The Harriet Keeler Shelter House in Brecksville Reservation is the oldest shelter house in Cleveland Metroparks. The story of this house dates back to 1928, when park maintenance constructed the main portion of the shelter using materials found within the park. Sandstone was quarried from ravines for the foundation, while native wood, including white oak and pine were milled in the park. When the time came to replace the roof of this historic building this past fall, it was vital to keep the history of the building and the materials used when it was first built. The decision to continue to use cedar shakes versus asphalt shingles or metal roofing proved to be the right choice. The forestry division helped open up the canopy to shed light and help prolong the life of the new roof. In addition to the new roof, the lighting inside the shelter was reviewed. Even though the character of the shelter was important to be maintained, the old low watt fixtures were outdated. Also the deep color of wood in the shelter made for a dark atmosphere. The conclusion was to install new LED lights. Now, you can read your book or magazine without the assistance of a flashlight. The Harriet Shelter House is a shared use facility that is free to utilize 365 days of the year. It is an open shelter house with electricity, picnic tables, grills, swings, horseshoe pits, water fountain, parking, restrooms and is ADA accessible. The shelter is located on Chippewa Creek Drive across the road from the entrance to Brecksville Nature Center. ~KM, Brecksville Reservation
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:30:00 +0000
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