The City of Troy, the Miami County Park District, The Duke Foundation and The Robinson Fund are excited to announce the creation of the Robinson Reserve at Duke Park. This project, which will include 32 acres of natural prairie, 8 acres of new trees, and a 1.5 mile walking path area, has been designed in conjunction with the Miami County Park District's wetlands project along the Great Miami River. The path will also connect to two overlook platforms, to be constructed by the Miami County Park District. Future recreational amenities may be installed at a later time in the south section of the Reserve. The City, its partners and donors hope the park provides a place for residents to walk, gather, and enjoy the natural habitat right outside our doors.
Troy City Council, at its June 21st meeting, approved naming the new reserve after Pat and Thom Robinson (pictured), who have devoted decades to generous supporting Troy and Miami County projects, programs and initiatives.
The Duke Foundation, which was established by Paul G. Duke in 1983 following the sale of his business, Chemlawn, recently awarded a matching grant of up to $30,000, or 50% of the total project costs, whichever is less. The remainder of the estimated $58,000 costs will be funded by the City of Troy.
Paul G. Duke Park was established in 1995 through significant funding support by The Troy Foundation, as well as several Duke and Robinson family contributions. In 2016, the City purchased the Huelskamp Farm with the support of The Robinson Fund and the Duke Foundation, adding over 74 acres to Duke Park. “The City is eternally grateful to the Robinsons for their on-going efforts to continually better the Troy community,” stated Mayor Robin Oda.
“The Board of the Duke Foundation is very pleased and excited to support the creation of a new passive recreation area and expand community usage of Duke Park. We especially appreciate the important recognition of Thom and Pat Robison in the naming of Robinson Reserve,” said Linda Daniel, President of the Board of the Duke Foundation.
Development of the Robinson Reserve will begin late 2021 or early 2022 depending upon weather and other factors. For more information, contact the City of Troy Mayor’s Office at (937) 335-1725.
