The project was rejected by the city after fierce opposition from residents.
“Everybody that came to them were quite unhappy and did not want that to happen,” said resident Julie Bonder of the housing proposals. “Too many cars would go back and forth. Too many people would be here.”
The Centerville-Washington Park District acquired the 32 acres of natural habitat and plans to add some trails for nature walks.
The acquisition of park land was made possible by the Clean Ohio Fund Green Space Conservation Program, according to a news release from the city. The Park District received an $803,250 grant to cover 75 percent of the acquisition price and initial land conservation efforts.
Acquiring the land is part of the Park District’s mission to “protect wetlands, preserve natural habitat and preserve open green space,” said Arnie Biondo, director of Centerville-Washington Park District.
The Park District plans to begin aggressively removing non-native invasive plant species, such as honeysuckle, and fell dead or dying trees that could be a safety concern.
“Our mission is to preserve quality tracts of land for our community to enjoy now and well into the future,” Dan Monahan, president of the Board of Commissioners, said in a release. “This piece of land fits in well with our strategic focus and allows us to respond to the community’s desire to preserve open space in Centerville and Washington Township.”
The new park land will remain largely undeveloped. The Park District envisions the addition of pathways and trails with environmental interpretive signage. The trials are expected to be completed by next year.
The Centerville-Washington Park District operates eight community parks, nine nature parks, and 33 neighborhood parks encompassing more than 1,000 acres in Centerville and Washington Twp.
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