Visitors to the Oak Openings Preserve Beach Ridge area, 3520 Waterville Swanton Road, Swanton, will soon find more than a 12-mile, single track bike trail and Cannaley Treehouse Village. The Wheelhouse building at the park is about to become home to a microbrewery and coffeehouse.
At the July 28 meeting, the Metroparks Toledo commissioners approved a partnership with Heavy Brewing Company to operate a coffee shop and brewery with hot and cold food selections and beverages.
Metroparks signed a three-year lease with two additional one-year options for a total of five years.
In addition to coffee and espresso, Heavy Brewing, owned by Andrew Newby and Kristin Kaiser, will feature three beers brewed onsite using small holding tanks, local ingredients and grain processed at Providence Metroparks’ Isaac Ludwig Mill, explained Carrie Haddix, chief administrative officer.
She believes the joint venture will “enhance the overnight treehouse experience by offering refreshments and a social experience onsite,” and “further engage with outdoor recreationalists who desire an opportunity for socializing and refreshments before and after recreating.”
Income generated from the partnership will be reinvested in trail improvement and park maintenance, Ms. Haddix added.
Park commissioner Fritz Byers expressed his approval, “This is a tremendous step forward.” He commended staff for supporting local entrepreneurs and “blending the lines” between Metroparks and community experiences.
Renovation of the site is expected to begin shortly with a planned opening date of this fall.
