A stretch of forested land in the heart of Carrollton is set to become a new public park, thanks to a partnership between the Village of Carrollton and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
The 13.7-acre property, located near the intersection of State Route 39 and Canton Road (State Route 43), was purchased by the Land Conservancy from The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd for $175,000. The land was then deeded to the village at no cost, with funding secured through grants from the Ohio Public Works Commission, the Carroll County Foundation, and private donors.
The area, which includes mature upland forest, forested ravines, a Category 3 wetland, and approximately 675 feet of headwater streams flowing into Cold Spring Run, will be known as Village Park Woods. Officials say it offers rare ecological value and a peaceful natural setting for residents and visitors alike.
“This project was the result of great partnerships from start to finish,” said Jacob Pries, southeast field director for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. “From the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity to the Village of Carrollton, and from public to private funders—everyone came together for the good of the community.”
The property sits adjacent to St. John’s Villa, a nonprofit residential campus for adults with developmental disabilities. Leaders there expressed gratitude for the park’s creation and noted its potential benefits for their residents.
“The beautiful park space adjacent to St. John’s Villa will create a lasting legacy, where families, neighbors, and friends can gather, play, and find peace in nature,” said Kimberly Lewis, co-director of marketing and communications at St. John’s Villa.
The village plans to preserve the land’s natural features while adding modest infrastructure such as walking trails, benches, and picnic areas. Carrollton Village Administrator Mark Wells said the community will fund the park’s development, estimating $10,000 to $20,000 will be set aside for design work in the 2026 budget.
“The Village of Carrollton is ever so grateful to the Sisters for making the land available and to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy for securing financing,” Wells said. “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partners work together.”
No firm timeline for development has been announced, but village officials say planning work could begin as early as 2026. In the meantime, the land remains a natural retreat just steps from healthcare services, residential neighborhoods, and Carrollton’s core.
The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is Ohio’s largest local land trust and has permanently preserved more than 77,000 acres statewide. To learn more about its work, visit wrlandconservancy.org.
