MOUNT VERNON — The Woodlands, an old-growth forest featuring a trail through the woods and new pavilion on Vernonview Drive, officially opened to the public on Saturday, marking the end of decades of conservation efforts.
Those attending were invited to plant white oak or white pine saplings, enjoy hot dogs, and go on guided hikes.
“You can put your mark on the woodlands today by planting a tree,” Knox County Park District Director David Heithaus told the visitors.
The 165-acre park is home to oaks, hickories, beech, and maples, many of which Heithaus said are 150, 200, even 250 years old.
It is adjacent to the Mount Vernon Developmental Center; the state had always owned it. On Aug. 27, 2025, Heithaus handed over a $1 check to the state to officially buy the woodland.
It is one of the most significant public land acquisitions in Knox County history.
“This is the culmination of at least 30 years of many, many people’s work,” Heithaus said.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be the person who can stand up here right now and say welcome.”
David Heithaus, knox county park district
“I am the person who got to stand on the shoulders of several giants and see it across the finish line, but I think it’s very important to acknowledge that many people over many years have pushed very hard to have this available for the public.”
He acknowledged former park director Lori Totman, who he said gave the project “a really big push” before she retired.
Decades of advocacy
Bruce Hawkins, chair of the park district board, said the park has been a long time coming.
Conversations with the state started in the 1990s under park director Kim Marshall.
“We worked with several people in the governor’s office, worked with senators, we worked with House of Representatives, we worked with the Department of Administrative Services, and the developmental disabilities boards to make all this happen,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins noted that a 1990s study of the county revealed residents wanted more green space.
“The parks have done that, and we’re very appreciative of what people have done, the land we’ve acquired, and what the staff has done to maintain that,” he said.
“Celebrate this special day. It’s been a long time coming, and we’re very happy it’s here.”
“The protection of this land is perhaps one of the most valuable things for Knox County.”
Former knox county commissioner Thom Collier
Former Knox County Commissioner Thom Collier recalled he first spoke with the late Bill Harris in 1999 about the state donating the land. Harris was a state representative at the time.
When Collier became a state representative, he worked with then-senate president Harris for about eight years, discussing the possibilities the land held.
“What a great time to see this come to fruition, and again for Lori and Kim and Dave and all those who’ve been with the park district who made this possible,” he said.
“To protect some of the most primitive nature preserves and woodlands that we have in the state of Ohio is a fantastic advancement for all of us, and I’m just proud of everybody here.”
A forest with deep roots
Gary Moore recalled his father telling stories about hiking the woodland, the giant trees, drinking from the pure springs, and “sometimes snitching apples from the orchard that helped feed people here for years.”
He also heard stories from his father-in-law, who used to work the land when it was an honor farm for prisoners.
“So for many years, I was inspired to work with many of the park directors to try to make this happen,” he said of the land being dedicated as a park.
Moore noted that Fredericktown resident Guy Denny, former chief of Natural Areas and Preserves for ODNR, believes the forest is probably one of the last remaining great works in central Ohio and possibly the state.
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“We used to call some of these trees the Knox County redwoods,” Moore said of the huge specimens.
“When you look at those trees, take a minute, maybe close your eyes and think about when those trees were your size. There were probably bears, wolves, mountain lions, and Native Americans [here.]”
Moore acknowledged the contribution of Steve Goodwin, one of many conservationists who worked to bring the land into the Knox County Park District.
It was Goodwin, Moore said, who initially approached the governor about donating the land to the county.
He also acknowledged Susan Ramser, who has worked with the park district. Ramser is working with the district to potentially open the adjacent Ramser Arboretum to the park district.
“I have three generations in my family here today, and I hope your family and your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren can still enjoy these woods,” Moore said.
A full circle moment
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr worked at the developmental center when he first came to the city.
“So it’s kind of like a full circle moment for me because of the time that I spent out here, working with the men and women who lived here and worked here. Just enjoying the outdoors, hearing some of the old stories of when this was a self-sustaining farm,” he said.
“But now what is so nice is to see this repurposed as part of the Knox County Park District.”
Referencing the thousands of hours people put in since the 1990s, he said a project such as The Woodlands does not happen by accident.
“This is really a testimony to how well Knox County does planning, because without that, we would be nowhere,” he said.
“All of the hours and the time and the effort that went into this is just going to improve the quality of life and really sharpen that tip of the spear of quality of life in Knox County.”
Starr said the opening of The Woodlands also demonstrates that development and conservation can occur simultaneously.
“That comes with great planning and great commitment,” he said.
A gem for the community
One month ago, the pavilion area was merely a field. Nathan Scheffer designed and built the shelter, as well as a bridge across Center Run.
Colby Clippinger and United Aggregates installed the parking lot and donated a piece of pink granite.
They will install a memorial plaque on the granite acknowledging the Knox County Foundation and the William and Peggy Stroud fund.
“This facility is, in my opinion, a great addition to the park district,” Heithaus said of the pavilion. “It’ll be a place where the park or individuals can host events, reunions, birthday parties.
“Anybody will be able to reserve this structure for a personal event, free of charge.”
He anticipates that the pavilion area will be graded, strawed, and seeded in the next week or so.
Heithaus also thanked Natural Resource Manager Brandon Schroepfer and the part-time operations managers who manage more than 1,600 acres, 35 miles of bike path, and 12 scenic river landings.
