What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

FOUNDATION
The mission of Geauga Park District Foundation is to build enduring assets for Geauga Park District.
The Foundation will foster a legacy of philanthropy for Geauga Park District through community engagement and investment.
Observatory Park – A New Voice of Nature
Dave Simko
Trustee – Geauga Park District Foundation
Observatory Park truly represents the
“voices of nature.” This park will stimulate the
imagination of youngsters of all ages through
the wonders of nature and science.
At Observatory Park, a seismograph introduces us to what
is happening under the earth. On the surface of Earth, the
headwaters of the Cuyahoga River help explain our natural
history and the impact of an ice age millenniums ago. The
preservation of the wetlands and the meadows teaches us how
to protect the many species of plants, animals and reptiles
with which we share space. Above the earth, a weather station
makes us aware of what is happening in the atmosphere
surrounding us. Finally, two research-grade telescopes
dramatically reveal the planets in our solar system, the stars in
our galaxy and the galaxies invisible to the naked eye beyond
Earth.
With their time and talents, Geauga Park District naturalists,
volunteers and staff will provide and support the programs at
Observatory Park to make learning about nature fun. When
learning is fun and interactive, it motivates a desire to learn
more, even when the topic is science.
Why I Give
Ian Cooper hopes Observatory Park
will “flip the switch” for school
children when it comes to unlocking
a passion for dark sky exploration
and scientific inquiry. Ian speaks
fondly of his sixth-grade science
teacher, Vivian Starr, who flipped the
switch for him and ignited his lifelong
interest in science and astronomy.
Shortly after Mrs. Starr assigned a
constellation project, Ian bought his
first telescope in 1967 for $20 at the
Beyer Craft Toyland in Bainbridge.
Ian is a 44-year member of the
Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
(CVAS) and for a long time was its
youngest member. “I remember the
first star party I attended at Riverside
Park in Chagrin Falls. We borrowed
chairs from the local funeral home
and signed a movie out from the
Chagrin Falls Library called 'The
Universe,' and Tom Quesinberry’s
dad, Ralph, borrowed a 16mm
projector from the high school. We all
brought our telescopes so we could
show people what cool things were
out there in the night sky.”
Ian and the members of the Chagrin
Ian Cooper with his first telescope,
purchased in 1967
Valley Astronomical Society, which
holds its monthly meeting in
Geauga Park District, still enjoy
sharing what they know about the
mysteries of the cosmos; their
enthusiasm and behind-the-scenes
work on the Oberle Observatory
and its telescope has helped Geauga
Park District complete Phase III of
Observatory Park.
Ian makes an annual contribution
to support Geauga Park District’s
Nature Scopes program, and he
volunteers by bringing his telescope
to the Park District’s night skyviewing
events. “This is my giving
back to society,” he said. “If I can get
one kid excited about astronomy like
I was then, it’s all worth it.”
The Observatory Park
Technical Advisory Group –
comprised of representatives
from the Cleveland Museum
of Natural History, the Great
Lakes Science Center, Case
Western Reserve University,
Hiram College, Kent State
University, Lake Erie Nature
& Science Center and the
Chagrin Valley Astronomical
Society – will continue to
provide technical support and regional programming opportunities
in astronomy, the sciences and natural history.
Also, Observatory Park’s special features, including the Oberle
Observatory and the Robert McCullough Science Center, are
supported by contributions from private individuals, foundations
and companies throughout Northeast Ohio. Unique facilities
and features in other parks and preserves in Geauga Park District
have also been made possible through private donations, as have
other key programs, such as Nature Scopes. A community that
generously supports such efforts is necessary and important to the
continued expansion of existing programs and the addition of new
ones. Speaking as a trustee of Geauga Park District Foundation, we
are all thankful for that support.
Geauga Park District Foundation
2012 Board of Trustees
Richard Frenchie – President and
Observatory Park Campaign Chair
Kathy Leavenworth – Vice President
Dave Chew
Jan Fitts
Dave Ford
Bill Franz
Glenn Frohring
Mary Beth O’Neill – Secretary
Brian Valentine – Treasurer
John Janoch
Cristine Lewis
Doug Nemeckay
Bob Page
Todd Ray
Dave Simko
Jeff Suszynski
Trevor Wilson
Gary Witosky
Some of the members of the Foundation are, from left to right:
Richard Frenchie, Bill Franz, new member Trevor Wilson,
John Janoch, Jeff Suszynski, new member Gary Witosky,
Mary Beth O’Neill, Todd Ray and Doug Nemeckay.
Geauga Park District Foundation • 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon OH 44024
Development Director: Emilie Gottsegen • Development Associate: Amanda Stith
Administrative Assistant: Barb Emch • foundation@geaugaparkdistrict.org
www.geaugaparkdistrict.org • VOICES OF NATURE 11