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Beatty Park prepares for new year

2025 calendar announces upcoming events and activities

A HIKE THROUGH NATURE — Community members of all ages, including pets, went on a winter hike in Historic Beatty Park toward the end of 2024. Donning their winter apparel, the adventurers enjoyed spending time outdoors, seeing the beauty of nature while getting in their exercise. Among those attending was Flora Ver-Straten Merrin, back, right, founder and chair of the nonprofit organization Friends of Beatty Park, a volunteer group who helps to maintain the park and plans events. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Every community, every town, every city, possesses a hidden gem, a unique and special place its residents may not even know exists.

Perhaps it is a historical building or out-of-the-way restaurant or, possibly, a covered bridge, a rock garden or even a concealed cave.

For Steubenville, that hidden treasure, that special place of wonderment, is Historic Beatty Park.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, the park’s historic features and connections to Union Cemetery made it possible to share a single application when submitting the site for that honor.

As of Dec. 20, there are just 25 properties and districts within Jefferson County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including two national historic landmarks.

A PARK FOR ALL AGES — Jacob Burchfield, left, took on an Eagle Scout project last year in which 20 bird boxes were built and installed along the Stone Lodge Trail and part of McCook Trail to support the native bird population in Historic Beatty Park. -- Contributed

According to Flora VerStraten-Merrin, founder and chair of the nonprofit organization Friends of Beatty Park, two additional properties had been listed on the registry, but have since been removed.

“Many people confuse being placed on the historic register as places that are preserved and protected,” she commented. “But, we all know of places that have been listed and then fallen into disrepair. Many have even been torn down. Sadly, being on this list is a rare honor, but is not a guarantee of protection or upkeep.”

Friends of Beatty Park is a small, group of volunteers who continue to work at the park, taking on projects and ensuring its upkeep.

Its members search for available funding, which when obtained, is used for various revitalization projects.

There are 13 parks that fall under the responsibility of the Steubenville Parks and Recreation Department. However, Historic Beatty Park is the only nature park within the city’s boundaries.

A PARK FOR ALL AGES — Hunter Rosa visited the park last summer, taking part in a Storywalk event which entails reading large pages of a book that are spaced throughout the park. Rosa stopped to look at a caterpillar mural he found fascinating while on the walk. -- Contributed

Encompassing 99 acres of mostly wooded area, the park houses a deep ravine and stone creek bed.

Consisting of historical stone bridges, staircases, structures, four hiking/walking trails, picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, a childrens’ Storywalk green space, a nature mural and a rich history that dates back to when the county was formed in 1797, Historic Beatty Park welcomes the community to take part in its many activities offered throughout the year.

“It is simply beautiful every season of the year,” VerStraten-Merrin said.

The park is a pet-friendly environment, although pets must be kept on a leash and cared for in their cleanup.

Planned by Friends of Beatty Park volunteers, the 2025 calendar of upcoming events was recently approved.

Most of this year’s events, including hikes, are open to the public and free of charge.

Exceptions are any local charity races, along with the sale of T-shirts and supplies for the event, VerStraten-Merrin noted.

She explained many people are unaware there is “a beautiful place to take your family to learn about nature — right out your own back door.”

“Each season opens up a new world,” VerStraten-Merrin stated. “In the winter, we organize winter hikes … even when it’s cold or snowing. What makes it interesting is we can see all of the footprints in the snow, so there is plenty of learning and observing going on during our hikes. We do the same at the autumn hikes with the colorful leaves to identify trees and plants.”

“In the spring, we go on our annual spring flower ID hike,” she continued. “We have spotted 56 various types of Ohio wildflowers. We take the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ spring flower ID booklets with us so we can keep our eyes open for new finds. We are always excited to see when a flower is spreading — such as the yellow woodland poppies that we spotted four years ago in the hillside. But now, they are spreading to cover the hillside and even ‘jumping’ across the trails and paths to work their way downhill. They are lovely.”

“We also have an entire hillside of Dutchman’s breeches and squirrel corn, and three varieties of violets that grow in the early-to-mid spring in the heart of the park,” VerStraten-Merrin stated.

“This is one reason we tell anyone interested in nature they can’t just stay in their car and take a drive through this park,” she continued. “If they do, they’ll miss most of the interesting parts. Of course, in the summer we have the stream stomp hike where you can learn about mosses, mushrooms and all sorts of birds that take up residence in the park. With the recently-added Boy Scout projects adding birdhouses and nesting houses, we are inviting more birds to spend time in our nature park.”

VerStraten-Merrin explained the Friends of Beatty Park group is happy to continue several of the park’s annual events this year, along with the sponsors who create a new volunteer base for those events.

Among the activities returning this year will be the fourth-annual Trick-or-Treat event, sponsored by Steubenville Parks and Recreation.

Making his return will be park supporter John Boileigh from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Boileigh takes part in the park’s hikes and shares information pertaining to nature, animals and vegetation with guests. And he does so “in a very entertaining way that only John can do,” VerStraten-Merrin pointed out.

Hikes include an opportunity to learn about the history of the park and review the historical signage that has been placed throughout the area within the last couple of years.

“We started a new program this year,” VerStraten-Merrin commented. “When visitors attend our monthly hikes, they will get a Beatty Park hiking stick pin in January 2026. If someone can’t join us due to work or for other reasons, I ask that they send a picture of them in the park, along with the date. I will record that hike to count toward their hiking once-a-month for 12 months’ hiking pin.”

So what exactly is there to do at Historic Beatty Park?

During January, February and March, in addition to the cold comes snowy weather.

