Behind and Beyond the Aesthetics of Firestone Park’s Landscaping
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It is important to realize that Harvey Firestone and Alling Deforest, his chosen landscape architect, planned to create an "arboretum of sorts" in designing and planting native plants as well as a continuing group of more current selections in the early days of the park. This prompted them to call their endeavor "Almost an Arboretum." An arboretum is defined as a museum of living trees and plants. This objective was left incomplete because of Harvey's death in 1938. Only a small percentage of the plan for the landscape was ever installed until the Restoration and Beautification project initiated their plantings in 2020 - 2022.
A VISION CONSUMMATED
The intent of the original landscape plans for the park was to create not only a public space for recreational activities, but also to formulate a lasting dynamic ecosystem that conserved the natural resources of the park and supported the preservation of its native flora and fauna. In part, the park was intended to be a large outdoor classroom where one could learn to know and appreciate nature and all it has to offer.
With the restoration and beautification of the park, the vision of Messrs. Firestone and Deforest was finally taken seriously and a concerted undertaking ensured that their vision was consummated.
It is important to realize that open turf grass areas alone are the least beneficial when it comes to rainwater run-off control as well as supporting wildlife. Landscaped areas featuring trees, shrubs and flower gardens serve as highly effective means of soil and water conservation. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these environments support a wide range of beneficial insects, birds and small mammals. It is the landscaped areas in the park that make it a pleasure to visit and use.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
A recent addition providing special plants that benefit pollinators was installed starting in the fall of 2024 and completed in the spring of 2025. This duo of gardens, funded by the Columbiana Community Foundation, features trees, shrubs and perennials favored by bees, birds and butterflies. As it matures, pollinators will visit throughout the growing season. It is located adjacent to Maple Grove Pavilion and a small nearby play area.
Preserving what has been created with the recent improvements is not a "once and done" activity. It depends on constant care and some subsequent alterations to ensure survivability far into the future for generations to follow. Ergo, this is the reason that the private entity that funded the improvements continues to fund the responsible maintenance of the park's landscaped areas.
LONG RANGE PLANS
In dedicating the restoration of Firestone Park to my husband, Brad, and my son, David, I came to feel I must make long-range plans to ensure its care and solidify it in perpetuity. Thus, I developed an estate plan which would satisfy these goals.
All of the estate assets, upon my death, go to the Columbiana Community Foundation with the specific provision that they be used to maintain the landscaping of the restored park. The money for this purpose can be accessed only through grants written for that purpose by any member of the Firestone Park Cultural and Custodial Committee. The Foundation trustees will honor the grant requests which will focus on the management expenses and the design and implementation of needed plant materials for that purpose. If the committee ceases to exist at some point in time, the monies will go to the schools, the Columbiana Public Schools and Heartland Christian School.
A FINAL NOTE
Have you visited the Firestone Legacy and Visitor Center at 246 East Park Avenue? There is no cost, and it is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 to 4. It features information on the Firestones, Firestone Park restoration and beautification, park history, as well as promotion of current projects and activities at the park. Watch for more on this informative and entertaining building to come later! For more information or to schedule a visit, contact 330-397-4706.