Parks and Preserves

• Silver Creek Center for Environmental Studies - SR 67, Kenton, OH 43326

A 26-acre facility open to the public. Scenic woodlands, meadow, and streamlet provide a learning laboratory of ecological study. There are two paved trails as well as paths through the woods. A bridge over wetlands is a great spot for observing the frogs and a shelter house is available. There are no rest room facilities. Group outings available by appointment. Call Hardin Soil & Water Conservation District at 419-673-0456 for more information.

• Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve - CR 190, Taylor Creek Township, Kenton, OH.

Located 4 miles south of Kenton, Lawrence Woods is one of Ohio’s newest preserves. The 1,059 acre site is the largest known mature forest in this region and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species. The forest has large trees of many species including white, yellow, red and bur oaks, as well as beech, white ash, shagbark hickory, red maple, sugar maple and sycamore.  The Woods is also excellent for viewing birds and spring wildflowers. Throughout the changing seasons, a stroll on the boardwalk offers nature lovers of all kinds an up close look at nature's bounty and work of art as only she can provide. 

• Botanical Walks - ONU Campus, Main St., Ada, OH

Put on your comfortable walking shoes to explore this university's serene and natural 280-acre campus. Stroll by mounds of annuals & perennials, 14-wooded acres, 400 Armstrong Maples.

• Gormley Park - Forest, Ohio

Zimmerman Street Forest

• Ada War Memorial Park

Park Drive Ada, Ohio     419-634-0074 

• Alger Park

The Alger Village Park features two shelter houses, two ball diamonds, T-ball and soccer fields. New playgrounds equipment is being added in three phases, starting in 2008, with additions in 2009 and a skate park in 2010. The Community Building at the park is available for rent by contacting Betty Mann at 419-757-2635. Alger also has a social center with a complete kitchen which may be rented by contacting Linda Dienstberger at 419-757-3891. The gazebo downtown has provided a picturesque setting for many weddings. 

• Dunkirk Community Park

The Park was established in the 1950’s, the property being donated by Dr. Churchill, who practiced in Kenton. Today, it consists of three softball fields and hosts summer softball tournaments each year. It also had two soccer fields, a basketball court, a playground and a shelter house, which is equipped with a kitchen. It is home to an Army War Tank Memorial. The tank was given to the park by the United States Army. The park is located on the northeast corner of the village and open to the public. 

• Mt. Victory Park
  

• Mt. Victory is very proud of their spacious village park located at the northeast corner of the town. Two ball diamonds and two shelter houses are encircled by the all weather walking track. Plans have begun to renovate the basketball and two tennis courts. Shelter house reservations can be obtained by contacting Bill Robinson at 937-354-9994.
• The Sportsman’s Club building at the park offers a kitchen and seating for 200 people. Rental is available by contacting Rosie Coy at 937-354-2325. 
  

• Kenton

• The City of Kenton has five parks: Pioneer, Glendale, Saulisberry, Wharton and Cherry Street. Saulisberry is located at the former stone quarry, France Lake, which is used for picnicking, fishing and camping. Glendale Park features skate ramps. 
• Kenton Little League offers a 36 acre sports complex complete with seven baseball/softball fields, on-half mile walking track, shelter houses and a year round indoor training facility with batting cages. 
• Veteran’s Memorial Park District offers fishing at Boy Scout Lake and a large shelter house with a playground adjacent.