This can make for “beautiful views in the park,” VerStraten-Merrin said. Hikes may include gathering afterward at the old stone lodge to warm up, she added.

Spring highlights include a spring flower hike. Joining efforts with the Jefferson County Humane Society, a day will be set aside for an opportunity to walk or adopt a fur baby, along with making a donation of dog and cat food to the shelter.

“We are excited to team up with the humane society for this event because we know how much dogs love it in the park,” VerStraten-Merrin said. “This is an event where dog owners can bring and walk their own friendly, leashed pets and make new friends.”

Spring activities will include an Easter Egg hunt, which, according to officials, continues to grow every year.

“We always need donations for plastic eggs and candy,” VerStraten-Merrin remarked. “We offer pictures with the Easter Bunny and have a party. For the first time this year, the Jefferson County Public Library Bookmobile and a special guest will be at the Easter Egg Hunt.”

The hunt will be spread throughout the park and will conclude with an outdoor Storywalk book based on springtime.

Summer highlights will feature the third-annual 5K Run/Walk Dino Dash.

The race is centered around Dean Martin, and will go through the heart of the park. Contestants will go on foot through a nature course consisting of going across a creek and looping through Union Cemetery and then back — following the creek and going across historic sandstone bridges.

They will walk/run past the Old Stone Lodge and across small, rustic foot bridges on a trail located in a wooded area.

“We want to thank our sponsors, who include the Dean Martin Association and the Jefferson County General Health District,” VerStraten-Merrin noted. “We are excited to work with them as the Friends of Beatty Park will get the park and trails ready for the big day’s race.”

She stated, “There will be Rat Pack music, along with water and snacks for racers. The event will include a fun Tot Trot for children. Links to register and details will be available on our Facebook page, the county health department’s Facebook page and the Dean Martin Association page. This will be a busy time, as the Dino Dash is going to be a part of the Dean Martin Festival celebrations going on throughout Steubenville between June 12-14.”

The months of July and August will have organized hikes, with dates to be announced soon. Hikes may include a stream stomp and fun learning presentations.

With autumn comes the changing of leaves and the trees within the park turn to hues of fiery red and bright orange and yellow.

During this period, the annual Union Cemetery history presentation takes place in September and is followed by a hike.

The Trick-or -Treat is for adults and children, who will walk through the park and gather candy.

A November hike will be held, with the date to be announced.

Winter happenings will feature the fourth-annual “Christmas in the Park.”

The afternoon event will include hayrides, a nativity with live animals, a Storywalk, Santa’s shelter and areas with free family-friendly events and refreshments.

A mid-month winter hike will be held in January 2026, after which planning will begin again for next year’s activities.

“Keeping in mind that this calendar is planned and carried out by a small group of volunteers, I would like to share this quote: ‘Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in,'” VerStraten-Merrin remarked.

Updates will be added on the Friends of Beatty Park Facebook page, social media Facebook pages and in the Herald-Star.

Here is the 2025 calendar for Historic Beatty Park, located at 621 Lincoln Ave.

• The Heart Healthy Hike will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 15.

Participants will meet in the parking lot past the playground area and take a brief, but rigorous dirt hike uphill, including staircases.

There will be three stops, including at the top of the first 220-step staircase, at the bottom of the fossil path and an option to stop at the bottom of the new 150-step staircase. At Lawson Avenue, the group will turn around and hike back downhill, covering approximately one mile.

• A leisure Step into Spring hike is planned for 10 a.m. March 22.

Participants will meet at the first parking lot and take a leisurely hike, looping the front entrance of the park and making stops along the way to review 13 historical signs that include “clip-its” about the park, wildlife, plants and historical information. The hike will cover around two miles, round trip.

• The Easter egg hunt and party takes place at 11 a.m. April 12.

Children 6 and under will be separated from children 7 to 10.

The hunt takes place throughout the heart of the park, after which attendees will gather at the Storybook walk area for pictures with the Easter Bunny. The library’s bookmobile will present a story for the children, along with a surprise. The event will be canceled if it rains.

• The spring flower ID hike and dog walk/adoption event begins at 10 a.m. May 3.

Guests can decide if they would like to walk with their dog or with a dog available for adoption.

All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Guests will be identifying Ohio’s spring flowers through the upper portions of the park and on the dirt trails.

• The 5k Dino Dash will be held June 14.

The timed race will begin near the entrance of the park. Racers will race according to age category, with medals awarded in each.

The event takes place at 9 a.m., with walkers immediately following the runners.

• Summer hikes take place in July and August.

• A Union Cemetery presentation will be combined with an optional hike to Historic Beatty Park at 10 a.m. Sept. 13.

• Christmas in the Park will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

The free event offers a nature and historical presentation by Boileigh and VerStraten-Merrin, in addition to the other events noted.

“In addition to the hikes and events, we are available to provide nature or historical hikes and shelter house presentations to grade-school children, homeschoolers and private groups,” VerStraten-Merrin concluded. Topics include the history of the park, the history of the cemetery and a brief history of the South End of Steubenville.

The Mary Jane Brooks Foundation, Steubenville Kiwanis Club, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County and private citizens, have donated to Beatty Park, while others have contributed their time, talents and materials for its care.

VerStraten-Merrin quoted Helen Dyer, citing, “Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”

Tax-deductible donations to the park can be made in the form of a check or money order, VerStraten-Merrin said, adding all of the contributions received are appreciated.

Donations can be sent to: JCC OGS, P.O. Box 177, Stratton, OH 43961 or made online at jeffcochapter.com through PayPal or credit card.

The money is put toward events, cleanup supplies and for revitalization projects being done throughout the park.

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