RED BROOK METROPARK

Please excuse our mess at Red Brook Metropark. Our contractor is busy finishing up our new shelter and has started construction on our Labyrinth. With the wet conditions it’s making the site a little muddy during the day, the short section of trail will be accessible in the evenings. The big loop trail to the west is not affected and is open. We are excited to share once complete!

Thank you 

Operations Department

FRIENDS OF CONNEAUT CREEK METROPARK

Keep following us as spring and summer projects continue to get completed and checked off the list by our Operations Department.

Attached is a section of Boardwalk that was recently finished in the bottom loop trail of Friends of Conneaut Creek Metropark.

This trail is roughly a 1 mile loop that helps gain access to Conneaut Creek for fishing and just a beautiful walk through the lowlands of Conneaut Creek. Also, stop by and see the massive oak tree while enjoying the trail.

LEGAL NOTICE

Sealed bids will be received at the Ashtabula Metroparks at, 91 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson, Ohio, 44047 until 2:00 p.m. Local Time, on Wednesday, May 3 , 2023, or as may be amended by written Addenda and shall be opened and read on the same day thereafter for the:

PYMATUNING VALLEY GREENWAY TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

PHASE 1.1 AND 1.2

OPINION OF PROBABLE COST: $5,108,766.08

COMPLETION DATE: 150 DAYS FROM NOTICE TO PROCEED

DBE/EDGE: Goal 7.00 %.

The purpose of this project is to construct two segments of a 10 feet wide off-road asphalt trail along an abandoned railroad corridor. The length of Phase 1.1 is 3.54 miles, from Maple Avenue to Leon Road. The length of Phase 1.2 is 2.12 miles, from Marvin Road to Mill Street. Copies of Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations:
ENGINEER: OWNER: AA BLUEPRINT
Environmental Design Group
450 Grant Street
Akron, OH 44311-1183
(330) 375-1390

Ashtabula County Metroparks
91 North Chestnut Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
(440) 576-0717

2757 Gilchrist Road
Akron, OH 44305
www.aablueprint.com

Questions by prospective Bidders concerning this project should be directed in writing to the Engineer’s Point Of Contact at: acroasmun@envdesigngroup.com. No questions will be accepted after 5:00 pm of the business day prior to the fifth business day before the Bid Deadline. Complete sets of Bidding Documents will be issued to Bidders only by AA Blueprint, at a cost of Two-Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($260.00). Checks or Money Orders are to be made payable to AA Blueprint, located at 2757 Gilchrist Road, Akron, OH 44305, or can be purchased on their website at: www.aaplanroom.com

Bids must be entered on BID PROPOSAL FORMS. Facsimile or electronic submittals or transmissions are not permitted. Printed BID PROPOSAL FORMS prescribed by the County Metroparks shall be filed (1 original & 1 copy) in a sealed envelope at the time and place designated above. Each Bid shall contain the full name and address of each person or company submitting the same.

The Bidder shall be responsible to check for Addenda and obtain the same from the website. The Bid shall be accompanied by either a cashier’s check, certified check on a solvent bank, irrevocable letter of credit, or a Bid Bond equal to ten percent (10%) of the full amount of the Bid, as a guarantee that if the Bid is accepted a contract will be entered into in the proper manner. Additional details, including return of Bid Bonds to unsuccessful Bidders, can be found in the INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS section of the Proposal.

In the event the supplier refuses to enter into a contract, the supplier will be held liable for damages and expenses as provided by law, as per Ohio Revised Code Section 153.54.

PREQUALIFICATION
Only pre-qualified contractors are eligible to submit bids for this PROJECT. Pre-qualification status must be in force at the time of bid, at the time of award, and through the life of the construction contract. For work types that ODOT does not pre-qualify, the LPA must still select a qualified contractor. Subcontractors are not subject to the pre-qualification requirement. The “prime” contractor must perform no less than 30 percent of the total original contract price.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS:
Contractor compliance with the equal employment opportunity requirements of Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 123, The Governor’s Executive Order of 1972, and Governor’s Executive Order 84-9 shall be required. Bidders on this work are also required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246 in that employees and applicants for employment shall not discriminate against because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The requirements under this order are explained in the contract documents. Regarding DBE/EDGE requirements, bidders must read and follow instructions under PN 013 -DBE UTILIZATION PLAN AND GOOD FAITH EFFORTS in the LPA CONTACT PROVISIONS & PROPOSAL NOTES. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project are required to meet contract provisions for Federal Aid construction contracts, including Federal prevailing wage rates pursuant to the Davis Bacon Act for Public Improvements as described herein, and in FHWA Form 1273, included into the Contract documents.

