Western Reserve Land Conservancy donates 87 acres to Summit Metro Parks
Summit Metro Parks is pleased to announce it has accepted a generous 87-acre land donation from Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Located in Copley on Boughton Road, the newly acquired land will serve as the future site of the park district’s 17th Metro Park.
“We are grateful for this land donation from Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which brings us one step closer to our vision of making parks accessible to all,” said Summit Metro Parks Executive Director Lisa King. “As we work together to restore this land and plan for its future, we look forward to creating a space where the Copley community and all Summit County residents can connect with nature through clean and safe parks.”
In late 2024, the Land Conservancy acquired the historic Boughton Farm in eastern Copley Township in Summit County. Owned by the Boughton family since around 1850, the family wanted to ensure that the almost 90 acres of fields, wetlands, forest and streams remained as green space for the community, and all 10 members of the family agreed to sell the property to the Land Conservancy. In a heavily developed township, the protection of the Boughton Farm and subsequent restoration and park creation will almost double the parkland acres in the township, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of Copley Township residents.
According to Andy McDowell, Vice President of Western Field Operations, “The Land Conservancy is thrilled to be partnering with Summit Metro Parks for the long-term ownership and management of the property. This project would not have been possible without committed landowners, great conservation partners and dedicated funders, including Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, North American Wetlands Conservation Act(NAWCA) and H2Ohio.”
Because the land had been farmed for decades, it must undergo ecological restoration before it is ready to open as a Metro Park. Restoration work will be conducted by Western Reserve Land Conservancy, funded by grant money from H2Ohio and in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Services Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and will include input from Summit Metro Parks conservation staff.
Summit Metro Parks staff will begin the process of master planning the site over the next several years. While there are no current final plans for the future Metro Park, the park district anticipates the amenities will include a public parking lot and hiking trail.
For updates on the future Metro Park and other park district projects, please visit bit.ly/SMPProjectUpdates and follow Summit Metro Parks on social media.