“She was about gardens and kids and she taught Sunday School at Holy Cross,” Wehr said of his aunt, who was unable to have children herself. “She enjoyed the property, and I think she’d like other people to enjoy it too.”
The heirs of the Huffman’s estate met with city officials in April, shortly after Harold Huffman died in January, to discuss goals and ideas for the land. A children’s theme, an educational component, an agricultural use and open space were among goals the family had. Among the city’s objectives are a revenue-generating program, the project to be phased in over time and a partnership with Fairfield schools.
Among attractions the park would feature include a First Tee Golf Academy and a sustainable living park that would serve as an outdoor classroom. Ideas for “stations” at the outdoor classroom include a community garden, a greenhouse, an interpretive pond and an activity center and play area, explained city manager Erin Donovan.
The Huffman Farm, and what could be a future city park, is on John Gray Road, west of the South Trace Golf Course entrance, Donovan said.
Kenneth Kinder II, the attorney handling the estate, said this is in the very early phases. The time frame is dependent the city, and fitting this into their planning process, he said.
“We want to make this a reality,” Kinder said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5237 or kcano@coxohio.com.
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