July 9, 2025
It’s really fun to find a connection between things in North Royalton that I had no idea were connected. I was stepping back from the Ward 1 business roll for just a moment to give a shout out for the Cleveland Metroparks system. North Royalton is very fortunate to have a portion of the Cleveland Metroparks running east to west across the city, connecting Brecksville Reservation (the largest Metropark) to the Millstream Run Reservation (the second largest Metropark). The city wisely saw the opportunity to add Aukerman Park on York Road to this impressive portion of The Emerald Necklace, and it provides such an excellent green space for all residents to enjoy in all seasons.
Since moving here in 1999, every year I have put many miles on various bicycles, motorcycles and walking shoes in the park. I think it’s important that residents know and appreciate what a rare and valuable feature this is for the city, and how people come from other communities to enjoy what we have right here. This marvelous system of parks was one of the aspects of North Royalton that was so attractive when my family was looking for a place to call home. I’m grateful for the residents, city leaders and Metroparks organization for showing the vision and leadership to make the park such an excellent resource that is free and open to all. Every other week or so, I make the Bennett-to-Bagley ride, and it is great exercise and a great way to get out and enjoy the natural beauty that is literally in our “back yard.” Particularly in the summer time!
And here is where I discovered something related to Ward 1 that I did not know, from the Metroparks website:
“Unique to the Park District, Aukerman Park features an on-leash dog agility course, which includes six agility stations. These stations include a dog walk ramp, a wait table for dogs to climb on to, hound hurdles, an A-frame ramp, a dog teeter-totter and an agility walk. This course provides dogs and people alike with a fun, unique way to exercise and interact together. Support in creating this dog friendly agility course was provided by Dr. Adam Hechko of the North Royalton Animal Hospital.”
Well done, Dr. Hechko! That is definitely unique. And now there’s a new entry on the Ward 1 Business Roll, “Independently and locally owned since 1957.” I encourage anyone reading this to visit the North Royalton Animal Hospital website and take a look at what this marvelous group of pet care providers can do for the furry residents of North Royalton.
Cleveland Metroparks
https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/brecksville-reservation/aukerman-park
North Royalton Animal Hospital
https://northroyaltonanimalhospital.com
