City Announces New Avon Park in Lieu of Housing Development

A $2.3 million, 56-acre parcel of land in Avon that was slated for a new housing development will instead house wildlife in what will be a new public park.

The land, which was once a farm field, was deemed unfit for residential development due to intense periodic flooding from French Creek. Concerns over public safety and drainage issues left the city with what they thought might very well be a useless plot of land--until recently.

Nearly two years and many headaches later, the city finally decided to sell the land to the Lorain County Metro Parks, which now plans to develop the parcel into a park. No sale price has been officially set as of yet, but Metro Parks officials say they will work to give as much back to the city as it had originally invested in the land as possible--likely through the use of government grants.

The Jaycox Road parcel, which is located slightly north of Riegelsburger Road, will keep much of the existing natural features, allowing park visitors to enjoy the lush, green backdrop by way of plenty of hiking and bicycle trails. All in all, the park will primarily be a simple green space with access trails peppered throughout.

The park will also function as an animal sanctuary where local birds and other critters will be able to make their homes, providing a great new opportunity for photography enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.