It’s interesting, isn’t it, the roads we take in life and where they lead us. I have found that to be true in my professional work and the decisions I’ve made in my parks and recreation career. I have been brought back full circle to  Ohio where I began my career nearly 30 years ago. I’m excited to be here at Richfield Heritage Preserve and serve  as its first park director.  
This is the FIRST of what we hope to be a monthly e-Newsletter for Richfield Heritage Preserve. We will strive to  keep the community and park stakeholders informed and updated on our plans, progress, stories and successes  using this as one way to create a revenue stream and remain fiscally responsible. As the year progresses, the RHP  E-Newsletter issues will grow in content and reach, and is something I am happy we are able to provide as we  move forward.  
This month we place focus on the accomplishments made by our incredible band of RHP Volunteers, the behind-the-scenes work at “The Lodge” (formerly known as Gund Hall) to create a solid revenue stream for RHP,  and how we faced our biggest challenge of 2020 with a global pandemic, and how we plan to move forward in  2021 post-vaccine. As we address this world health situation in real time, we proudly announce that Kirby House is a century old this year and plans are underway to celebrate this milestone in the spring and summer - no matter what form that may take, as we move forward in these Covid times.  
Since moving here from South Carolina, I have spent a great deal of time familiarizing myself with the park and  its history; its volunteers, partners and patrons; and meeting with many of those supporters to learn all I can  about where we’ve been and where we want to go. I get out and explore every day and look at things from a visitor's perspective. I’ve been observing and listening to the messages of its past but more importantly visiting with  park goers and seeing its future.  
It is so impressive how the Richfield community came together to save this amazing property. Even more impressive is the great number of volunteers who have spent literally thousands of hours to make this park what it is  today. It is heartwarming to see the love and passion that so many have for The Preserve.  
In this new year, I encourage everyone to take this month to explore the many simple things nature at The  Preserve as to offer. Recently, I spied the elusive winter wren who emerged for a moment amongst a brush pile.  Before the snow began to fly, I listened to the serene sounds of cascading water while walking along the Buckeye  Trail toward the sun setting with its incredible blend of warm reds, oranges and vibrant yellows as it reflected  on the Upper Lake. I look forward to continuing to see the many beautiful photos of the explorations of nature  taken by you and others at RHP on our Facebook page.  
As Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted to have said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” and I am looking forward to the journey that lies ahead of me at Richfield Heritage Preserve. In the meantime, enjoy your time at our  park and please stay safe! 

    -David
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THE LODGE 
Rustic Rental Ready for 2021

One of the many goals of the park board is to make Richfield Heritage Preserve safe and user friendly for the  public. In response to feedback by potential renters, RHP Park Services and RHP Park Operations led an initiative to address and resolve those concerns. With careful planning, several important and vital updates were made so that we are able to offer The Lodge (formerly known as Gund Hall) as never before in 2021...

CHEERS for RHP VOLUNTEERS! ​

The year 2020 was challenging for everyone, to say the least. There wasn’t a playbook for living, working and volunteering during a worldwide pandemic. Volunteer projects at Richfield Heritage Preserve were put on standby  during Ohio’s lockdown in March out of an abundance of caution for everyone...

KIRBY HOUSE
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Over 100 years ago, inventor James Kirby married and settled in Richfield, Ohio. He and his wife planned to build their dream home, grow their family, and create a property like no other in the area. Ground broke in 1919  for their main home and was completed in 1921, making this year the 100th anniversary of Kirby House...  

CHECK, MENTION, LIKE AND SHARE 
& Hashtags Too!

Our Facebook followers are like family! Nearly 2250-strong, they are our biggest supporters, cheerleaders, promoters and fans. Thanks to them, Richfield Heritage Preserve has had nearly 4000 check-ins at our park since 2017. We average 2000 likes, 700 page views every month with an overall reach of more than 50k!
When you CHECK-IN we love knowing you have made Richfield Heritage Preserve a part of your day...
When you MENTION RHP in your posts we get to come along and experience your day with you.
When you LIKE our posts we know we are doing something right and strive to do that even more!
When you SHARE our posts you’re helping make another person aware of our great park which is a gift in more way than one!
And remember to use our hashtag, #RichfieldHeritagePreserve.
In addition, throughout the winter months we are also promoting our hashtag #RHPSnowScapes.
So remember, when you CHECK-IN, MENTION, LIKE & SHARE, don’t forget to use our hashtag and help us build our following!​
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CONVERSATIONS FROM THE LODGE 
with David Green

This year, we begin with many “firsts” for Richfield Heritage Preserve. Our first park director, the first e-Newsletter, as well as the first of many “Conversations from the Lodge, with David Green”.  
This will be a monthly video series posted to the RHP YouTube Channel whereby RHP Park Director, David  Green, sits down for a conversation with a variety of people and experts who have had involvement with the park  or have greatly impacted the park by providing their professional services.  
We look forward to you joining us and listening in as we share more in depth, behind-the-scenes details to reveal  how Richfield Heritage Preserve is evolving and growing.  
Stay tuned!!!!!

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