Help Shape North Fork’s Old Mill History Park
North Fork’s lumber mill is part of the community’s past. Now residents have an opportunity to help shape how that history is preserved and shared.
The North Fork Boosters will host four public meetings beginning September 25 to present the concept plan for a history park at the Old Mill site and gather information from residents to support a construction grant application.
The meetings offer an opportunity to see the proposed plan, ask questions and contribute ideas as the project moves toward funding.
“Your ideas are needed to build the park,” organizers said in the meeting announcement.
The proposed park would occupy the area where the three-story lumber mill building once stood. Two large saws that remained after the building’s demolition have been identified as key features for commemorating the site’s history.
As SNO reported earlier this year, the project has benefited from assistance through the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program. Landscape architects joined local organizations and community members for a site visit and workshop in September 2025, helping develop concept drawings and cost estimates.
That planning work provided materials for the North Fork Boosters and North Fork History Group to pursue construction grants. The upcoming meetings give residents another opportunity to participate as that effort continues.
For longtime residents, the project offers a way to preserve a familiar part of North Fork’s identity. For newer neighbors and future visitors, it could provide a place to learn about the mill and its role in the community.
All four meetings will take place in the North Fork Community Development Council office conference room at the Old Mill Complex, off Road 225 in South Fork. Organizers list the meeting location as accessible.
Each meeting runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Friday, September 25
- Saturday, September 26
- Wednesday, October 7
- Thursday, October 8
The meetings focus on the park concept and information needed for a grant application. The announcement does not establish a construction start date.
Residents interested in learning more or contributing to the discussion can contact Michael Olwyler at 559-877-4641 or notracetravel@gmail.com.