By Derek Parham, Marketing and Communications Intern
At Preservation Parks, we have long focused on preserving the natural beauty of Delaware County, but our mission also includes protecting the historic features of the county. One of those is the historic Bicentennial Barn in Orange Township, which we acquired last week, along with 37 acres of adjacent land. The barn, which is easily visible from I-71, and the land will be part of a new park in southern Delaware County.
The barn was donated to Preservation Parks by Bob and Sue (McCammon) Postle. To date, and with the help of Clean Ohio grants, Preservation Parks has purchased 179 acres of land from the extended McCammon family. We are grateful for their vision, which is helping to preserve Ohio’s natural beauty.
While the McCammons have farmed the property since 1812, the barn itself was built in the very early 1900s. The iconic bicentennial logo was painted in 1999 by Scott Hagan in preparation for Ohio’s 2003 Bicentennial celebration. The Delaware County barn was the 26th painted; one decorated with the logo for each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Plans for the new parkland and barn will begin this year, and we’ll apply for a grant to acquire 54 more acres of land; ultimately, the park acreage will be 233. After its restoration, the barn will be remodeled to be used as a four-seasons rental facility.
We don’t know when the new park will open, but we’ve already started improving the habitat! Reforestation is ongoing, with 32,000 tree seedlings and 833 larger trees already planted. Plans for the future park also include picnic areas, canoe and kayak areas to drop into Alum Creek, trails, and other amenities.
The new park is sure to be an amazing opportunity for all park visitors. Its located in the midst of development in south-central Delaware County, and includes beautiful creeks and woodland areas.
As Preservation Parks begins a master plan for the new park, make your way to any of the nine current parks to see the impact of our preservation and restoration efforts! From our prairies and forests to wetlands, Ohio’s natural beauty can be found almost in your own backyard. We invite you to get out in the parks and embrace it!
