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For Immediate Release: May 7, 2007
OPEN HOUSE DATES SET FOR OCTAGON EARTHWORKS
Changed dates result from decisions by Moundbuilders Country Club
The Ohio Historical Society today announced a change in golf-free public access dates at the Octagon Earthworks for 2007. The dates planned for Monday, June 4 and Monday, August 6 have been canceled. There will be golf-free public access on Monday, September 24 and Sunday, October 21.
On both golf-free access dates, the Octagon Earthworks will be open to the public during daylight hours. Special programming on September 24, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on October 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about activities on those dates, please contact the Newark Earthworks site manager at 740.344.1919 or 800.600.7178. School groups that wish to visit the Octagon during the open house on September 24 may call to schedule a group visit.
The change results from a decision by Moundbuilders Country Club made late last year and confirmed again at a meeting between the organizations on April 25, 2007 that certain dates proposed by the Ohio Historical Society for 2007 would no longer work on the Club’s calendar, as the Club had opportunities to schedule the grounds for private rental. Further, Moundbuilders Country Club determined that it would limit golf-free dates between April and October in 2007 to four full days. With two open house dates held already on April 15 and 16, remaining choices were limited to two days for the rest of the summer and fall season.
Therefore, the Ohio Historical Society chose to keep the previously scheduled October 21st date, and maximize availability for school visits by selecting a new date in September. Additional requests made by the Society for golf-free access on Thursday, June 21st and Sunday, September 30th were denied.
“The Ohio Historical Society deeply regrets this restriction to public access just at a time when so much interest is being generated about the Newark Earthworks,” said Executive Director William K. Laidlaw, Jr., “We hope to work with the Club to expand the number of golf-free dates available in future years and are planning to propose additional dates in 2007 when we might offer guided tours available through advanced reservations,” Laidlaw added.
In an attempt to avoid disruptions and public disappointment regarding changed dates, the Society in May 2005 had proposed a schedule of five golf-free dates each year through 2010. The Club, however, preferred to review these dates on an annual basis. Because of the delays in negotiating the 2007 dates, the Club and Society have agreed that starting with the schedule for 2008, the Society will propose golf-free days at the beginning of November 2007 and can expect a confirmation from the Club no later than the end of that month for the following year. Thereafter, the dates will not change.
The Octagon Earthworks is a part of the Newark Earthworks, a complex that is 2,000 years old and at one time covered approximately four square miles. Scholars recognize it as the largest geometric earthworks ever created. Although much of it has been destroyed by more than a century of urban development, the most significant parts remaining are the Octagon, Great Circle and Wright earthworks. Together these three earthworks comprise the Newark Earthworks, one of 60 sites administered by the Ohio Historical Society. In June 2006, The State of Ohio declared the Newark Earthworks to be the official state prehistoric monument.
The Octagon Earthworks has operated as a golf course since 1910, and the Ohio Historical Society has administered the site since 1933. Moundbuilders Country Club leases the site from the Ohio Historical Society. Visitors may see portions of the Octagon every day, year-round, during daylight hours. Admission is free.
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Media contact: Michael Ring: 614.297.2313 or mring@ohiohistory.org
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