Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Columbiana County Park District Secure Funding for Kerestes Cliffs Park
State Capital Budget Award
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, in collaboration with the Columbiana County Park District, is thrilled to announce an award in Capital Budget funding to support the land acquisition and permanent protection of a 29-acre property in Center Township. This scenic area, to be named Kerestes Cliffs Park, boasts high-quality young forest habitat adjacent to and along the top of impressive sandstone cliffs, which attract rock climbers from across the region.
The funding will ensure the preservation of this unique landscape and enable Columbiana County Park District to manage the property, providing public access to the cliffs for rock climbing and other recreational activities. The development of Kerestes Cliffs Park is anticipated to boost ecotourism, drawing nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to the area, and fostering economic growth within the local community.
In addition to its recreational value, the preservation of Kerestes Cliffs Park will have significant environmental benefits. Protecting this land will prevent degradation and promote long-term water quality improvements for the adjacent Middle Fork Little Beaver Creek, a critical waterway in the region.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel, Tom Patton, and Mike Loychik, as well as State Senator, now Congressman, Michael Rulli. Their advocacy was instrumental in securing the funding needed to make Kerestes Cliffs Park a reality,” said Milan Tropf, Manager of Public Policy for Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
The creation of Kerestes Cliffs Park marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve Ohio’s natural beauty and promote sustainable outdoor recreation. Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Columbiana County Park District are committed to ensuring that this new park will be enjoyed by future generations while protecting the ecological integrity of the area.
“The Columbiana County Park District is delighted to be able to partner with Western Reserve Land Conservancy in the creation of this unique park. Protecting and preserving this area, steeped in local history and including rock formations found in only a few areas in Ohio, is paramount to the mission of the County Park District” said Eileen Dray-Bardon, Columbiana County Park District Chairperson.