OHIO'S HIDDEN TREASURETM, RICHFIELD HERITAGE PRESERVE
formerly Camp Crowell Hilaka, is 336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and forests that had been closed off from the public for over 75 years. It had been farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby. During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm. The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It is being transformed into a park for public enjoyment. Richfield Heritage Preserve is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places
as the Crowell Hilaka Historic District. Richfield Heritage Preserve is open to the public every day, dawn to dusk.
No admission charge. The main entrance is at 4374 Broadview Rd, just south of the Richfield Giant Eagle. The Preserve is administered by the Park Board: Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD) Friends of Crowell Hilaka (aka FoCH. pronounced "folk") is a 501c3 nonprofit advocacy group. Our mission is to partner with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve, formerly Crowell Hilaka. more... Bird hike sign up here: 8 AM hike 10 AM hikeClick HERE for Kirby's Mill video by Ethan HoracekOur Projects
Kirby's Mill restoration Historic House Stabilization Native Species Restoration / Invasive Species Removal Outreach, Education, Friendly Presence, Fundraising Trash & Latrine Logistics Friends of Crowell Hilaka works with the governing board of the park (RJRD) to identify the areas where we can provide the greatest assistance. Projects may change from year to year depending on the needs of the the park and the RJRD. NOTICE
The lovely Lake Jinelle has been drained TEMPORARILY so that the dam can be repaired. More... This video was produced by SkyCam.photography for the 2014 campaign.
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WAYS TO HELP Become a Member Volunteer Donate Subscribe to our free newsletter, The Mill Write Share Your Memories EVENTS
Limited capacity at all hikes. PRE- REGISTRATION Required (subject to change or cancellation d/t the pandemic) Sunday, April 25 Wildflower Walk Led by Jennifer Windus Register for 11 AM walk Sunday, May 1 Bird Migration Hike Led by Fred Dinkelbach Register for the 8 AM hike Register for the 10 AM hike Sunday, June 27 History Hike Led by Lynn Richardson Sunday, July 25 Pre-history Hike Led by Dr. Phil Wanyerka Sunday, August 22 Architecture Hike Led by Corey Ringle, AIA Sunday, September 19 Kirby's Marble-ous Mill Saturday, December 4 Winter Wonders ![]() Kirby's Mill refrigerator magnet
$5.00, including tax. proceeds go toward the restoration of Kirby's Mill.
To purchase send a check to FoCH, c/o Sandy Norris 3991 Humphrey Rd. Richfield,OH 44286-9541 Include $5 shipping per order Specify which items you are purchasing and include your phone number and email so we can contact you with any questions. If you have questions, contact Sandy Norris 330-715-0404 ssnorris@aol.com |
The Property Map - Directions
Original content on the FoCH website is the property of FoCH. It cannot be used without permission. Permission can usually be obtained by contacting lynndragonwing@gmail.com and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org as the source.