purchase the former nursery from the Schultz family in 2014 for $2.5 million.
“The park is designed for predominantly passive use,” Mentor Community Relations Administrator Ante Logarusic said. “There are plans for a pavilion and playground, but it will be more like Skok Meadow than, say, Garfield Park.”
It is hard to calculate how many users the park has experienced in its first season open, due to the nature of the venue, said Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski said.
“We have noticed that usage has increased throughout the summer and into the fall, and we are very pleased to offer this passive park to the community,” he said. “The walking trail seems to be one of the most-used in the parks department.”
To date, there have been no flashy projects at the park, save a boardwalk built into the pond. Native plants and grasses are taking hold, the original pond was cleaned up and expanded, and 1.7 miles of trail installed. Up next is restoration of a stream that runs through the property, at 6842 Heisley Road.
“Other amenities are in the works as well,” Councilman at large Ray Kirchner said. “It will take time,
“We have noticed that usage has increased throughout the summer and into the fall, and we are very pleased to offer this passive park to the community. The walking trail seems to be one of the most-used in the parks department.” — Kenn Kaminski, parks and recreation director
but it will be well worth it when all is said and done.”
City staff is working on the budget for next year and, along with playground equipment and a shelter, is looking at adding a yearround indoor pavilion and restrooms.
“It would be too premature to speculate what is going to be done in 2020,” Kaminski said.
Ward 1 Councilman Sean Blake said he has received positive feedback from constituents and that the park is meeting expectations.
“Springbrook Gardens Park is taking shape along a well-thought-out, phased plan,” he said. “So far, the walking trails and the pond with its scenic boardwalk are beginning to become popular. (In) spring of this year, the pond was stocked with fish and it has become a popular fishing spot. It is also a great park to take in the fall colors of the trees at the back of the park perimeter.”
Kirchner agreed. “People are happy that we were able to preserve this green space right in the heart of Mentor,” he said. “I know everyone wants to see more, but they also understand that it’s going to take some time.”