Maxine and Ernie Balala

Donor: The children of Maxine and Ernie Balala
Tree Species: Sweet Gum

Cleveland Metroparks gratefully acknowledges the children of Maxine and Ernie Balala for their support of the Legacy Fund. This gift supports reforestation in Cleveland Metroparks now and in the future.

This Sweet Gum tree is dedicated to the memory of Maxine and Ernie Balala by their children; Jane (Spellacy), Jan, Jim and John (aka the "Four J's").

Our family grew up on Glenridge Road in Euclid, which runs adjacent to Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation. Mom and Dad instilled in us a love of nature and the great outdoors. We have many fond memories from the late 1950's into the 70's when, as kids, we often hiked or rode our bikes down paths from Glenridge to Euclid Creek Parkway below to splash in the creek, often taking the family dog. Other favorites include the swimming hole near Quarry picnic area and falls, cookouts at Welsh Woods and sliding on the face of Mount Baldy. We even used an old park service road for sled riding in the winter.

As a family we often visited Wildwood Park and Euclid Beach Amusement Park, Squires Castle and Sunset Pond in North Chagrin Reservation. Having a permanent campsite at Camp Wally (October Hill) in Loudonville OH, it gave Dad a chance to teach us a variety of outdoor skills: camping, fishing, horseback riding; and we can't forget the canoe he bought us. Painted it yellow with brown ends. We called it our "Top Banana" and we got plenty of practice in the river. We learned how to be responsible; how to fix things that broke to save money, and, as we got old enough to drive, he taught us. However, we couldn't go driving solo until we could change a flat tire. He taught us that, too. We had to be responsible.

After Dad passed away in 2003, we continued all the fun things we learned. Mom enjoyed being driven through North and South Chagrin Reservations and Euclid Creek Reservation. Other things that made her happy were sitting on the shores of Lake Erie enjoying the scenery/wildlife while eating a picnic lunch, and concerts in the park. She loved music.

Mom passed away in May of 2023 at the age of 95. When asked how old she was, she always said "younger than springtime".

We hope this tree will grow to provide food for the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, and bring beautiful fall colors for park goers to enjoy for many years. It will certainly be a reminder of our wonderful parents, Maxine and Ernie.

Today, Jane and Jan are both Cleveland Metroparks volunteers, and the "Four J's" continue to spend family time in the great outdoors when they can.