Lower Lake FAQs
Has the RJRD board decided to remove the lower lake?
While no final decision has been made, three of the four proposed plans presented by the Master Planner at the October 10th RJRD meeting removed the Lower Lake. The only plan that preserved the lower lake required the demolition of all the buildings, including Gund Hall and the Kirby estate.
Will the petition demands create more of an expense for Richfield citizens?
No. The petition asks the RJRD board to explore income sources OUTSIDE Richfield. People outside Richfield would happily pay top dollar to rent Gund Hall. FoCH has offered to run fundraising campaigns. The RJRD can also apply for grants and establish naming rights. The RJRD submitted an application to be recognized as a Historic District on the National Registry. If accepted, this will make the district eligible for historic preservation grants and tax credits. These are all options for bringing money into the project without cost to Richfield citizens.
How would FoCH help raise funds?
FoCH would apply for grants and solicit donations from corporations and camp alumni.
What are the program benefits of the lakes, especially the lower lake?
Two lakes allow for more diverse recreational opportunities. For example, one lake can be designated for fishing and boating while the other lake could be designated for swimming. This past summer, LL Bean taught paddle boarding on both lakes. The Buckeye Trail follows the shores of both lakes, providing beautiful views for hikers. The lower lake is the central historical element of the entire property; all of Kirby's structures were oriented around the lake. It is the world's only known patented lake and is essential in the operation of Kirby's hydroelectric mill. The historic significance of the property will make it eligible for historic preservation tax credits and grants. Kirby's use of hydraulics make this lake an incredible backdrop for STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art and math).
Even if the lake and dam are removed, can't we relocate and save Kirby's Mill?
Yes, but the mill will not work. Kirby's Mill has an overshot wheel. That means the water has to come in over the top and it needs a millpond in order to work. Kirby’s wheel design was an innovative experiment. Kirby’s Mill was placed on the National Historic Register in 1978 largely because the wheel was the first of its kind. You cannot convert it to an undershot wheel without losing the essence of what Kirby built.
What are the environmental impacts of keeping a dam versus removing it?
One of the environmental concerns is for fish to migrate the length of a stream unimpeded. If the lower dam is removed at Richfield Heritage Preserve, fish will still be impeded by the dam at the upper lake. Downstream they would be impeded by the dam which forms Hinckley Reservoir. Removal of the dam in between these two other dams is unlikely to significantly affect fish migration patterns. Even if it did, this would need to be balanced against other factors, such as the lake providing a habitat for nesting bald eagles. The ODNR does not require dam removal. It's up to each community to decide. For more information:http://engineering.ohiodnr. gov/
What does it mean to mothball a building?
Mothballing is a standard term used in preservation. This may include repairing any damage to the roof to prevent further leaks, boarding up windows and doors to prevent vandalism, etc. The National Park Service has more information here: https://www.nps.gov/tps/ how-to-preserve/briefs/31-moth balling.html.
Why should we sign a petition like this now when nothing has been decided yet?
It is important to provide input to the decision making process prior to the decision being made. Once the decision has been made, it's difficult to reverse.
What's the time frame for the petition?
We need responses back ASAP. The sooner the RJRD knows what Richfield citizens want, the sooner they can plan.
Can residents under age 18 sign?
Yes. The RJRD needs to hear from those under 18. If you would like to indicate your age in the identification space, that would be okay.
Has the RJRD board decided to remove the lower lake?
While no final decision has been made, three of the four proposed plans presented by the Master Planner at the October 10th RJRD meeting removed the Lower Lake. The only plan that preserved the lower lake required the demolition of all the buildings, including Gund Hall and the Kirby estate.
Will the petition demands create more of an expense for Richfield citizens?
No. The petition asks the RJRD board to explore income sources OUTSIDE Richfield. People outside Richfield would happily pay top dollar to rent Gund Hall. FoCH has offered to run fundraising campaigns. The RJRD can also apply for grants and establish naming rights. The RJRD submitted an application to be recognized as a Historic District on the National Registry. If accepted, this will make the district eligible for historic preservation grants and tax credits. These are all options for bringing money into the project without cost to Richfield citizens.
How would FoCH help raise funds?
FoCH would apply for grants and solicit donations from corporations and camp alumni.
What are the program benefits of the lakes, especially the lower lake?
Two lakes allow for more diverse recreational opportunities. For example, one lake can be designated for fishing and boating while the other lake could be designated for swimming. This past summer, LL Bean taught paddle boarding on both lakes. The Buckeye Trail follows the shores of both lakes, providing beautiful views for hikers. The lower lake is the central historical element of the entire property; all of Kirby's structures were oriented around the lake. It is the world's only known patented lake and is essential in the operation of Kirby's hydroelectric mill. The historic significance of the property will make it eligible for historic preservation tax credits and grants. Kirby's use of hydraulics make this lake an incredible backdrop for STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art and math).
Even if the lake and dam are removed, can't we relocate and save Kirby's Mill?
Yes, but the mill will not work. Kirby's Mill has an overshot wheel. That means the water has to come in over the top and it needs a millpond in order to work. Kirby’s wheel design was an innovative experiment. Kirby’s Mill was placed on the National Historic Register in 1978 largely because the wheel was the first of its kind. You cannot convert it to an undershot wheel without losing the essence of what Kirby built.
What are the environmental impacts of keeping a dam versus removing it?
One of the environmental concerns is for fish to migrate the length of a stream unimpeded. If the lower dam is removed at Richfield Heritage Preserve, fish will still be impeded by the dam at the upper lake. Downstream they would be impeded by the dam which forms Hinckley Reservoir. Removal of the dam in between these two other dams is unlikely to significantly affect fish migration patterns. Even if it did, this would need to be balanced against other factors, such as the lake providing a habitat for nesting bald eagles. The ODNR does not require dam removal. It's up to each community to decide. For more information:http://engineering.ohiodnr. gov/
What does it mean to mothball a building?
Mothballing is a standard term used in preservation. This may include repairing any damage to the roof to prevent further leaks, boarding up windows and doors to prevent vandalism, etc. The National Park Service has more information here: https://www.nps.gov/tps/ how-to-preserve/briefs/31-moth balling.html.
Why should we sign a petition like this now when nothing has been decided yet?
It is important to provide input to the decision making process prior to the decision being made. Once the decision has been made, it's difficult to reverse.
What's the time frame for the petition?
We need responses back ASAP. The sooner the RJRD knows what Richfield citizens want, the sooner they can plan.
Can residents under age 18 sign?
Yes. The RJRD needs to hear from those under 18. If you would like to indicate your age in the identification space, that would be okay.