The Mount Vernon City Council has voted to establish the Columbus Delano Field of Discovery in Ariel-Foundation Park, aiming to honor a former city resident who played a significant role in the founding of Yellowstone National Park. The resolution was approved during a meeting on Monday night.
According to Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers, during the council meeting held on November 25, a section of Ariel-Foundation Park known as the West Prairie has long served as a pollinator field. This area has seen efforts by Bee City and Tree City initiatives. Salyers noted that although it is still in its early stages, with 50 native trees and Johnny Appleseed tree grafts, the city plans to collaborate with the Ariel Foundation and the Park Conservancy Board to transform this area into the Columbus Delano Field of Discovery.
Salyers said that Delano served as Knox County prosecutor, held several terms in the U.S. Congress, was involved with Knox County Bank, served as a Kenyon College trustee, and was appointed Secretary of the Interior under President Ulysses S. Grant. He moved to Mount Vernon in 1817 at eight years old and remained there for life. According to "The Biographical Dictionary of America," he was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.
Salyers further explained that the Field of Discovery will feature native pollinator and grass zones, an area dedicated to sunflower fields, walking trails with educational kiosks, and potentially biodegradable public art installations like log sculptures.
The city has reached out to various entities for support. Salyers mentioned they have contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Representative Troy Balderson's office to connect with the U.S. Interior Department for funding and resources for this project. Councilmember Mike Miller added that Mount Vernon will assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the far west end of park property previously managed by the Ariel Foundation and Park Conservancy. The city also plans to collaborate with colleges and other organizations on educational kiosks, aiming for completion by spring if all goes according to plan.
Miller noted that Mount Vernon could undertake programs that might be challenging for foundations, such as offering scenic hay wagon tours around the area. An amendment to legislation would authorize the Safety-Service Director to approve limited overnight camping events like Scouts Jamboree and veterans' paddling events without expanding or creating new campsites.
