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Good catches

GREAT HIKES

The Greater Lima region possesses an abundance of public parks for all to enjoy! The City of Lima currently maintains eleven parks and three recreation areas totaling over 335 acres. The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District has fourteen park areas scattered throughout Allen County that are perfect for hiking, nature walks, camping and more. 

girl walking on park path in greater Lima, Ohio
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CITY OF LIMA

PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY

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900 S. Collett Street, Lima 
www.cityhall.lima.oh.us 

 

The City of Lima's park system currently has eleven parks and three recreation areas totaling over 335 acres with facilities for traditional park activities, such as family picnics and playground apparatus, as well as a variety of active recreation facilities programs. For information about events and organized programs taking place in the city parks call the Parks Department in Lima at 419-221-5195.

 

Town Square

Located in the heart of downtown Lima at the intersection of Main and Market Streets. Gazebo, fountain, picnic tables and numerous park benches.

 

Baxter Park

1500 Ellison Drive, Lima.

Green space and shaded picnic area in residential setting.

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Buttonbush Wetland Preserve

The preserve is located on the south side of Lima along the Central Point Parkway, west of St. John's Avenue. Created as a wetland preserve in the Central Point business park, the recreational area is ideal for the nature enthusiast. With over five acres of preserve, visitors are welcome to take advantage of the city's 700 square foot observation deck to enjoy nature, bird watch or simply read a book.

 

Cook Park

Michael Avenue, Lima
Ball diamond, basketball courts (3), hiking/ biking/walking trail, picnic tables, shelter house and drinking fountain, multi-purpose area, playground and parking areas.

 

Faurot Park

Woodlan Avenue and North Shore Drive, Lima

Ball diamonds (7), lakes (4), formal gardens (3), shelter houses (4), restrooms (3), playground areas (3), hiking trails (2), volleyball courts (2), drinking fountains, a football field, concert pavilion, skateboard park, multi-purpose areas, picnic tables, hike/bike/walk trail, a cross country run course, splash pad and parking areas.

 

Hover Park

Collett and Kibby Street, Lima
Basketball court, shelter houses (2), multi-purpose area, picnic tables playground, restrooms, drinking fountain, formal gardens and parking areas. There is a .9 mile paved walking and bike path around the lake, an extension of the River Walk. The Husky soccer fields are near Hover Park on E. Vine Street.

 

Lima Stadium Park

East Bellefontaine Avenue adjacent to Spartan Stadium, Lima

The 3.4 acre park celebrates the history and heritage of the stadium and the five local teams that have called the stadium home since 1936. The park also includes restrooms, drinking fountains and a large fountain/splash pad for cooling off during the summer months.

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Lincoln Park

E. Elm Street near Lima Memorial Hospital Basketball courts (2), playground areas (3), a multi-purpose area, picnic tables, hiking/biking/walking trail, shelter houses (2), restrooms; Lincoln Park Railroad Exhibit and the Fire Fighters Memorial Museum.

 

Ottawa River Corridor/River Walk & Bikeway

The Riverwalk serves the citizens of Lima/Allen County as a safe alternative transportation route to Lima's central business district, YMCA and numerous parks, schools and neighborhoods. The 13 mile hiking/biking trail along the Ottawa River connects Heritage Park in Shawnee Township through the City of Lima to the Ottawa Metro Park in Bath Township. Parking and restroom facilities are available.

 

Robb Park

Metcalf Street and Robb Avenue
Shelter house, tennis courts (2), basketball courts (2), ball diamonds (4), soccer fields (4), a football field, restrooms, drinking fountain, multi-purpose area, picnic tables, playground area and parking areas.

 

Schoonover Park

Findlay Road (State Route 81) and Jefferson Street

Basketball courts (2), playground area, multi-purpose areas, shelter houses (2), picnic tables, restrooms, drinking fountain, hiking/ biking/walking trail and the celestial observatory. You can also rent kayaks to enjoy Schoonover Lake via https://www.rent.fun/lima-oh

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

E. 8th Avenue

Basketball courts (3), football fields (2), a ball diamond, hiking/ biking/walking trail, playground, shelter house, drinking fountain,

multi-purpose areas, picnic tables, parking area,

and restrooms.

