UPDATE: The Wetland Restoration at Barnes Preserve has begun after two years of design work and permitting !! Excavation started in late January and is slated to be completed by mid-summer 2025. However, allowing the pond and surrounding wetlands to fill and settle may cause the area to not open until 2026.
The Park District was awarded two grants to develop the two lower ponds into a beautiful one-acre pond. The land surrounding the pond will be restored back to a quality wetland/stream that will help feed the vernal pools.
The two grants came from Ohio Public Works / NRAC program and Ohio Capital Improvements grant totaling $500,000. The design plan was created by AECOM Engineering and includes: the pond, small pier, boardwalk, and trails around the pond.
We could not have gotten the OWPC/NRAC grant without the support and approval from the Wayne County Commissioners and former State Rep. Scott Wiggam. The Commissioners have been generous with their legal assistance, contribution, and oversight of the process.
We are excited to see this final development at Barnes Preserve. Dedication of the pond will likely be in the Fall.