We are delighted to share some big news with you...
On March 31, Western Reserve Land Conservancy submitted a proposal to partner with Summit Metro Parks in order to preserve Theiss Woods. The Conservancy offered $410K for Theiss Woods and would donate the property to Summit Metro Parks. The proposal has the support of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio Environmental Council.
However, we aren’t out of the woods yet, as they say...
The decision to accept the conservation proposal from Western Reserve Land Conservancy – or sell the land to developers for an upscale housing development – still rests with City of Akron officials.
We need to show that there is widespread support for establishing this new 45-acre park property in the Merriman Valley. Your help is critical in this effort. Here are three ways to help:
1. Endorse It! Are you a member of a business, club, church, organization, or local institution that would support the idea of a new park? Send info@preservethevalley.com a brief letter from your group, expressing your group’s endorsement/support of Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s proposal to conserve Theiss Woods in partnership with Summit Metro Parks. We will collect & share these letters with the city. Deadline: April 19.
2. Email the Mayor: Are you a citizen who loves the parks? Email Mayor Horrigan (Mayor@AkronOhio.gov) to express your support for Theiss Woods as a Summit Metro Park. Make sure to include your address if you live or work in Akron. Even if you’ve already sent emails previously, please write again!
3. Thank You Email: Are you a supporter of Summit Metro Parks? Please send a short email through their online portal to thank them for their partnership with WRLC to save Theiss Woods. www.summitmetroparks.org
Here is one quote from the Conservancy’s proposal that really stuck with us: “Developing this valuable Akron greenfield into housing would be a tremendous loss of natural assets – which currently provide wildlife habitat, remove air pollution, manage storm water, and much more that could never be undone.”
You can read the full Western Reserve Land Conservancy proposal for Theiss here.
IN OTHER NEWS
Preserve the Valley Yard Signs: Get a free Preserve the Valley sign for your yard. Or contact us if your sign needs replaced or repaired after all the windy weather! (signs.ptv@gmail.com)
Mark your calendars: Valley Clean-up Day, April 24 8:30 – 10:30. More information coming soon.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park wants to hear your vision for its future! You can share comments, thoughts, and suggestions until April 9 through their online portal
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Congratulations to all the awesome Save Theiss Woods Student Art Contest participants and winners. You made our hearts sing at Preserve the Valley! Ruth A’s stunning artwork is featured above, and all entries can be viewed here.
We hold the Valley in our hands!