Meika's Vision for Babb Run Bird AND WILDLIFE Sanctuary
Meika has held a deep admiration for the captivating beauty and incredible potential of the Babb Run Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary holds a special place in her heart, long before her tenure on the city council.
Nestled within Cuyahoga Falls, the sanctuary is a true gem among our parks. It stands apart as a haven singularly devoted to nature-based passive use. The sanctuary's lush landscapes, tranquil trail, and diverse wildlife create an environment that is both enchanting and educational.
Meika's love for the sanctuary extends beyond admiration. As a passionate advocate for nature conservation, she has actively contributed to its preservation and development. Her commitment to the sanctuary's well-being is evident in her efforts to raise awareness, support necessary improvements, and ensure the long-term protection of its unique features.
Babb Run Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a tranquil escape; it is an invaluable resource for our community. It offers educational opportunities for all ages, fostering a deep connection with the natural world. The sanctuary's presence promotes biodiversity, serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife, and enhances the overall quality of life in Cuyahoga Falls.
Over the years, Meika has cultivated a meaningful partnership with the Babb Family descendants, who graciously contribute beautiful flowers to maintain the park's main entrance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Babb Family for their ongoing support, as their generous donations enhance the sanctuary's welcoming atmosphere.
Meika's unwavering dedication to the sanctuary reflects her vision for a community that treasures and nurtures its natural treasures.
See the continuous improvement plan below for updates on the development of a master plan for Babb Run.
Meika collaborates with the Babb Family to maintain the park entrance.
Continuous improvement plan for Babb Run
Throughout 2020, Meika attended meetings hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department to provide input from residents and stakeholders on continuous improvement ideas for Babb Run. The goal was to assist in identifying issues and opportunities, including limited ADA accessibility, inadequate picnic areas, and significant erosion. In January, 2021, the Parks & Recreation Department released a detailed action plan for Babb Run with the following recommendations:
- Develop a Park Master Plan with the concept plan as a starting point
- Seek a partnership with Metro Parks for management and programming while maintaining city ownership
- Install bird blinds for watchers and birding classes
- Investigate opportunities to provide kayak and canoe access to the river after the removal of the Edison Dam (2024), providing another access point to the Cuyahoga River Water Trail
- Expand the parking lot to accommodate the new and expanded features
- Add a picnic shelter with corn hole that can also serve as an outdoor classroom
- Add vault restroom to allow for extended visits
- Explore the feasibility of a connection to Cascade Valley Metro Park (will require a bridge over the Cuyahoga River)
- Add a nature play area to provide a play space for children while keeping with the natural character of the site
- Add support amenities including drinking fountain with bottle filler, Wi-Fi hotspots, trees, landscaping, site furnishings, and entrance signage
Recommended capital improvements focus on creating improved opportunities for interaction with and appreciation of nature. A new shelter with the capacity to host nature education programming is proposed in the park’s center, and a nearby nature play area will provide opportunities for children to engage with nature and play. To ensure adequate accommodation, the existing parking lot adjacent to these new facilities will need to be expanded and striped (including ADA accessible spots), and a new restroom building support longer visits and program use. A vault restroom will be required due to the lack of sewer service at the property.
A new or more formalized nature path is recommended as well extending from the proposed shelter through the north end of the park. New bird blinds are recommended along the existing loop trail in the south end of the park. As the Cuyahoga River runs along the southern edge of the park – and because public input highlighted a community demand for interaction with the water – a canoe/kayak access point is proposed just off the existing path following the removal of the Edison Dam in 2024. The possibility of connecting Babb Run to the adjacent Cascade Valley Metro Park should be explored; a quality pedestrian pathway across the river between the two parks would enhance visitation and appreciation for both parks.
Concept plan for Babb Run Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. To access the full plan click here.