 

Kibby Corners Park

Main Street and Kibby Street

Neighborhood park with a shelter house, multi-purpose area with picnic tables and playground area.

 

Collett Street Recreation Area

Collett Street, south of North Shore Drive across from Hover Park 

Soccer fields (3), ball diamonds (2), tennis courts (8), shuffleboard courts, multi-purpose areas, restrooms, picnic tables, drinking fountain, bleachers and parking areas. The Rotary Riverwalk is a 5.1 mile paved hike and bike trail beginning at the Collett Street Recreation Area and continuing on to Heritage Park on Reed Road. You can also start at the Collett Street Recreation Area and walk east to Downtown Lima.

 

Simmons Field Recreation Area

Located on the Riverwalk between Collett St. and Heindel Ave. south of the Ottawa River

The Simmons Field site is the home of the Lima Loco’s Baseball team. There is also an additional ball diamond and green space available for community use.

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FISHING

 

Agerter Road River Access

Boat ramp, fishing from shore in Auglaize River, picnic facilities. 3 acres in total. Located on Agerter Road, via St. Rt. 81, south to CR 50 to Agerter. Fishing/canoeing access to Auglaize River, picnic tables and grills.

419-221-1232.

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Bresler Lake Reservoir

Ten miles west of Lima, bordered by St. Rt. 81, Agerter, Kemp and Conant Roads

Water surface: 590 acres. Shoreline: 3.7 miles
Boat ramp, fishing from shore, electric motors only. Picnic facilities.

419-221-5170.

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Buckeye Quarry

Located in Bluffton

Stocked by Bluffton Community Sportmen's Club

419-234-5779

 

Ferguson Lake

Located three miles east of Lima on Reservoir Road

Water surface: 304 acres. Shoreline: 3.3 miles.

Boat ramp, electric motors only. Picnic tables.
419-221-5170.

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Lima Lake Reservoir

Located 1.5 miles east of Lima on St. Rt. 81

Next to Ottawa Metro Park

Water surface: 89 acres. Park: 225 acres.
Fishing and boating (non-gas powered boats). Boat ramp and handicap fishing deck. Paved trail for walking, hiking & biking. 

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Lost Creek Reservoir

Roush and Reservoir Roads, two miles east of Lima

Water surface: 113 acres. Shoreline: 1.75 miles.

Public fishing-electric motor boats only or fishing from shore.

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McLean-Teddy Bear Park

Located at 2004 N. Dixie Highway in Bath Township, 1 mile northeast of St. Rt. 81
Two fishing ponds, shelters, picnic area with tables and grills, 2 miles of hiking/cross country skiing trails, water and restroom facilities, volleyball and horseshoes. Encompasses 134 acres.

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Metzger Lake

Adjoins Ferguson Lake. Three miles east of Lima on Reservoir Road

Water surface: 113 acres. Shoreline: 1.90 miles.

Public fishing on 159 acres of water. Boat ramp, electric or naturally powered boats only. Fishing from shore.

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Schoonover Park Lake

Findlay (St. Rt. 81)
Water surface: 19 acres. Stocked with Green Trout each April. 

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Williams Reservoir

10 miles west of Lima bordered by St. Rt. 81, Grubb Road, Agerter and Sunderland Roads

Water surface: 600 acres. Shoreline: 3.75 miles.

JOHNNY APPLESEED 

METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT

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1682 Slabtown Road, Lima
www.jampd.com

 

The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District was created in June 1972 and is a comprehensive system of natural areas and preserves designed to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Allen County by providing passive outdoor recreational and educational opportunities while conserving and protecting the natural resources of the area for

future generations. The Park District currently has

15 park areas with over 1,500 acres for activities including hiking, picnicking, interpretive programs and guided nature walks, camping and swimming, fishing and boating, archery, horseback riding and bicycling. For information about events and organized programs taking place in the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks call 419-221-1232.

