Former Coliseum Site

An unexpected benefit to the demolition: many bird species.

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Former Coliseum Site Details

The demolition of the Richfield Coliseum in 1999 brought an unexpected benefit. Restoration of the building site and parking lot created a new grassland habitat that is benefiting many bird species, several of which have been in decline due to loss of habitat. During the summer breeding season, five species in particular can be found here: eastern meadowlark, bobolink, savannah sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, and Henslow's sparrow. Because these birds nest on the ground, we ask visitors to stay on the edge of the grassland during nesting season (April to August). Disturbance of the nests could result in nest failure. Migration brings other interesting species to the grasslands, including various hawks and shore birds. On winter evenings at dusk, short-eared owls can be seen flying low over the dried grasses hunting for voles and other rodents. To reach the former Coliseum site, park in an unmarked grassy lot along the north side of State Route 303, just west of the intersection of I-271. If conditions are wet, park carefully along the road just before it narrows. Source: NPS Website

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Low

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