Did you know that Summit Metro Parks has staff dedicated to protecting cultural resources, along with our natural resources? Working with park operations staff, naturalists, biologists and others, these dedicated professionals help identify cultural, educational or historic interpretation opportunities within Summit Metro Parks to ensure we are preserving them for park visitors of today and tomorrow.
Built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the shelter at Gorge Metro Park is just one example of the type of resource that we care for in this way. In addition to serving a valuable purpose in the present, the building helps tell the story of a pivotal time in our nation’s past.
During the Great Depression, the CCC employed millions of young men working on environmental projects around the country. During its nine years of existence, the CCC planted more than three billion trees and constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks, helping to build the public park system we all use and enjoy today (source and additional reading).
Sadly, 80 years after its construction, a passing storm felled a large tree limb and left the shelter heavily damaged:
That’s when our cultural resources staff stepped into action. Having lost a large section of its original roof, the shelter required specialized repairs using a rare type of wood. It was built with wormy chestnut, which is wood from American chestnut trees that were killed by the chestnut blight of the early 1900s, then subsequently damaged by insects. Because the wood still remained strong, it was frequently harvested for construction in the early part of the 20th century. Luckily, past Summit Metro Parks leaders saved a supply of wormy chestnut for special projects such as the Gorge Shelter repair. We were also fortunate to work with contractors who have their own supplies of this uncommon material.
Summit Metro Parks staff, contractors and expert carpenters selected wood from these wormy chestnut inventories (above) to replace the damaged section of the shelter and worked onsite to carefully plan and complete the repairs (below).
Thanks to the foresight of those who came before us and the park district’s commitment to preserving local history and culture, the Gorge Shelter has been fully repaired and restored. Nestled into the winding paths of Gorge Metro Park and overlooking the Cuyahoga River, it is once again open to shelter park visitors for picnics and gatherings, or simply as a scenic spot to rest from a hike. We hope to see you there soon!