The attention of the Bidder is directed to the requirement that each Proposal must be accompanied by a Non-Collusion Affidavit duly signed by the Bidder, and a Personal Property Delinquent Tax Affidavit duly signed by the Bidder, required by Section 5719.042 of the Ohio Revised Code thereof. No payment shall be made on any Contract for which no such affidavit has been submitted.

Attention of all Bidders is directed to the fact that Ashtabula County Metroparks has adopted a “Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy” on September 7, 2016. The terms of this Policy also apply to any Contractors directly reimbursed for services through the County. A copy of this Policy shall be part of this proposal, and each proposal be accompanied by a “Sign-Off Sheet” duly signed by the Bidder thereof.

Attention of all Bidders is also directed to the fact that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 307.86 and 307.87, effective September 26, 2003, this Notice of Bid will be published one time only, with the condition that this notice has been posted on the Ashtabula County Metroparks website at Ashtabula Metroparks Projects and Quotes (http://ashtabulametroparks.com/bids/).

The Ashtabula County Metroparks reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to delete any part of the proposal herein.

No Bidder may withdraw a bid within 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on April 20, 2023 at 10:00 am at: Ashtabula County Metroparks, 91 North Chestnut Street Jefferson, OH 44047. Contractors interested in bidding should attend. A visual inspection of the project may be conducted after the meeting.

Bidders must be listed on the Plan Holder’s List at the Ashtabula County Metroparks’ Office, as well as at AA Blueprint to be considered for award of a contract. This permits Metroparks to ensure that all Bidders receive the same information and updates throughout the Bid Process. Contractors that have not requested and purchased a plan set for the Pymatuning Valley Greenway Trail Project will have their bids rejected.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF THE ASHTABULA COUNTY METROPARKS

Lampson Reservoir Metropark is now open!

It is a beautiful day to take a stroll!!!

Spring is not far off, get out and enjoy our parks coming alive!!!

Job Posting

Resumes will be accepted via email at agreen@ashtabulametroparks.com through January 6, 2023.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN 1
Ashtabula County Metroparks

Summary:

As a non-exempt, full-time employee, the Maintenance Technician 1 is supervised by the Operations Manager.  The employee will perform a variety of maintenance tasks including cleaning, hauling, painting, posting signage, lawn/trail care, using typical outdoor tools.

The employee must have a commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Ashtabula County Metroparks, as well as possess and demonstrate an appreciation of Ashtabula Metroparks philosophy and objectives as an ambassador with good public relations skills.

Essential Job Functions:

The Maintenance Technician 1’s essential job functions are as follows:

• Perform a wide range of building and grounds maintenance functions, maintaining and insuring safety on park grounds and facilities.
• Maintain building and property including basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry and janitorial duties.
• Prepare and maintain building, such as shelters, restrooms, parking lots, roadways, trails playgrounds, including snow/ice control, turf care, tree removal, tree care and plant beds.
• Assist with care and enhancements of natural or wildlife areas.
• Comply with all safety regulations.
• Assist with mapping computerize trails.
• All other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.

Performance Standard:    

The Maintenance Technician 1 is expected to work effectively with other Metroparks staff to meet the needs of the larger community and the Metroparks through work behaviors demonstrating the Metroparks’ values.

The employee is responsible to maintain confidentiality; follow the chain of command; work cooperatively and effectively with members of the public, public agency staff.  Some in and out of county travel is expected.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of every Metropark property, the ability to locate said properties on a map and navigate to each property efficiently and quickly.
• Knowledge of GPS programs.
• Knowledge of how to use and maintain agricultural- and farming-type equipment necessary to perform work duties.
• Knowledge of the proper procedures for operating, inspecting and maintaining assigned equipment.

Required Skills:   

• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to follow planning and scheduling instructions, sometimes setting priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Deal tactfully, courteously, and respectfully with vendors, contractors, members of the public.
• Basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively and safely without direct supervision.
• Ability to read and understand maps, plats, blueprints, and other diagrams associated with maintenance, construction and operations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and make recommendations to senior management and or the board of commissioners.

