Scio Twp Officially Names and Establishes a List of Parks, Preserves and Nature Areas

Many of Scio Township’s parks, preserves and nature areas have been around for years, so it was different to see a number of them on the township board of trustees’ meeting agenda for March 24 to be officially named.

From the D.D. Marshall Preserve, Sloan Preserve, Mill Creek Farm and Preserve, Van Curler Preserve, Lamplighter Preserve, Liberty Pond Nature Area, West Scio Preserve, Zeeb Woods to Red Cedar Park, the township board approved some official decisions around each one through a list of resolutions.

The Sun Times News followed up with township clerk Jessica Flintoft to learn more.

“Though several of the parks have been used as parks for years, the Board of Trustees had never taken action to officially establish them as parks or preserves,” Flintoft said. “By finally doing so, we state that the Township intends to care for these parks and preserves in perpetuity, for the benefit of the public.”

One part of the resolution for the D.D. Marshall Preserve said, “WHEREAS, the Parks Preserves and Pathways Director has recommended these three parcels be considered a single Preserve to be maintained as such in perpetuity and be made available for passive use by the public…”

With the naming of the Sloan Preserve, Township Parks Director Murphy Harrington gave some background in the report to the township board and said the “proposed name for this preserve reflects terms established during the land acquisition process. As part of the negotiated purchase agreement, naming rights were included to recognize the historical ownership, donor contribution, or other agreed-upon considerations tied to the property. This approach ensures the Township honors its contractual commitments while also acknowledging the legacy and significance of the land.”

Flintoft said a copy of these resolutions will be attached to the permanent assessing records for these parcels to record the Township’s intention to use these parcels as parks forever.

“We have no ordinance or other legislative action that has done this,” said Flintoft. “While a future Board of Trustees could determine a different use for these parcels, they would have to ‘undo’ our action—we wanted to make the policy of this Board of Trustees clear.”

She said the township also “used this opportunity to officially name these parks and preserves, honoring any naming agreements in place, and for others choosing names that reflect characteristics of each of these special places.”