One of the most scenic parks in Medina County, Ohio, is Allardale. Named after Stan and Esther Allard, who donated their family farm to the park district in 1992, this rolling site offers a wide variety of habitats and scenic areas. Today, the Park covers more than 300 acres.
A tribute to the Allard’s commitment to land stewardship, this Park boasts one of the finest reforestation areas in the state of Ohio. Beginning in the 1930’s, Stan Allard planted trees on areas too steep to farm. Over his lifetime, more than 100,000 trees were planted at Allardale. Present day, these trees provide tremendous carbon sequestering benefits, habitat for fauna, cooling, and beauty.
I visited Allardale Park upon the invitation of David Allard, principal and architect of Allard Ward Architects. David, Esther and Stan’s nephew, was part of our planning team for the Templeton Library and Gardens Master Plan, and through our collaboration with him, we learned of the amazing gift his family had given to Medina County residents. I decided to visit and was sure glad I did!