JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP – Members of the Buchan family cut the ribbon marking the grand opening of the Buccaneer Metropark on Saturday, July 25.
The newest addition to the Ashtabula County Metroparks, Buccaneer Metropark is located at 1408 St. Rt. 307 W., Jefferson.
Buccaneer Metropark is located on the site of the former Buccaneer Campsites.
Operated by the Buchan family for nearly 60 years, the property includes more than 260 acres of woodland, meadows, wetlands and nearly a mile of Mill Creek.
Its preservation was made possible through a partnership with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, ensuring the land remains protected for conservation and future recreation.
Today, the property is divided into two parcels: a 36-acre area with the former campground infrastructure, and a 230-acre section dedicated to passive public use.
Ashtabula County Metroparks Executive Director Brett Bellas said grants and a partnership with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy helped bring the new property into the Metroparks fold.
The Metroparks started the process several years ago, Bellas said.
In the plan to convert the old Buccaneer Campground into the new Buccaneer Metropark, work was done on the property.
As people waited under a pavilion for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bellas said the spot used to be the enclosed check-in station.
“We took the walls off it and put a ceiling in, ran new electric,” Bellas said.
This open-air shelter will be reservable.
Bellas said the Metroparks also put in some trails and built bridges with the partnership of the Ashtabula County Chapter of the Horseman’s Council.
The lodge was re-sided, and some picnic tables and lighting were put in.
“We liked the rustic look of the inside of it, so we kept all those boards in there. We put some extra light in up top, and then we added two windows that really give us a great look over the water,” Bellas said.
It also will be reservable.
The shelter down by the water was cleaned up. The pond also was cleaned up and stocked with fish.
A house was taken down on the property as well.
They’re waiting on some sand to put the volleyball net back up.
Bellas anticipates that the Buccaneer Metropark will be a popular spot.
He said people can share their thoughts about the Metroparks and what they’d like to use them for in the Ashtabula County Metroparks Strategic Plan Survey, found at https://tinyurl.com/7skze3xs
“Please let us know what you like about the park, and what you want to see in our parks in the future,” Bellas said.
Bellas thanked the WRLC for their partnership and assistance in grant writing; the Metroparks staff; and the Metroparks Board.
Then, Jim Buchan, son of Richard and Esther Buchan, who founded the campgrounds, spoke.
He was joined by mom Esther (Buchan) Blevins and sisters Mary Buchan Spencer and Lynn Buchan Peskoran.
“My parents bought the property and built the campground in 1963,” Jim Buchan said. “It had its ups and downs over the years but did fairly well. After my dad passed away, we decided to move on and wound up working out a deal with the WRLC with the intention of them turning it over to the Ashtabula County Metroparks. We’re very pleased with what they’ve done and we’re glad that everyone can enjoy it.”
Esther (Buchan) Blevins cut the ribbon.
After the ribbon cutting, Metroparks Naturalist Breanna Rossiter led a hike on the property.
Mary Buchan Spencer said her first job was working at the registration building and picking up litter for $1.25 an hour. They kept a quarter, and a dollar went into their college fund.
“To this day, I still can’t stand litter bugs,” Lynn Buchan Peskoran said.
The sisters said the campgrounds was a “wonderful place to grow up.”
Amenities at the Buccaneer Metropark include:
• Trails & Access: Undeveloped walking paths and open natural areas; future trails and access points to be designated.
• Nature Highlights: Lake Erie shoreline corridor, forest and meadow habitats, wetlands and Mill Creek frontage.
• Recreation: Passive recreation opportunities such as nature observation, photography and informal walking.
• Facilities: Former campground infrastructure present on a small portion of the property; 2 open-air shelters and one enclosed lodge
Learn more at www.ashtabulametroparks.com
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