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Legacy Woods
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Legacy Woods
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Legacy Woods
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Legacy Woods
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Play structure at Legacy Woods
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Legacy Woods

Veterans Legacy Woods

Client

Geauga Park District

Location

Newbury Township

Former golf course is transformed into natural community space honoring veterans

Veterans Legacy Woods is a vibrant natural park dedicated to honoring over 5,000 veterans in Geauga County. Formerly a golf course, it has been transformed into a community space featuring new amenities that foster connection with nature and promote wellness and reflection. 

OHM Advisors designed key elements of the park to serve as a gateway to the hilly terrain and walking trails of the 180-acre former golf course. Visitors are welcomed by a main road lined with flags and remembrance sculptures, and they enjoy expansive views of dense meadow plantings as they climb 75 feet in elevation to reach the heart of the park’s amenities. 

Inspired by local geology and ecology, the overall park design incorporates strong geometric patterns that accentuate topography. At the Veteran’s Tribute Plaza, five illuminated Corten steel sculptures honor each branch of the U.S. military, casting dramatic shadows throughout the day. Park visitors can pause for contemplation in the plaza, gather under a modern pavilion, or explore the play structures set among meadow plantings before setting off on the interconnected walking trails. Nearby restrooms and picnic tables support all-day family visits. The renovated Tribute Lodge with two-level deck—a former clubhouse—now serves as an event space and veterans’ facility.

Environmental restoration was central to the project. Efforts included naturalistic grading and the use of pervious pavement to collect and direct stormwater to bioretention areas. The strategy emphasizes viewshed and woodland preservation, removing invasive species, and restoring native ecosystems.    

Embodying the Geauga Park District’s mission to preserve nature and offer year-round recreation for all, Veterans Legacy Woods has become a popular spot for remembrance, family activities, and community events.

Project Highlights: covered pavilion, picnic area, memorial design elements, bioretention, non-native species removal, preservation and re-establishment of native plant species