A decade of land purchases, stream restoration and a $4.68 million barn renovation culminate Aug. 22, when Preservation Parks of Delaware County opens McCammon Creek Park and the Delaware County Bicentennial Barn to the public for the first time.
The free open house runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 6840 Bale Kenyon Road in Lewis Center. The barn stays open for self-guided tours until 4 p.m.
"This is a moment that has been at least 10 years in the making," executive director Mary Van Haaften said in a statement published by 1808Delaware. "It began with acquiring the first piece of property and continued with restoring native habitats, building trails, and completing the renovation of the Bicentennial Barn for the community to enjoy."
What's at the park
McCammon Creek Park spans 248 acres across three connected sections in Orange Township: the North Area, the Barn Area and the East Area. Orange Township's multi-use trail system links all three, giving walkers and cyclists nearly five miles of paths through woodlands, restored stream corridors and open fields, according to a Stroll magazine feature on the park.
The North Area opened in 2024 with a 1.25-mile gravel trail, a hammock area and the site of an old Christmas tree farm. The East Area will offer trail access and fishing along Alum Creek. More than 32,000 tree seedlings were planted during the reforestation effort, and McCammon Creek itself underwent stream restoration.
The barn's story
The Bicentennial Barn, built in the early 1900s, became one of Ohio's 88 Bicentennial Barns in 1999 when artist Scott Hagan painted it with the state's bicentennial logo ahead of Ohio's 200th birthday in 2003. Its perch along Interstate 71 made it one of the most photographed barns in the program, according to former owner Bob Postle.
Bob and Sue McCammon Postle donated the structure to Preservation Parks in 2019. The renovated building now honors Jim and Gay McCammon.
Construction began in 2025. Workers preserved the barn's Vermont green slate roof, cupola, original wood siding and hand-hewn beams while adding a modern annex with a service kitchen, accessible restrooms, a universal changing station and lower-level classrooms for future educational programs. Equity Construction Solutions of Hilliard completed the $4.68 million project, which also covered utilities, sidewalks and a patio.
Funding came from a One-Time Strategic Community Investments Grant through Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly, private donations raised by the Preservation Parks Foundation and district levy funds.
Earlier in August, Hagan returned to repaint the bicentennial logo he first placed on the barn more than 25 years ago.
Saturday's activities
The open house includes guided hikes with Preservation Parks staff, historical displays from Gallant Farm, farm-themed activities, light refreshments and hands-on animal encounters with Bring the Farm to You, a local business that introduces families to farm animals.
Parking and how to get there
Three lots serve the event:
- Barn Area: 6840 Bale Kenyon Road
- East Area: 7093 Bale Kenyon Road
- North Area: 3675 E. Orange Road
What's ahead
According to the Preservation Parks website, future additions include a barn-area restroom in 2027, a farm-themed playground and shelter in 2028, and a canopy walkway and adventure zone on a timeline still to be determined. The barn will serve year-round as a venue for educational programs, community events and private rentals.
