NEWARK, Ohio – Both supporters and opponents to the Ohio History Connection taking control of the Moundbuilders Country Club property imagine very different scenarios for what a World Heritage site public parks would look like.
The other side experiences an increase in curiosity as more people are able to see a historical site that is closer to what it looked like thousands of centuries ago.
The other side observes very little activity and a gradual decline in the property. This is similar to Newark’s Great Circle, which they consider untidy.
Brad Lepper, senior archeologist at the Ohio History Connection, stated that people have tried to minimize it by saying it’s just dirt piles. “That’s just as naive as saying the Parthenon is just one pile of stone.
This issue has been debated for decades in Newark, Licking County, and elsewhere. The OHC fought for greater access to the site and pursued property acquisition.
Cathy Ford, a Newark resident, summarized the concerns expressed by many in a letter to The Advocate in 2019.
Ford wrote that “The Ohio History Connection doesn’t care about our community, they just want some fancy designation feathers in their cap.” “If you have ever been to Moundbuilders Park, Rt. “If you’ve ever been to Moundbuilders Park on Rt. MCC has been an excellent caretaker of the Octagon Mounds for the public’s enjoyment since 1910.
Tuesday’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court against Moundbuilders Country Club was in response to an appeal from lower court rulings, allowing Ohio History Connection to reclaim Newark’s golf course property through eminent domain.
The Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals and Licking County Common Pleas Court decisions were upheld by the 6-1 ruling. In 2018, the Ohio History Connection filed a civil suit against Moundbuilders Country Club. They wanted to purchase back the lease of the property that has been used as a golf course since 1911.
The Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals denied a Moundbuilders appeal on Jan. 29, 2020. It also upheld a May 10, 2019 decision of Licking County Common Pleas Court Judge David Branstool, which stated that OHC is authorized to acquire the lease through eminent domain.
The Newark golf course can be found at the Octagon Earthworks site. This is part of Newark Earthworks. It is the largest set geometric earthen enclosures anywhere in the world.
The Newark Earthworks are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The National Parks Service had earlier announced that the nomination would be reviewed in the summer.
Jen Aultman is the director of Ohio History Connection’s museums and historical sites. She envisions greater public access, more guided tours, interpretive signs to help visitors understand what they are seeing and schoolchildren learning about it.
Aultman stated that school trips are a major focus. This has been going on for many decades. Children to learn about American Indian culture, and how it relates with astronomy.
OHC critics point to trees that were left on the ground at the Great Circle for many months after a severe storm some years back. They also question OHC’s funding for the care of its 59 properties.
Aultman stated that heavy equipment is only allowed onto an archeological site for certain periods. That’s because downed trees might be positioned there for a time, which is related to preservation. We’re always searching for dry times to remove them. This is something you should always consider.
“The state partially finances us. It is a vast site system. We have the resources to do what we need.”
Lepper stated that if OHC takes control of the property, it won’t look like a course golf course. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t being maintained.
Lepper stated that these sites are not meant to look like a course of golf. They are supposed to look like parks. It’s almost a grassland. These prairies existed before the Earthworks were constructed. It was managed by the American Indians.
Lepper stated that things such as tee boxes or anything that “is an imposition on the landscape” will likely to be removed and trees will not be replaced.
He stated that the OHC will not determine the property’s plans.
Lepper stated, “I think we’ll try and involve the community as well as American Indian tribes,”
Mayor Jeff Hall outlined his administration’s views during the 2019 Newark mayoral election.
Hall stated, “It is one of those difficult cases I’ve just kept neutral on.” “Not all decisions can be made easily. Both sides have their plusses and minuses.
“The golf course has done an excellent job over many years of maintaining it. It’s a great job by Moundbuilders Country Club. It’s difficult for them. Their membership is declining. They are having financial problems. We will deal with the final results, whatever they may be.”
Dave Rhodes, Newark Service Director, stated this week that “the role for the city isn’t fully defined yet.” The care of the property is a concern. Since 1910, the country club has kept the land in good condition. It is a bit of a mystery how it will be maintained.
“Change is hard, and Newark has known the golf course for many years. They have been involved in many community events and paid a lot for taxes. They are a viable business in the area. These grounds have been cared for by the club in an exemplary manner. This decision is far from final. We still have a lot of work ahead.
The Ohio Supreme has been asked by the country club to reconsider its decision. It is not clear whether that reconsideration will take place this year with the seven current justices or next, when the court changes due to the recent general elections.
Sharon Kennedy will become the new chief justice. She was the sole dissenting vote in Wednesday’s decision. Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor (a Republican who voted against appeals from the country club) will leave the court.
