By Jeff Stoll, Geologist
|
In the spring of 1998, we could have never conceived of what
would become one of the most anticipated local events in the history of
Sylvania, Ohio. At first, our goals were clear: for our Sylvania Quarry and
surrounding property, we had to develop a long term mining plan, as well as a
public relations plan. After coming to Hanson in the spring of 1997, it was very
clear to me how popular the local geologic formations were (namely the highly
fossiliferous Silica Shale). This was evidenced by the numerous calls and
requests we received from people wanting access to the quarry ledges. So, after
developing a mining plan that took the quarry into the direction of these world
famous ledges, it was determined that safety would be compromised if we allowed
continued access. This was the beginning of the thought processes that led us to
Fossil Park.
|
Mine Planning - Safety Concerns |
|
On an area of property containing an old, shallow 6 acre
quarry where cement stone was once mined, the initial vision was born.
The site had many positive opportunities available: 1) it was located
away from long-term reserve access; 2) it would serve nicely as buffer
property for the quarry; 3) it had become an area of illegal dumping by
locals earlier; 4) trespassing would be limited by allowing supervised
usage of the park; and 5) it is a shallow outcrop
|
containing the famous Silica Shale. So we
wrote a letter to the mayor of Sylvania, and he immediately saw the
vision and possibilities. But "the devil", of course, is in
the details. A 99 year lease agreement was initially signed with the
City of Sylvania to manage and develop the 10 acre park. But the
workings of this lease became somewhat complicated, however, when,
during negotiations with the City, The Olander Park System made an offer
to fund and manage the park. This offer was eventually accepted by all
parties involved, but legally, a sub-lease was now necessary for Olander
Park. This was approved over a year later, in the fall of 2000 by the
Hanson, the City of Sylvania, and the Olander Park Board. Additionally,
because of obvious safety issues, a nearby gun club’s lease with
Hanson was allowed to expire. Certainly, great ideas take time and a
team of commonly-focused people to work out all the details to make it
happen. As a result of these efforts, planning and capital budgeting and
appropriating was now able to go forward. |
|
Fossil Park - Early
Planning Stages
Work began on clearing the quarry of debris, and a local
architectural firm began the initial planning of the site. Hanson
contributed heavy equipment, labor, and a significant volume of material
for the entry drive and parking area. Olander Park brought in crews to
assist in removing some of the household refuse that was present. A
"Fossil Park Advisory Committee" was formed, on which a Hanson
representative sits, along with a local middle school principal, an
assistant township firechief, a City of Sylvania Councilwoman, and an
Olander Park Board member. Together, this group guided the direction and
development, including making certain that safety and proper access for
all patrons, including the handicapped, was the first priority. So,
thousands of dollars were budgeted by the Olander Park Board, with the
encouragement of the Advisory Committee, to make sure this was done
before the park ever opened. A 6-foot high safety fence ringing the
quarry site was installed, and quite possibly the only ADA (American
with Disabilities Act) ramp in the world that accesses a quarry, was
constructed. Additionally, we suggested securing the old, craggy and
unstable rock ledges that had eroded over the years into a more stable
and secure highwall. This had to be done before the fencing was
installed. A well-respected blasting company donated their time and
materials for this project.
Up until 2001, The Olander Park System had put nearly $200,000 into
Fossil Park via Phase I construction. For 2002, an additional $300,000
to $400,000 dollars will be spent on infrastructure installations,
additional fossil work stations, an interpretive shelter, permanent
restrooms, and paving the main entry road. Slated for future phases are
an in-quarry amphitheater, and a million-plus dollar educational center.
|
Household Debris Removal
|
Making the Quarry Ledges Safe |
| To say that these efforts have been an unequivocal success
for all parties would be an understatement. This was evidenced by the
success of not only the Fossil Park Grand Opening, but also by the
Fossil Fest event that was held in downtown Sylvania the day before. It
was estimated that 3000 people attended the Fest while about 2000
attended the Grand Opening of the park. Short term, the educational and promotional (print and TV
media included) public relations that Hanson received was nothing short
of incredible. According to the organizers of the Fossil Fest, they
would like for it to be an annual event. This, along with the 99 year
lease agreement on Fossil Park, sets Hanson up to reap the long term
benefits as well. |
 |
 |
 |
Fossil Fest 2001 - Downtown Sylvania, OH |
Fossil Park - Grand Opening 9/23/01 |
| Hanson has found this "environmental
reclamation" project to be not only effective, but a privilege to
be involved in. This park will be the most widely known of its kind, not
only in the Midwest, but nationwide and beyond. We, as well as the local
citizens and future attendees of the park, are also grateful for the
support that was received at all levels of the Hanson
organization. |
Without this, and the teamwork put in
locally, this would still be just a "gem just waiting to be
found"
 |
|
|