Education and Experience:

The Maintenance Technician 1 must be at least 18 years old and have at least the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• And, park related experience, or other related fields
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and an insurable driving record
• Maintenance and mechanical skills
• Broad understanding of the park system, flora, fauna, and wildlife of the area
• The employee must have an acceptable general background investigation including local, state, and federal criminal history, sex offender registry check and driving record

Physical Requirements:

• Able to pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen
• Essential functions require the regular and at times, sustained performance of moderately to vigorous physically demanding work
• Essential functions may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment
• Essential functions may require the prolonged periods of operating equipment in operational areas
• Essential functions my require the mobility to work in various park and open space areas

Sensory Requirements: 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture and visual cues or signals

Environmental Exposures:

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials (commonly found in garage and office environments), fire, machinery, vibrations, traffic hazards, toxic agents, welding fumes, animal/wildlife attacks, firearms, water hazards, violence, disease and/or rude/irate park visitors.

Wage Range:  Starting rate $17.00 per hour.  (Rate offered will be based upon qualifications and experience).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A special thank you to Dave Nolan who volunteered to make the Metroparks first “Little Library”.

Please stop in at Red Brook Metropark to take or drop off a book to read!

Thank you Dave!!!

We just completed the staircase that allows access to Conneaut Creek!!!

Next, we will be working on the 1 1/2 mile primitive loop trail.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING HUNTING APPLICATIONS!

All permits have been filled. Please remember to follow the rules and regulations and be safe!!!

FREE WOOD CHIPS

The Ashtabula County Metroparks are giving away free wood chips / compost material to the public.

You may take as much of the wood chips/compost material as you would like, see picture below. There are logs and stumps on the site that are in piles, you may take those as well.

*Please note that the Metroparks will NOT load the material.

The address is 491 Amboy Road, Conneaut, Ohio 44030.

Directions- pull in the driveway and pass both houses, the piles of chips / compost are in the field that is to the east of the white house.

Please call Brett Bellas, Operations Manager at (440) 805-9615 if you have any questions.

Please excuse our dust as we renovate one of our old buildings at Red Brook Metropark (Old Pro Shop).

The Metroparks secured grants to update and add features to Red Brook Metropark, as our contractors work please give them space and do not enter the areas they are working in.

The Metroparks are working to keep areas open so the public can still utilize the trail heads and parking areas as long as it continues to stay safe.

We thank you for your support and look forward to showing our work after construction is complete.

Sincerely,
Brett Bellas, Operations Manager

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING HUNTING PERMIT APPLICATIONS!!!

***Please include a self addressed stamped envelope (4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″) or larger.***

NOTE: Your permit and map will be sent electronically or mailed by way of US Postal Service. Please check your email if you have not received your permit by mail.

As summer is here and more people are out in the parks, we would like to take a moment to remind the public that dogs are allowed in the parks and must be leashed.  Please, do your part by picking up after your pet and take any waste with you when you leave.  

National Trails Day offers hikers the chance to celebrate and help

By Erin E. Williams

May 19, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. EDT

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/05/19/national-trails-day-2022/

“Thriving with Nature”

Introducing “Thriving with Nature” – A Family Wellness Workbook that will help children and adults understand and appreciate the healing benefits of nature.

Presenting Thriving with Nature, a Family Wellness Workbook, a collaboration between Family Pride of NEO and the Ashtabula County Metroparks. The goal of this attractive workbook is to encourage children to get outside and enjoy time in nature while learning about their mental health. This comprehensive workbook covers topics like finding our strengths, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness.  Its creation began a year ago, when Family Pride therapist, Morgan Whitely, recognized the need for families’, especially during the pandemic, to more positively interact and connect with each other. In partnership with Laura Beattie from the Ashtabula County Metroparks, they created a fun, family-friendly workbook for children and their guardians to complete together.

Families can pick up copies of the workbook (and supplies to supplement the activities) from the Metroparks office, 91 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson, Ohio 44047. Families can also pick up a copy of the workbook at Family Pride’s offices at 1110 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH or call 440-576-0717.

Download a copy from www.familyprideonline.org or www.ashtabulametroparks.com .

