HYDROGEOLOGY INVESTIGATION OF MUNROE FALLS METRO PARK, SUMMIT COUNTY OHIO

The hydrogeology of Munroe Falls Metro Park, Summit County, Ohio was investigated. Discharge of the streams within the park and a natural spring were monitored, water quality parameters were measured, sediment and soil samples were collected, and the bathymetry of the fishing pond was determined. The study area is located in the Summit County Interlobate Area, which is characterized by glaciated plains, numerous kames, kettles, lakes, bogs, deranged river networks and sluggish streams. Discharge of the main stream ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 ft³/Sec. The stream discharge is directly related to the amount of precipitation. Discharge from Indian Spring ranged from 370 to 644 mL/Sec and there was no correlation between the fluctuation of discharge from Indian Spring and the daily amount of precipitation. The water quality parameters indicate that the streams, lakes and ponds at Munroe Falls Metro Park have the optimal conditions for supporting aquatic life. The one exception was an iron seep that contained high phosphate levels. Heron Pond, the park's only fishing pond, has a surface area of 43,000 ft², a volume of 106,162 ft³, and a maximum depth of approximately 5 ft. Residence time of water in the Heron Pond was estimated to be 14 days. Residence time of water in the Swimming Lake was estimated to be 52 days. The sediment and soil samples were slightly acidic to moderately acidic and composed of silt and clay plus organics. Results of this study will be used by resource management staff of the metro parks in the development of the park's management plan.