The Broughton Foundation
The Broughton Foundation is a private, not-for-profit foundation established in 1991 by Carl and Elizabeth Broughton. Development, maintenance, and management of the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area (“The Park”) and the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building (ESB) are the Foundation’s primary focus. The Foundation has also been involved in other projects in the community and was the principal donor to the Carl L. Broughton Boathouse.
Assisted by a volunteer board of advisors and directors, the Foundation is managed by the Broughton family. Their goal is to be known for the best-managed privately owned public park in Ohio. Success is measured in the usage of Park facilities and assets.
Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area “The Park”
The Park is an area of mostly undisturbed habitat that is available for education, recreation, and environmental study. Its natural features include three ponds, a natural stream, and a small waterfall during periods of rainfall runoff. Features developed by the Foundation in cooperation with local organizations and volunteers include an extensive hiking and mountain biking trail system, cross-country courses used by Marietta City Schools and Marietta College, two disc golf courses, a large shelter and grounds area, and two smaller picnic shelters. The Foundation was also involved in the development of the Devola Multi-Use Trail (DMUT).
There is ample parking at all three entrances. The main entrance is located on Ohio Route 821 about one mile from Marietta, Ohio, with easy access from both Interstate 77 and Ohio Route 60.
Combined with a donation of 160 acres of wooded trails by the Rudolph family (now known as Rudolph Family Park), the Foundation manages and maintains 750 acres of woodland parks and trails near Marietta, Ohio. Broughton/Rudolph properties are connected to the Marietta Trail System and the DMUT. All trails are available for non-motorized public use in the northernmost section of the Marietta Trail System.
Maps are available at https://thebroughtonfoundation.org. Maps are posted at the shelter near the main entrance on State Route 821 and at each trailhead and intersection.
Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building
The Community Building is the largest building project undertaken by the Foundation. It is located on State Route 821 near the main entrance to and activity center of The Park. The building is designed for meetings, presentations, training, and social events. It has a kitchen for food brought in by users and caterers, a presentation system, a patio, plenty of parking, and many other features. The Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building, shelters, and grounds are available to rent for special events
Local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other community-oriented groups and organizations will be accommodated for a nominal fee for maintenance. Businesses, professionals, families, and groups can also rent the building for private or public events.
The Community Building, Pavilion/Picnic Shelter, and Buckeye Room are available by request on a first-come-first-served basis. Use the online Reservation Request Form, or contact the Foundation Office M-F between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.Call 740-374-9396 to reserve the building, grounds, and other facilities.
Gifts to the Foundation
Financial support for Foundation activities is always appreciated. Gifts to our two funds may be made online or sent to the Marietta Community Foundation (MCF).
Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building Fund
Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area Fund
Checks sent to MCF in support of the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building should be marked “Broughton Foundation ESB Building.”
Gifts in support of Park trails, ponds, picnic areas, and grounds should be marked “Broughton Foundation Park Maintenance.”
Financial gifts to the Foundation will be used entirely for maintenance and further development. Contributions in kind are also appreciated.