Ashland County Park's Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center eyes fall completion date
The magical line from"Field of Dreams" just recently received a major dose of reality in Ashland.
“If you build it, he will come.”
And of course, the "he" in this message will be any outdoor enthusiast.
In summer 2022 the Ashland County Park District held a ceremony at the site of its future outdoor education center that would be named after the late Davy McClure.
The former park commissioner, coordinator and teacher with the outdoor education program died in 2020 at the age of 46 following cardiac complications. He had a dream and vision of someday having an education center for all to enjoy.
On May 7, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center with a completion date of later this fall.
The center will be located at Tom Kruse Park, which is 80 acres of park land that features wildlife, rolling meadows, a wooded ravine and a pond at the intersection of state Route 60 and County Road 1754.
Namesake was enthusiastic about outdoor education
“His vision was a place for all residents of Ashland County to learn, study and appreciate the natural world,” said Ashland County Park District Director Eric Schneider about McClure. “Educating the youth on the importance of conservation and wildlife.”
Schneider said McClure managed Cool Springs Park and became park commissioner in 2018.
“He was enthusiastic about his vision/goal about a nature education center for the park district,” Schneider said. “After he unexpectedly passed away in 2020 and after the Vision Center at Freer Field opened, the next logical capital project was the Outdoor Education Center named after Davy.”
Schneider talked about McClure’s love of the Ashland community and support for getting youth outdoors.
“He worked for Ashland City School’s as a bus driver and in maintenance,” Schneider said. “He was active with the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League. McClure was a family-oriented man, husband to Marnie and father to Christopher who gave a heartfelt speech at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Davy always had a joke and a smile," Schneider said.
About the center, which will overlook 80 acres of nature
It is the County Park District’s first outdoor education center. It will look out over 80 acres of greenspace with woodlands, wetlands, streams and native plantings.
The facility will be an impressive 3,200 square feet with over 2,000 square feet of indoor programming space. Amenities include interior and exterior restrooms and attached outdoor patio, and will feature school bus friendly access and parking.
Funds were raised through the Friends of Ashland County Park District by both public and private contributions. Bob and Jan Archer matched $250,000 of the funds raised.
Park Commissioners Robert DeSanto, Tom Kruse and Shane Kremser, along with the McClure family and consultant Thomas James were involved in the planning stages. Volunteer Steve Huber provided artistic renderings for the building. Initial plans were for a three-season facility with retractable walls, fireplace and a large meeting space.
“When we broke ground on the Davy, it begins a journey of discovery, learning and growth,” Schneider said. “The Davy will stand as a testament to our collective commitment to outdoor education and environmental stewardship.”
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Davy McClure's vision for Ashland County Parks becoming reality