Donation Enables Park District to Acquire Camp Spelman

The Portage Park District is pleased to announce their newest addition, Camp Spelman, located on Ferguson Rd., Franklin Township, adjoining an existing park on Ravenna Rd. operated by Franklin Township. The 58-acre property includes approximately 20 acres of wetlands, 20 acres of woods, and a 10-acre lake, with the remaining field areas also including 2 picnic pavilions.

The property was formerly owned by Carrie Ann Martin whose grandfather Burt Spelman purchased it for use as a Boy Scout camp in 1955. Mr. Spelman was very active in the Boy Scouts and his daughter, Comfort Martin, in the Girl Scouts. Camp Spelman has been used extensively by various clubs and civic groups, including the City of Kent’s Summer Day Care program, Kent Kiwanis, the Garden Club of Kent and other church and scout groups. Ms. Martin’s desire in selling the property to the Park District was to conserve the natural resources and continue its use as a camp. “I’m so pleased to be able to see this dream come true. My grandfather purchased the property purposefully for the Scouts, and the use, pleasure and enjoyment of future generations”, said Ms. Martin, “Now it will be preserved for everyone’s enjoyment”.

The purchase of the property was made possible by a donation from Richard E. and Sue C. Abbott of Kent. “All around we see farms and wooded areas being developed for housing projects. It is important that we protect greenspaces for future Portage County generations”, said the Abbotts. The Park District is exploring ways to use the site for environmental education and will create a site plan for facilities, such as a trails and a boardwalk, that can be developed as funding becomes available. It’s also a great opportunity for scout groups and other organizations to volunteer for special projects to improve and maintain the site, while additional monetary donations are also being sought. Camp Spelman will not be open to the public on a regular basis at this time, however it will be available for use by special permit.

For more information, please contact Portage Park District Director Christine Craycroft at
330-297-7728.

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email - phone 330.297.7728 - 128 N. Prospect St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266