 

Agerter Road River Access

15410 Agerter Road, Spencerville, OH 

Acreage: 3

Fishing/canoe/kayak access to Auglaize River, picnic tables, grills and a small shelter area.

 

Allen County Farm Park

1582 Slabtown Road

Acreage: 63

Cabin is open by reservation only and accommodates 24 people. The large barn (40'x80') is open by reservation and accommodates 200 with a refrigerator and banquet tables and chairs and includes a display of antique machinery and tools. Also available are concrete cornhole boards, sand volleyball court, open play field and modern restrooms. Hayrides offered in the autumn. Also a 2.5 mile Bridle Trail-open to the public, daylight hours only. Parking and handicap accessible.

 

Deep Cut Historical Park

22900 State Route 66, Spencerville, OH

Acreage: 8.5

Hiking and biking access to the Miami-Erie Canal Towpath, picnic shelter and picnic tables. Part of the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Buckeye Trail. Deep Cut is also a designated federal historic site. The Miami-Erie Canal Corridor Association (MECCA) encompasses a 45-mile section of the Miami-Erie Canal. This section extends approximately 12 miles to the north of Deep Cut and 31 miles south of Deep Cut. The canal towpath is currently accessible and available for hiking and biking. Improvements are ongoing to enhance this 45-mile section.

 

Ft. Amanda State Memorial

22800 State Route 198, Lima, OH

Acreage: 11

One reservable shelter house, large wooded picnic area, tables, grills, water and restrooms. Also a 1/2 mile hiking trail, historical interpretive signs, fishing access to the Auglaize River, Fort Amanda War of 1812 Monument.

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Haver Ridge Metro Park

8335 Bellefontaine Road, Lima, OH

Acreage: 61

This park is unique in that the rolling hills were formed due to glaciers during the last ice age. 2.45 miles of trails, interpretive nature-based signs, wetland complexes, and restored prairie habitat.

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Heritage Park

West End - 2092 Reed Road, Lima, OH

Lion's Den - 1772 Reed Road, Lima, OH

Acreage: 81

Three large reservable shelters (3), large picnic area with tables and grills, 1 acre pond (fishing), 2 miles of hiking/cross country ski trails, paved hiking/biking trail (connected to the Rotary River Walk), water and restrooms, concrete cornhole boards, horseshoe courts, sand volleyball courts and playground equipment.

 

Hermon Woodlands Metro Park

485 N. Wapakoneta Road, Elida
Take St. Rt. 81 west of Lima through Allentown.

Acreage: 71

This park was purchased and developed through an estate gift from Carole Hermon and with a state grant and private donations. The park features 2 miles of improved trails through the woodlands. a children's "ImagiNature" playscape, and a Story Book Trail. Pet are allowed on the trails (must be leashed). Two log structure/enclosed shelters (24'x48') open by reservation, which include sliding windows with screens, serving counters, electricity, nine 6-ft picnic tables inside and four 6-ft picnic tables outside beneath covered patio. A children's nature playscape, modern restrooms, water and is handicap accessible.

 

Kendrick Woods Metro Park

971 N. Defiance Trail, Spencerville

Acreage: 556

Reservable shelters (3), large picnic area with

tables and grills, 1.25 acre pond (fishing and skating), 5 miles of nature trails for hiking and cross country skiing, 1/3 mile “All Peoples Trail” (boardwalk), Kiracofe Prairie, wetlands area, State of Ohio Designated State Nature Preserve and “Watchable Wildlife Area”, sand volleyball courts, concrete cornhole boards, and play equipment. The Evan's Archery Range, located at 1376 N. St. Marys Road, Spencerville, Ohio. It encompasses 3 total shooting areas, one for beginners (out to 25 yards), the second for intermediate shooters (includes raised platform to shoot from) (out to 40 yards) and the third, for advanced shooters (out to 60 yards).

