Wooster Memorial Park: A hidden gem in the community

  • By Angela Workman
  • October 8, 2012
  • 409
                        
Summary: Wooster Memorial Park boasts 325 acres of land to explore. The land is described as natural and scenic, but left undiscovered by much of the community. The Friends of Wooster Memorial Park, which is a nonprofit organization, strives to increase awareness of the park and to preserve its natural character. Wooster Memorial Park may be one of the best kept secrets around. Boasting over seven miles of trails and 325 acres of land, the park offers a natural, rustic experience for the community to enjoy. The park is located at the intersection of Jefferson and Silver Roads, west of Wooster, off of U.S. 250. Many people don’t realize that this gem exists right in Wooster, however. The Friends of Wooster Memorial Park is a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the park. Part of the group’s purpose is to raise awareness and increase the knowledge and understanding of the park’s history. Falling in line with this mission, the Friends of Wooster Memorial Park is encouraging the community to explore the land—the park is too special to be kept under wraps. Autumn has painted the park with bold shades of red, orange and brown. The cooler weather makes hiking or walking a bit more enjoyable, too. According to Shelley Schrier, board member for Friends of Wooster Memorial Park, the park is at its busiest during the fall and spring. The park is most known for its steep ravines, trees, spring flora and Rathburn Run. Schrier also noted the beauty of the park during winter. He likes to hike right after a fresh snow—the park lights up beneath the blanket of white. The spring also offers blooming wildflowers that draw hikers and walkers onto the trails. During the summer, Schrier said he sees a lot of families having picnics. In order to increase awareness of the park’s existence, there will be a four mile hike for anyone who isn’t familiar with the park on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. Those interested should wear sturdy shoes, be prepared to cross water and be prepared to move up and down steep ravines. Jay Mosley, president of Friends of Wooster Memorial Park, said that many enjoy the alone time at the park. The space is so large that a person can feel completely alone with the wildlife. “I think a lot of people that know about the park will come out here because they want to kind of be out in nature, and not necessarily with a group. They want to kind of have the park to themselves,” Mosley said. Further, Friends of Wooster Memorial Park support research at the park. The land features opportunities for specialists to explore plants, birds and animals. Also, the park obtained an additional 71 acres with a Clean Ohio Fund grant. There are now restrictions on what can be done throughout all 325 acres of the park—assuring the park maintains its natural character. It has been designated by the city as a permanent natural area. Moreover, Paul Spangler was the driving force behind the park’s development. In 1964, Spangler began donating land to the city. In 1968, the city purchased 121 acres of land. In June of 1970, Wooster Memorial Park was dedicated by Spangler and Paul Tilford, mayor of Wooster. More information on the park can be found at www.friendsofwmp.com.


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