Crane Point, nestled within the Marathon shopping district, offers a peaceful retreat of hardwood trees and nature trails, rich with history and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Home to an abundance of bird and wildlife species (including bald eagles! ), Crane Point provides natural beauty as well as historical relevance for all.
Lake Erie shorelines provide one of Ohio’s few remaining strongholds for bald eagles, and boast numerous reptiles, amphibians and mammals such as fox snakes, painted turtles, northern water snakes, green frogs, bullfrogs, spotted salamanders and wetland insects – including many wetland insects. Lake Erie marshes serve as feeding grounds for many fish species such as saugeye while its sandy beaches at Crane Creek provide sanctuary for migrating birds such as herring, tundra swan mallard and wood duck.
Crane Park was initially known as Lake View Cemetery until Edgar A. Crane, a lawyer, built his beautiful house adjacent to Westnedge Hill that still stands today in 1911 and left it as his legacy gift to the City in 1915.
Today, the city is reaping the rewards of its investment made nearly 100 years ago in its park. Recently it received a $2 million grant from the state to improve the entrance and exit roads to the park as well as improve and extend boardwalks traversing wetlands. Additionally, upgrades will include new fencing, expanded sidewalks/walkways/treadmills, railings/railingings for railings as well as improved lighting along with other amenities that enhance this unique greenspace.
Volunteers have also been busy helping maintain the park. On a recent clean-up day, more than 30 bags of trash were removed from its surroundings by volunteers – this effort forms part of a greater goal to make sure residents and visitors alike enjoy both its wetlands and parks rather than simply passing through them.
Friends of Crane Park and Montclair Backyard Habitat Project have also taken steps to make Crane Park an ecologically-oriented community resource. Their demonstration garden focuses specifically on nectar plants that serve as hosts for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators for reproduction purposes.
Though Frank Manzullo would likely disapprove, volunteers have restored it to its former condition and made it even more inviting for both locals and visitors. Spend an enjoyable hour or so taking in the scenery, talking with neighbors or taking part in activities at St Helena Farmer’s Market held every Friday morning here!
