CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP, Ohio — 12 acres of undeveloped land donated to the Park District of Ottawa County has created the West Harbor Preserve, the organization's first county park.
The parcel of land, which was donated by the Black Swamp Conservancy, is made up of a broad marsh and a quarter mile of shoreline on lake Erie's West Harbor. The land was purchased by Black Swamp Conservancy in 2023 thanks to a grant provided by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
“The Conservancy is pleased to donate this property to the Park District of Ottawa County. That this project represents the Park District’s first owned land is all the more exciting, said Rob Krain, executive director of Black Swamp Conservancy. “Our organization often takes the lead on acquiring important lands, like this one, and gifting them to local entities to manage for public use. We’ve done similar projects with Catawba Island Township, Danbury Township, Sandusky County Park District and many other partners.”
A second property was also purchased, which contains 19 acres of mature hardwood forest that Black Swamp will retain as a migratory bird and wildlife habitat.
“On Dec. 21, 2023, we had a milestone moment for the Park District. It has been 31 years since the inception of the Park District, but we can now say we own property to develop our first park area,” said Jannah Wilson, executive director for the Park District of Ottawa County.
According to Wilson, projects like this are made possible by the park District's current ten-year operating levy that was passed by Ottawa County voters in November 2020.
"The operating levy will continue to support the Park District as we develop amenities and maintain the property now and in the future,” stated Wilson.
The Park District plans to develop the Catawba Island Township land into an area for residents to connect with nature. Maintenace facilities, a kayak launch, walking trails and habitat restoration projects will be located within the park.
Currently, West harbor Preserve is not accessible to the public, as these projects will take up to two years to complete.
