Chickagami Park - Geauga Park District

CHICKAGAMI PARK protects 139 acres locatedwithin the headwaters of the Grand Riverwatershed. The park is primarily wooded andincludes wetlands, streams and uplands. It isGeauga Park District’s intent to protect thisnatural area in perpetuity.NATURAL FEATURESChickagami Park is comprised of various stages ofmature forest communities, most commonly thebeech-sugar maple. Black cherry, hickories, ashes,and tulip trees also inhabit these forests, alongwith mature plantations of conifers.Chickagami ParkWetland habitats consist of mixed emergentmarshes displaying a wide variety of grass species,sedges, rushes and smartweeds. One such largewetland was created when Lake Estabrook wasreturned to its original flow.A healthy abundance of wildlife resides inChickagami Park as well. Notable songbirds foundare Purple Finch, Pine Warbler, Great CrestedFlycatcher, Wood Thrush, and Scarlet Tanager.SETON CABIN FOR SCOUT CAMPING AND TENT PADSAMENITIES & TRAILSOverlook Shelter, located north of the parkentrance, provides a gathering area for up to 75people overlooking wetlands and stream. A fullyaccessible trail loops around this picnic area.FLAG CEREMONY, 1962www.chickagami.netGEAUGA PARK DISTRICTTHISTORYChickagami is a Native American word meaning“camp by the lake.” In 1941, the WesternReserve Council of the Boy Scouts of Americadedicated Camp Chickagami as a year-roundcamping facility for the Scouts. The propertyconsisted of cabins and camp lean-tos alongLake Estabrook, which was created by dammingthe branch of the Grand River that ran throughthe property. Over the decades additionalfacilities were added to accommodate Scoutgroups who came for week-long camping in thesummer and weekend use in the winter.In 2003, to reduce operating costs, the WesternReserve Council (WRC) entered into a purchaseagreement with Geauga Park District to takeover the camp property. After dam inspectionand evaluation of Lake Estabrook by the OhioEnvironmental Protection Agency (OEPA), it wasrecommended that the dam be removed andthe river corridor be returned to its original flow.Prior to land transfer, the WRC removed the damand the majority of the buildings. The Scoutscontinue to have priority access to the propertyfor camping.PINE WARBLERCAMPINGFollowing the tradition of generations of BoyScouts who used the property, camping is afeatured activity in Chickagami Park.There are two group camp sites, each consistingof one lean-to shelter, five tent pads, a commonfire pit and a grill. Boy Scouts will have first rightsto reserve the group camping sites. The existingSeton Cabin is available for Scout use only.Another group site is located at the east end ofthe activity field.Eight additional sites are designed toaccommodate four or five people. Six sitescontain a 12’ X 12’ tent pad with a fire ring,grill and picnic table. Two sites feature a GeaugaPark District signature lean-to with an attachedfireplace, outdoor grill and picnic table.OVERLOOK SHELTERPine Grove Shelter, located south of the parkingarea, has capacity for up to 150 people.A large activity field provides an ideal open areafor group activities.Currently there is just less than a mile of trail andaccess drive to allow for loading and unloadingequipment at the camping areas. A longer hikingtrail is planned to be added in the future.GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024-9148(440) 286-9516 or (800) 536-4006 (Geauga toll free)info@geaugaparkdistrict.orgwww.geaugaparkdistrict.orgPrinted onRecycled PaperSUNNYBROOKPRESERVEBASS LAKEPRESERVEParkPreserveEntranceMaple Highlands TrailProposed TrailWOODINROAD PARKMOUNTAINRUN STATIONTAVERNPLANKWHITNEYOBSERVATORYPARKCHICKAGAMIPARKChickagami Park Lat: N 41 22.530 Long: W 081 4.290 Elev.1,144 5M-9/10

Newcomb RoadChickagami Park ▪ 17957 Tavern Road ▪ Parkman TownshipNash RoadTavern RoadTRAILSMILESOverlook Loop Trail 0.12Camping Access Loop North 0.35(around activity field)Camping Access Loop South 0.40AMPHITHEATERPROPOSEDTRAILOverlookShelterAActivity FieldLBPineGroveShelterAMENITIESOverlook ShelterTavern RoadSetonCabinKJIRanger Access OnlyHCDEFGPine Grove ShelterCamp Sites A & B (GROUP)(1) Lean To, (5) Tent PadsCamp Site C(1) Lean ToCamp Sites D-I(1) Tent PadCamp Site J(1) Lean ToCamp Site K (GROUP)(4) Tent Pads (PHONE RESERVATIONS ONLY)Camp Site L (GROUP)(Camp roadway not plowed in winter)MAP KEYPark EntranceOpen Park / woodlandConifer Forest (evergreens)WetlandsMowed AreasBoy Scout Building(Boy Scout Access Only)Restroom Location