LISBON — The Columbiana County Park District may be working with the North Country Trail Association to find a way to purchase the Camp McKinley property on Furnace Road for park usage.

“I want this property,” county Park District Board Vice Chairman Crystal Siembida Boggs said.

The topic came up during the park board’s meeting Tuesday, with Siembida Boggs reporting that Paul Gagnon, Director of Trail Protection of the North Country Trail Association, contacted the park district via email last week.

In the email, he said the North Country Trail Association has been in touch with the current owner of the former Camp McKinley, who intends to sell the property.

“Because the property is of importance to us as a route for the North Country Trail, we are trying to figure out a way to get the camp back in public ownership, through grants and/or fundraising. I’d like to talk with the park district about their interest in seeing this land retained for public park space (providing sources of funding can be identified),” Gagnon said in the email.

According to Siembida Boggs, Gagnon is putting together a meeting to help find funding. She said so far there’s $100,000 in private donations and another $150,000 in grant funding. The North Country Trail Association can’t own the property, but the park district could. The property includes buildings, including a lodge, the old McKinley home and a range area. There are also mineral rights.

Siembida Boggs said she reached out to the Dickey family, the current owners, and asked that other offers not be considered for now. She said it will take time to put this together. She has a lot of memories at Camp McKinley from scouting.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” board Chairman Joe Lawhorn said, adding it “definitely would open up a lot of opportunities.”

The board voted to pursue the Camp McKinley property, noting the park office could be moved there and there would be opportunities for youth groups to use the facilities.

In 2021, 195 acres of the property were placed in a land conservation easement under the Western Reserve Land Conservancy while it was still owned by the Buckeye Council of Boy Scouts. The old stone house was the home of the grandparents of President William McKinley, who spent time there as a boy.

In other business, Ohio Wildlife Officer Jesse Janosik, who serves Columbiana County, introduced himself to park board members and offered any help he could give. He said he worked well with previous board members and wants that to continue. Agreements are in place between the park district and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division for Scenic Vista Park and Hellbender Bluff Park. He said he helps watch out for illegal activity, including hunting and trapping violations, and if they notice a litter dump to just call him. He also watches for off-roading, which can damage trails. He also talked about equipment that can be used to make trails, which interested Lawhorn, who’s been working with others to try to clean up trails at Scenic Vista Park.

“We can assist with anything,” Janosik said.

He planned to get copies of the agreements for the park board and check on rules for using the equipment for making trails. He said in some cases if there’s a case where a trail gets torn up by vandals, he can get restitution for the park district.

Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson again brought up whether the park district was interested in taking over the cliffs property owned by the village. A meeting that had been set up to talk with Western Reserve Land Conservancy representatives was apparently canceled. Siembida Boggs said the park district can’t do anything without talking to the conservancy district personnel first.

“I can’t agree to anything if I don’t know anything,” Lawhorn said, adding “we’re not being unreasonable.”

The board approved buying and posting two signs for the Logtown Stone Quarry Park, outlining that users are solely responsible for their own safety and assume the risks associated with rock climbing, rappelling and related activities. The language on the signs notes that pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, the park district assumes no responsibility or liability for anything injury caused by such recreational activities. The signs will be purchased from Municipal Signs & Sales Inc. for $80 each. Siembida Boggs also planned to get a price for a Logtown Stone Quarry Park sign.

Lawhorn announced plans to have a trail cleanup day at Scenic Vista Park at noon April 11 for anyone interested in helping.

Also related to Scenic Vista Park, the board agreed to set fees of $50 for use of the open air pavilion and $100 for use of the historic log cabin, noting the fees can help pay for maintenance for the structures. Siembida Boggs said she doesn’t want to discourage people from using the facilities but the park district needs to maintain them.

Also announced was that an egg hunt will be held at 12:30 p.m. April 4 at Scenic Vista Park, with plans to seek sponsors.

Board member Megan McMaster talked about plans for a photo contest this spring, with more details to be announced. Entries will be accepted the month of May, with judging to take place in June. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in categories of adults, high school students and children eighth grade and younger.

There was also brief discussion about a playground for the Franklin Square trailhead. As for a new park board member, Siembida Boggs said she contacted Probate Court and was told the recommendation was still being considered.

The next meeting will be 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the park district office, Maple Street, Lisbon.