SUNBURY — McCammon Creek Park is the name of the newest property for Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
The PPDC Board unanimously approved the name change at its meeting Friday at Hogback Ridge.
McCammon Creek Park is near the Alum Creek Reservoir in Orange Township. The park consists of three areas, at Bale Kenyon and Orange roads, including the bicentennial barn.
“The McCammon family has owned this land, which contains woodland, farmland, creeks, and frontage along Alum Creek, for more than four generations,” said Deputy Director Mary VanHaaften in the stream name proposal. “Several years ago, the McCammon family approached Preservation Parks of Delaware County about its desire to protect this land in perpetuity for public benefit, and in 2016, Preservation Parks began acquiring portions of the property. The land also contains a bicentennial barn, which Robert and Sue (McCammon) Postle donated the bicentennial barn and land it sits on to the Park District in 2019. Preservation Parks is currently in the process of purchasing Irena (McCammon) Scott’s property, which will result in nearly 230 acres of public parkland in Orange Township.”
According to Preservation Parks, Zelma Bale’s ancestor, Lee Hurlburt, built a log cabin above the creek in 1812. Zelma married John McCammon (1875-1955) and owned the land at Bale Kenyon and Orange roads. They had five children who lived on three farms at Bale Kenyon and Orange roads.
“Several family members still live close by,” the proposal reads. “In honor of the family’s long history in the area and its commitment to land preservation for public enjoyment, the Park District is requesting to name an unnamed tributary to Alum Creek after the McCammon family: McCammon Creek. The Park District further intends to name the park McCammon Creek Park, in honor of the family and beauty of the protected creek.”
Preservation Parks will contact the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey and within the U.S. Department of the Interior) to officially name McCammon Creek. It will also get added to future Delaware County maps.
“It’s an exciting acquisition,” said Senior Park Planner Matt Simpson, pointing out the park’s features. Among the potential plans for McCammon would be using the bicentennial barn for events. He also said there would be stream restoration done in the park.
Another future park, on Pollock Road, has already been named by PPDC — Hickory Woods. The opening date is to be announced.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of a skid steer and applying for a NatureWorks grant.
Also, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Preservation Parks has closed several indoor public facilities and has cancelled all public events and programs through Tuesday, March 31. Parks officials will continue to monitor this timeline.
Preservation Parks’ outdoor spaces, with the exception of River Run and Gallant Farm, will remain open for visitors to enjoy open spaces while self-monitoring and practicing safe social distancing. Restrooms in the parks are closed.
The following Preservation Parks locations are closed to the public: The Visitor Center at Deer Haven Park; Gallant Farm; River Run; The McCoy Nature Center at Hogback Ridge Park; and the district office at Preservation Parks.