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Lauer Historical Farm

800 Roush Road, Lima 

Acreage: 65.3 

Several reservable facilities such as the Historic Home, Bank Barn, Celebration Garden Venue and Wedding Pergola. Water, modern restrooms on site. Connected to the Ottawa Metro Park and the Ottawa Riverwalk/Bikeway. The historical home is decorated with period-correct antiques and can be reserved for wedding rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, birthdays and off-site office retreats/meetings (capacity 50 people). The bank barn is fully restored and decorated with antiques as well. The barn can accommodate up to 145 people. The celebration garden is designed to accommodate outdoor weddings with an adjacent area for tent placement as well.

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Lippincott Bird Sanctuary

3093 Bellefontaine Road, Lima

Acreage: 37

Diverse array of habitats which are home to many different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. 5 acre prairie wooded wetland, a .6 mile hiking trail and a wildlife observation deck.

 

McElroy Environmental Education Center

2355 Ada Road, Lima

Large environmental education classroom (seats 85), nature library, trails connecting to Teddy Bear Park, historic gardens, and administrative offices.

 

McLean Teddy Bear Park

2004 N. Dixie Highway, Lima

Acreage: 134

Reservable shelters (2), large picnic area with tables and grills, 3 ponds (2 fishing), 3.5 miles of hiking/cross country skiing trails, water and restrooms, sand volleyball court, concrete cornhole boards, and playground equipment.

 

Motter Metro Park

10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd, Bluffton

Acreage: 105

Open meadow park and grassland habitat with Little Riley Creek running though the park, includes a 1.5 mile mowed grass trail. Advanced environmental education signage depicting all of the habitats found within the park and detailed information on plants, animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, etc. that live within the park.

 

Ottawa Metro Park

2632 Ada Road, Lima

Acreage: 287

89-acre Lima Lake can be used for non-gas powered boats and fishing, there is a boat ramp, handicap fishing deck, reservable shelters (3), restrooms and a sand beach for swimming. Thirty (30) site family camping available with water and electric hookup (during warm season). Eighteen hole Frisbee golf course, playground equipment, sand volleyball court, outdoor amphitheatre, horseshoe pits, and and serves as the eastern termini fro the Ottawa Bikeway and Rotary River Walk. The Ottawa Metro Park Beach is 450 feet in length and features wheelchair access, a “rain drop” water fountain, “Free Fall Extreme” 10 foot water slid, surf slide, mermaid fountain, vending machines, changing area, restrooms and covered picnic area. The beach is protected by certified lifeguards and park rangers are nearby the area for visitors’ total safety.

 

Rotary Riverwalk/Ottawa River Bikeway

The Riverwalk serves the citizens of Lima/Allen County as a safe alternative transportation route to Lima's central business district, YMCA, and numerous parks, schools and neighborhoods. The 13.27 mile hiking/biking trail along the Ottawa River connects Heritage Park in Shawnee Township to and through the City of Lima to the Ottawa Metro Park in Bath Township. Parking and restroom facilities are available.

 

Veterans Freedom Flag Monument

1191 Buckeye Road, Lima
www.uawfreedomflag.com

Located adjacent to the Joint Systems

Manufacturing Center, the Veterans Memorial Freedom Flag Monument stands proud to salute, thank and honor all U.S. Veterans of the past,

present and future. The Veterans Freedom Flag Monument is the largest known permanent

flag monument in the United States. Each tower

is made of red, white and blue granite “bricks” engraved to honor our nation’s Veterans. For information on ordering bricks and additional

facts about the monument visit the website.

Speakers are available by appointment. Parking

is available and handicap accessible.

 

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girls sitting next to water at Ottawa Metro Park in Lima, Ohio
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Fort Amanda Monument.jpg
boy swiming in a park in greater Lima, Ohio
dog in water catching a ball in greater Lima, Ohio
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