Affiliates
Baldwin Wallace
Baldwin Wallace University has been busy conducting research for educational purposes on the plants, water, animal soil and minerals from Richfield Heritage Preserve. Through continuous monitoring, Baldwin Wallace is helping us to learn more about the land and animal habitants.
Buckeye Trail Association
For nearly 1,444 miles, the Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state and right through Richfield Heritage Preserve. The Buckeye Trail Association is a large, strong body of volunteers who maintain and promote the trail.
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC)
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center was instrumental in the renovation of the “Gatekeeper’s House” located at the entrance of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Beginning with the design phase through the construction phase, instructors and students completed carpentry, drywall installation, roofing, wiring, and plumbing. This renovated building was completed in December 2018 as the new home office for the Richfield Joint Recreation District.
Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH)
Richfield Heritage Preserve's Friends group is the Friends of Crowell Hilaka (aka FoCH, pronounced 'folk'). FoCH is a 501c3 nonprofit organization partnering with the RJRD to preserve, protect, enhance and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve - formerly Crowell Hilaka.
Over the years, FoCH has held many fundraisers and sponsored numerous programs including lectures, organized hikes and community events. Throughout the year, members update the trail head kiosks, design and maintain beautiful planters and decorations throughout the seasons, clean the latrines and create educational displays at the Richfield Public Library. In addition, FoCH has many ongoing programs such as protecting the Park from invasive species. FoCH also monitors the trails, perimeter fencing and the historic buildings for any damage and is pleased that it is about to begin major fundraising for the restoration of Kirby’s Mill.
Ohio Horseman’s Council
The Ohio Horseman's Council (OHC) - Summit County Chapter has been partnering with the park for four years. Over this time, OHC and its enthusiastic volunteers held fundraisers to raise monies used to clear and establish five miles of multi-use natural equine trails throughout the park. OHC also funded a gravel parking lot for the Summer Barn which now provides ample parking for horse trailers.
Ohio Operating Engineers
Just minutes from Richfield Heritage Preserve, this apprentice training facility provides the operators and heavy machinery needed for earth moving, slope work, grading and trenching within the Preserve.
Oviatt House Incorporated
Oviatt House Incorporated (OHI) entered into an agreement with Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) to restore and preserve the historic Oviatt House located in Richfield Heritage Preserve. Built in 1836 and owned by Mason Oviatt and his wife Fanny, the house is one of the oldest homes in Richfield and has ties to the Underground Railroad (UGRR) and the American abolitionist John Brown. In addition to the ties to the UGRR, the Oviatt family was very important in the development of the community. Their farm and thriving sheep business enticed other businesses to come to Richfield, including blacksmith, harness and tannery shops. Many of the homes and barns erected in Richfield in the 1840s were built using lumber milled at the Oviatt sawmill. Once restored, the Oviatt House is expected to be used as an educational museum.
Richfield Historical Society
The Richfield Historical Society (RHS) was instrumental in helping designate the lower lake property as a historic district on the National Registry of Historic Places. The lower lake is a central historical element within Richfield Heritage Preserve as it is the world’s only known patented lake. This designation is not only prestigious, it makes the property eligible for historic preservation tax credits and other historic preservation grants.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) and Richfield Heritage Preserve (RHP) would not be possible without the guidance and support from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Today, Western Reserve Land Conservancy continues to help the RJRD explore additional public funding sources and potential uses for the property.
Baldwin Wallace University has been busy conducting research for educational purposes on the plants, water, animal soil and minerals from Richfield Heritage Preserve. Through continuous monitoring, Baldwin Wallace is helping us to learn more about the land and animal habitants.
Buckeye Trail Association
For nearly 1,444 miles, the Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state and right through Richfield Heritage Preserve. The Buckeye Trail Association is a large, strong body of volunteers who maintain and promote the trail.
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC)
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center was instrumental in the renovation of the “Gatekeeper’s House” located at the entrance of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Beginning with the design phase through the construction phase, instructors and students completed carpentry, drywall installation, roofing, wiring, and plumbing. This renovated building was completed in December 2018 as the new home office for the Richfield Joint Recreation District.
Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH)
Richfield Heritage Preserve's Friends group is the Friends of Crowell Hilaka (aka FoCH, pronounced 'folk'). FoCH is a 501c3 nonprofit organization partnering with the RJRD to preserve, protect, enhance and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve - formerly Crowell Hilaka.
Over the years, FoCH has held many fundraisers and sponsored numerous programs including lectures, organized hikes and community events. Throughout the year, members update the trail head kiosks, design and maintain beautiful planters and decorations throughout the seasons, clean the latrines and create educational displays at the Richfield Public Library. In addition, FoCH has many ongoing programs such as protecting the Park from invasive species. FoCH also monitors the trails, perimeter fencing and the historic buildings for any damage and is pleased that it is about to begin major fundraising for the restoration of Kirby’s Mill.
Ohio Horseman’s Council
The Ohio Horseman's Council (OHC) - Summit County Chapter has been partnering with the park for four years. Over this time, OHC and its enthusiastic volunteers held fundraisers to raise monies used to clear and establish five miles of multi-use natural equine trails throughout the park. OHC also funded a gravel parking lot for the Summer Barn which now provides ample parking for horse trailers.
Ohio Operating Engineers
Just minutes from Richfield Heritage Preserve, this apprentice training facility provides the operators and heavy machinery needed for earth moving, slope work, grading and trenching within the Preserve.
Oviatt House Incorporated
Oviatt House Incorporated (OHI) entered into an agreement with Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) to restore and preserve the historic Oviatt House located in Richfield Heritage Preserve. Built in 1836 and owned by Mason Oviatt and his wife Fanny, the house is one of the oldest homes in Richfield and has ties to the Underground Railroad (UGRR) and the American abolitionist John Brown. In addition to the ties to the UGRR, the Oviatt family was very important in the development of the community. Their farm and thriving sheep business enticed other businesses to come to Richfield, including blacksmith, harness and tannery shops. Many of the homes and barns erected in Richfield in the 1840s were built using lumber milled at the Oviatt sawmill. Once restored, the Oviatt House is expected to be used as an educational museum.
Richfield Historical Society
The Richfield Historical Society (RHS) was instrumental in helping designate the lower lake property as a historic district on the National Registry of Historic Places. The lower lake is a central historical element within Richfield Heritage Preserve as it is the world’s only known patented lake. This designation is not only prestigious, it makes the property eligible for historic preservation tax credits and other historic preservation grants.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) and Richfield Heritage Preserve (RHP) would not be possible without the guidance and support from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Today, Western Reserve Land Conservancy continues to help the RJRD explore additional public funding sources and potential uses for the property.