Welcome to the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
Regardless of your age there is something to enjoy at the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s 17 park locations. The parks are open daily year round.
2023 SHELTER RESERVATIONS
Shelters/Facilities Fee Schedule.pdf
We will begin taking 2023 Shelter/Facility Reservations on Thursday, September 1. Most reservations can be made online except for the Allen County Farm Park, Lauer Historical Farm and the Lee & Ruby Roebuck Shelter.
46th ANNUAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
Calling photographers of all ages – submit your photos!
This contest designed to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of our own backyard. As such, we will be accepting only those photos taken in Allen County, Ohio. Youth and adult entries will be judged separately. Cash awards and ribbons will be given for Best of Show and to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category for your and adult competitions. Awards are sponsored by Alloway Environmental Testing.
All photos will be submitted digitally. Each photo shall be uploaded (high quality jpg) using the link listed below in the photo contest rules & entry details.
2022 PHOTO CONTEST RULES & ENTRY DETAILS
All entries must be submitted by Sunday, October 31.
WALKING THRU AUTUMN
Walking Thru Autumn Hiking Series Schedule.pdf
Please join us for the 16th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series beginning Saturday, September 10th at Heritage Park.
LAUER FARMS 1944
Lauer Farms 1944 Flyer.pdf
Sat., October 15 – 10 am to 5 pm
Sun., October 16 – 10 am to 3 pm
Lauer Historical Farm
800 Roush Road, Lima, OH 45801
Saturday, October 29
5 pm to 8 pm
McLean Teddy Bear Park
2004 N. Dixie Hwy. Lima, OH
Enjoy a Saturday evening with park rangers and friendly creatures of the night-time forest! Our Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Rangers will be on hand to meet and greet you and then escort you through the forest to meet our Wildlife In Legendary Disguise (costumed nocturnal animals)! The short walk will include take-home treats for the youngsters and will conclude with a bonfire for s-mores. On arrival, please check in at the B.E.E.T.L.E., as groups will leave every 15 minutes starting at 5:00 pm. The last hike will leave at 8 pm. No registration is necessary.
Shelter/Facility Reservations
Reservations can be made online except for the following facilities:
- Allen County Farm Park
- Lauer Historical Farm
- The Lee & Ruby Roebuck shelter at Deep Cut Historical Park
Please call the Park District Office at 419-221-1232 if you are interested in reserving one of the above listed facilities.
Parks Catalog
Click Here to Download our latest Parks Catalog
or pick up a copy at the Park District Office
(1682 Slabtown Road, Lima, OH)
Things To Do
Outdoor Gathering
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, company picnic, sports banquet, graduation party or wedding, the Metroparks offers a variety of covered rental facilities for your reservation needs. There are several picnic tables scattered throughout the parks for an impromptu picnic for individuals to use without reservation.
Fishing
The MetroParks ponds are the perfect place to fish without a fishing license. Bass, Bluegill and Catfish can be found in the park ponds. For those with a fishing license, the Lima Lake Reservoir located in Ottawa Metro Park (2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH) is open 24 hours daily. Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Perch, Crappie and Saugeye can be found in the reservoir.
Swimming
Have fun with family and friends this summer at the Ottawa Metro Park Beach. The 450’ beach is a clean family-oriented environment with certified lifeguards on duty.
Daily passes and season passes are available.
Camping
Our friendly family-oriented self registering campground features thirty spacious campsites with three handicap assessable sites. Each site has water and electric (minimum of 50 amp), picnic table and fire ring. A dump station is on site for larger units.
Hiking and Biking
Hiking opportunities abound in the MetroParks with over 30 miles of trails for your adventure. Nearly every park has hiking trails with surfaces ranging from grass to wood chips to stone and/or asphalt.
Boating
Enjoy a day of boating and fishing on the 89 acre Lima Lake Reservoir at Ottawa Metro Park. Open 24 hours a day for the avid fisherman with both wind powered and electric boats can be used on the up-ground reservoir. A fishing license is required for those 16 years of age or older.
Frisbee Golf
Try your hand at the 18 hole Frisbee Disc Golf Course at Ottawa Metro Park. The course begins at the meadow on the south side of the Peace Memorial Grove (1000 white pine trees) located just to the southwest of the amphitheater/band shell.
Archery
All ages of beginners and professionals can enjoy the Evans Archery Range. The range has three separate areas: 1) a beginner course at ground level with targets at 4, 10, 15 and 20 yards; 2) an elevated platform with targets at 10, 20 , 30 and 40 yards; and 3) a professional course with targets at 25, 35 45, 50 and 60 yards.
Park District Foundation
The Park District Foundation of Allen County is a non-profit corporation operated exclusively for the benefit of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. The Foundation provides the means whereby anyone can share in the fine work of the Park District through planned giving. Donations of all sizes are appreciated. The donate button can be used for Friends of the Parks donations as well as memorial donation in memory or in honor of someone.
events
Upcoming events
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