The Lutz County Park property was received by Livingston County on May 31, 2005, following the death of Mr. Owen Lutz in June of 2004. Mr. Lutz was born and raised on the property, and ultimately lived on and farmed the land for over 60 years of his life. Approximately 160 acres of the 300 acre park property is active agricultural land (field crops or pasture) that Mr. Lutz leased to tenants. The Lutz homestead including the Lutz house, barns, and outbuildings on Cohoctah Road, comprise approximately 2.5 acres.
Several staff persons from Livingston County Administration developed a relationship with Mr. Lutz in the later years of his life. Mr. Lutz frequently walked the property with staff, imparting his vision of how his land should be used as a county park. He was adamant that both the natural areas and the farmed areas continue to be used as such. He envisioned farming and recreation land uses hand-in-hand, each intended to complement the other. For instance, Mr. Lutz laid out paths and two-track roads where he intended future trails to be established. These trail areas were planned to provide opportunities for users to experience high-quality natural areas, scenic views, and wildlife and its habitat while at the same time passing by farm fields. Mr. Lutz hoped that farming-related activities on the property would become interpretive opportunities for park users.
The northern 100 acres +/- of Lutz County Park was officially opened to the public on August 22, 2008. The Lutz County Park property provides new opportunities for county residents to experience and appreciate a variety of natural features such as meadows, significant woodlands, forested wetlands, wildlife viewing, and additional land being farmed.