Geauga Park District - Sunnybrook Preserve

Chickagami Park is 139 acres of property located within the headwaters of the Grand River watershed. The parcel is primarily wooded, and includes wetlands, streams, and uplands. This property was owned by the Boy Scouts of America, and used as a camping facility through much of the later half of the 20th Century.

Chickagami is a Native American word meaning “camp by the lake.” In 1941, the Western Reserve Council of the Boy Scouts of America dedicated Camp Chickagami as a year-round camping facility for the scouts. The property consisted of cabins and camp lean-tos along Lake Estabrook, which was created by damming the branch of the Grand River that ran through the property. Over the decades additional lodges, a dining hall and restroom/shower facilities were added to accommodate the scout groups who came for week-long camping in the summer and weekend use in the winter.

In 2003, in order to reduce operating costs, the Western Reserve Council (WRC) entered into a purchase agreement with Geauga Park District to take over the camp property. After dam inspection and evaluation of Lake Estabrook by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), it was recommended that the badly deteriorated dam that created Lake Estabrook be removed and the river corridor be returned to its original flow. As part of the purchase agreement, the WRC agreed to remove the majority of the buildings, as well as the dam. The Scouts would continue to have priority access to the property for camping. The parcel was renamed Chickagami Park. It is Geauga Park District's intent to protect this natural area in perpetuity.

Chickagami Park offers a variety of wetlands, streams, uplands, and primarily beech-maple forests.

There is a healthy abundance of wildlife in Chickagami Park. Notable songbirds found are Purple finch, pine warbler, great-crested flycatcher, wood thrush, and scarlet tanager.

Amenities are to be added to Chickagami Park in phases. Updated information will be provided as work continues.

In 2009, two group camp sites were installed, each consisting of one lean-to shelter, and 4 tent pads, a common fire pit and grill. Boy Scouts will have first rights to reserve the camping sites. The existing Seton Hall is available for Scout use only.

Pine Grove Shelter, south of the parking area has capacity for approximately 150 people.

There are approximately 2.5 miles of trails through Chickagami Park.

In 2009, two group camp sites were installed, each consisting of one lean-to shelter, and 4 tent pads, a common fire pit and grill. Boy Scouts will have first rights to reserve the camping sites. The existing Seton Hall is available for Scout use only.

Pine Grove Shelter, south of the parking area has capacity for approximately 150 people.