Holmes County Park District takes steps to build foot path, trail at old landfill

Kevin Lynch, Wooster Daily Record
·2 min read

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP − The Holmes County Park District is taking steps to build a footpath at the former county landfill.

The district acquired the property in September 2020 with assistance from the Ohio Public Works, Clean Ohio Conservation Program.

Clean Ohio projects are for the preservation, protection or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation and wildlife.

It is the responsibility of the Holmes County Park District to develop the property so it can be enjoyed by people in a natural environment.

Tekton hired to manage property

In order to manage the property, the Park District has hired Tekton Engineering to manage the land and develop trails that allow public use with minimal impact to the environment.

Jason Biltz, civil engineer for Tekton, has taken the lead on the project and is excited about the opportunities ahead.

“The foot path is relatively flat and traverses around the top side of the property," Biltz said. "It is nice scenery that goes in and out of woods, prairie and has some lookout places.”

Big plans for the property

“There are lots of plans for the property, including mountain bike trails and horseback riding trails, but we have to start with something easy to allow the public to begin enjoying this park,” Holmes Park District Executive Director Jen Halverson said. "It was decided that the best way to get the park open was to install a 1 1/2-mile foot path around the top portion of the property."

In 2020, Webelos Pack #357 made wildlife brush piles from recycling Christmas trees at the former Holmes County Landfill, which is now owned by the Holmes County Park District. Plans are in the works be create a footpath and trails.
In 2020, Webelos Pack #357 made wildlife brush piles from recycling Christmas trees at the former Holmes County Landfill, which is now owned by the Holmes County Park District. Plans are in the works be create a footpath and trails.

A project like this does not get done without a lot of volunteers and coordination. Biltz said workdays have been scheduled to address some of the needs, such as cutting grass, weeds and invasive shrubs like Autumn Olives and honeysuckle; clearing a pathway through and beyond trail limits. The shrubs can be piled for small-animal shelter.

"We are looking for volunteers to help us get this trail developed," he said. "There is plenty of work for everyone, no matter what your skill level. The important thing is to dress warmly and bring work gloves if that is the only equipment you have."

Workdays are scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22.

To make the best of the workdays, Melissa Biltz will coordinate the volunteer workforce. She will make sure there is plenty of hot beverages and soup to keep workers warm.

There are several ways registers to help, including the Holmes County Old Landfill Project page on Facebook, texting Melissa Biltz at 330-23106175 or contacting the Park District at holmesparkdistrict@gmail.com or 330-674-3353.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes County Park District takes steps to build paths at old landfill