By HARVARD KWARCIANY
Contributing Canine
The fourteen-acre Aukerman Park was officially opened on October 14. The new Metroparks area on the corner of York Rd. and the Valley Parkway had been under construction since early summer. I went with my owner on summer evenings just to see how things were going. I enjoy walks in the park; so many good and different things to smell. I’m Harvard, I’m a dog, and I am happy to report that Aukerman Park is a beautiful place that is dog friendly and dog approved, people are happy about it too.
There were many people at the park when we arrived. Almost all of the 30 parking spaces were taken. I wanted to greet all the dogs that came for the grand opening, but first I said hi to Mayor Stefanik, he scratched my ears. Mayor Stefanik is very proud of North Royalton for having so many good people who work to make the city a great place to live.
I wanted to greet the other dogs that were waiting to try out the new on-leash dog agility equipment donated by Dr. Adam Hechko at North Royalton Animal Hospital. Dr. Hechko brought his youngest son, Benjamin and his own dog River, to try the new equipment. We all had to wait for the ribbon cutting. I had to sit quietly and listen. I didn’t want to sit; my owner said, “sit.” I was glad I did because I got to hear Mr. Roy Aukerman talk about growing up right here in North Royalton.
Mr. Aukerman said his family owned the farm for 100 years. He remembered moving to the farm in 1954 and growing up here where he swam in the pond and shucked corn that grew in the field. Four years ago when his mom died he knew the property had to be sold but he wanted to save it too. Instead of building houses Mr. Aukerman sold the farm to the City of North Royalton that worked with the Metroparks to conserve and protect this green place the Aukermans loved so much.
There was a ribbon cutting. Mr. Aukerman was given a big pair of scissors. Mayor Stefanik and Brian Zimmerman from the Metroparks had scissors too. Someone counted to three and they all cut the ribbon. All of us dogs took our owners on their leashes down the path to the new agility area. Dr. Hechko and Benjamin were there first, I think River made them walk fast. We all brought our owners to use the new equipment. I got to walk on the teeter-totter. A collie, named Harry, sat very still on the low pedestal until his owner, Kathy O’Brien, said he could get down. It looked like everybody was trying the new activities.
We walked on the grass path back to the parking lot. On the way I heard Georgia Viehbeck and other people talk about the new bathrooms. They all were glad that bathrooms were included in the park design, what a relief.
Things have changed on the Aukerman farm; instead of the house there’s a beautiful picnic shelter with grills. Instead of the barn there’s a new on-leash dog agility course. Instead of the cornfield and horse ring there is a one-half-mile mowed grass walking trail through the beautiful meadow. There are benches to sit on if you want to relax. There are two watering stations for people and dogs. The pond did not change, but there is no swimming or fishing. There is one big change that is right out in front on York Road. There is a beautiful sign that says Cleveland Metroparks, Aukerman Park. The Aukerman family’s wishes were carried out to conserve and preserve a treasured green space for all to enjoy. I know I will enjoy coming here.
This is Harvard, handsome dog reporter for the Royalton Recorder inviting everyone to come and see the new Aukerman Park.