The Ashtabula County Metroparks were created to conserve, preserve and to protect Ashtabula County’s natural resources and to provide outdoor recreational experiences to Ashtabula County residents. Family Pride of NEO is a non-profit community mental health agency conveniently located in Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga Counties. At Family Pride we focus our mental health services to meet your unique needs. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling services in the home, office, school, via telehealth or in your community!

Calling all Hiking and Bicycle Enthusiasts!

Ashtabula County Metroparks appreciate and support all of the community events. We look forward to seeing you all out on the trails!

2022
Warmer weather is on its way. Bicycle Season Begins in April with Spring Warm UP Rides Every Tuesday.

Park at Austinburg Trailhead of the Western Reserve  Greenway Trail. Arrive early for extra miles, and return for 6 p.m. group start. 

It still is chilly, so dress appropriately. Wear a helmet.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.  We will follow Covid guidelines.  Masks are not indicated while riding bicycles. We will stay on the trail, and you can ride any distance you like. An experienced rider remains at the end of the ride as a sweep.
Map to Austinburg Trailhead of the WRGT
April 5
April 12
April 19
April 26

 When I am in town, I usually arrive at 4, and circle back every hour to pick up interested riders.  Note: It still gets dark early, and can be cold. 

My email is:  nancyvallen@windstream.net
Phone is:  440-855-1017

Please feel free to share ride calendar information, and my contact info if they are interested in receiving email mail notifications.

Spring Bicycle Maintenance and introduction to Cleaning your bicycle, contact me or Ron Schray to arrange a mutual time to learn how to prepare for riding season.

Ask anyone for assistance when you ride with us. A complete summer calendar will be coming out in April.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Nancy

Join us for a hike   Sunday March 13, at 1:00 P.M.   Jordan Creek Park Chair Factory Falls 7250 Alexander Road Concord TWP  44077 The hike will start at Jordon Creek Park.  There are hills, staircases and waterfalls.  The forest has hemlock, oak, maple, shag bark hickory and beech trees.  We will see a yurt that houses the Research Station.  The hike has paved and gravel trails.  For a short distance we will be on the Greenway Corridor heading to Chair Factory Falls.  The hike will be about two hours. Bring a walking stick and wear wataerproof boots. We will meet at Jordan Creek Park 7250 Alexander Road Concord TWP  44077 We are meeting at the large parking lot by the picnic pavilion.  NOT the first small parking lot to the right. Any questions:  Marily:  emee0221@yahoo.com I will have extra walking sticks for anyone who needs one. For anyone interested, we are planning to go to Redhawk Grille for dinner afterwards. 7481 Auburn Road #9703, Painesville Ohio  44077 Looking forward to seeing you.  Marilyn, Sharon, Nancy Saturday,  March 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.  Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge 7001 State Road Ashtabula, Ohio  44057 Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge | Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau (visitashtabulacounty.com) Park at the top parking level.  We will hike down to trails. Bring walking sticks.  Wear water proof shoes with strong tread. Wear crampons if you have them.  It may be icy. There are steps and inclines on this beautiful trail.   Looking forward to seeing you.  Gloria, Sharon, Nancy

 

 

 

 

ASHTABULA BICYCLING CLUB

 

Happy New Year Bike Club

 

Happy New Year Keeping positive I have a growing list of excursions planned. I am looking forward to seeing everyone for socially distanced bicycle rides. Let’s enjoy conversation, and being outdoors. New calendar arrives in March.  April rides start on the Western Reserve Greenway trail in Austinburg at 6:00 pm.   I would love to hear any comments about routes, or scheduling.  I change it up each year.  Send suggestions regarding which routes to keep or remove.  New routes are being developed.  I hope you will find them interesting.  We have a big county. Let us explore it. Looking forward to a better year. Warm up rides return in April.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in the New Year Nancy and Ron

 

For Spring Warm up Rides we will meet Tuesday evenings at the Austinburg Trailhead of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail (off of Route 307, behind the post office).  Riders of all ages and levels are welcome.  We attempt to keep our rides on paved and low traveled roads as well as riding the Metropark’s Greenway Trail in Ashtabula County.  All riders must wear a helmet.

Contact us for weekly email updates on ride information and maps.

For More Information Contact:

Ron Shray     (440) 645-6208     or     Nancy Vallen  (440) 855-1017

rnschray@suite224.net                                   nancyvallen@windstream.net

Schedule: Bula Bicycle Club Schedule