Sites & Attractions Van Wert City Parks
Note: Pavilions in the Van Wert Park system are available to families, businesses, and community groups on a reservation and rental basis. Parties wishing to reserve a pavilion should call the Parks Department at 419-238-9121.
Smiley Park This 29.4 acre park is located at the intersection of Leeson Avenue and Woodland Avenue. It features 2 lighted softball fields, 2 lighted baseball fields, 3 tennis courts, 3 basketball courts. The park also contains children’s playground areas, 4 pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Smiley Park is also the future home of the Children’s Garden and the Vera Bradley Butterfly House. There is a pond for fishing. Restrooms, concessions and parking are available.
Fountain Park Fountain Park is located on the corner of Main Street
and Jefferson Street at the west edge of the downtown area. This 2 acre
park contains a fountain plaza, gazebo, band shell, a concession stand,
and picnic tables. Summer concerts in the park are held in June,
July and early August.
Rotary Park The entrance to Rotary Park is found on South Washington
Street, just south of the Van Wert County Hospital. Rotary Park offers
a pavilion, restrooms and parking.
Reservoir Recreation Area The recreation area is located at the Van
Wert City Reservoirs on South Washington Street behind the Van Wert County
Hospital. The area has been developed to provide boating and fishing,
as well as a 2.7 mile Health Trail, a nature area, sledding in the winter
and plenty of parking.
Memorial Park Memorial Park is located near the west edge of Van Wert at the corner of Main Street and Lynn Street. The park provides lots of open space in its 2.1 acres, as well as Veterans Monument and Garden Club Gardens. Parking is available.
Jubilee Park Jubilee park is at the north end of Van Wert at N. Walnut Street, Gleason Avenue, and Brooks Avenue. The 8.6 acre park offers 4 tennis courts, 4 shuffleboard courts, basketball and volleyball courts. There are 2 horseshoe courts, a playground area, a youth ball field, 2 pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Restrooms and parking are also available.
Hiestand Woods Although not a part of the Van Wert City Parks Department, Hiestand Woods is open to the public. It has 2 pavilions, picnic tables, playground equipment and hiking trails. The pavilions are not able to be reserved, but are available on a first come basis. Hiestand Woods is located on Hospital Drive, just east of the Van Wert County Hospital parking lot.
Dickinson Park Dickinson Park is a a neighborhood park located on Airport Avenue on the southwest side of Van Wert. It has a tot play area and an open play area.
Garden of the Senses The Master Gardeners of Van Wert have created a garden in downtown Van Wert, located in an empty lot between two businesses that had been used as a parking lot. This lovely oasis, called the Garden of the Senses, today contains trees, flowers, herbs, and shrubs with raised beds and brick walkways curving around the flowers and trees with benches to stop and rest and enjoy the peacefulness of the garden. A pergola was built on the spot, which in the summer is adorned with hanging baskets and during the Christmas season houses a stately decorated Christmas tree. The Garden of the Senses can be viewed on Main Street just east of Balyeat’s Coffee Shop.
Other Parks in Van Wert County
Edgewood Park Convoy. A 21.9-acre park located north of Convoy on State Route 49 contains a pavilion, a pond for fishing (there is a catch and release policy), 4 ball fields, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, restrooms, a playground area, horseshoe pits, soccer field, and plenty of parking. A community building, with full kitchen facilities, restrooms, tables and chairs, is available for rent by calling Charlie or Linda Baer at 419-749-2457. Other park information can be gotten by calling the Convoy Village office at 419-749-2266.
Fireman’s Park Ohio City. This park is located on State Route 118 on the north edge of Ohio City. The park includes 2 baseball diamonds with concession stand, a playground, horseshoe courts, basketball courts and a pavilion with picnic tables. There is also a Community Building in the park with full kitchen facilities, tables and chairs, and restroom. The building is available for rent by contact Emile Werts at 419-965-2227.
Water Tower Park Ohio City. Located in downtown Ohio City at the base of the town water tower. There is a baseball diamond, playground, concession stand, basketball courts and picnic tables available.
Middle Point Ball Park Middle Point. The Middle Ball Park is located on Adams Street in the village of Middle Point. This park offers 5 ball diamonds, a tennis court, basketball court, horseshoe court, a shuffleboard court, batting cages, a concession stand and playground equipment. There is also a shelterhouse with full kitchen facilities and restroom facilities which can be rented by contacting Dean Girod at 419-238-4837.
Stadium Park Delphos. Located at 1000 Park Avenue, Stadium Park has a swimming pool, 6 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 2 sand volleyball courts, 2 baseball diamonds, 4 soft ball diamonds, playgrounds, an 159-foot water slide, and shelter house. The park boasts a gazebo where a summer music program is held. For more information, contact the Delphos Recreation Department at 419-695-5712.
Garfield Park – Delphos. Garfield park is located on South Clay Street in Delphos. This park has one basketball court, one tennis court and playground equipment. Six soccer fields are adjacent to the park.
Golf
Willow Bend Country Club Willow Bend is a private country club, although out-of-town visitors are invited to call for information about open times. Hours of operation are 8:00 am to dusk. It is a 9-hole, 35 par course. Willow Bend has a driving range, practice green, pro shop, restaurant and snack bar. Lessons are offered. The Country Club is located at 579 Hospital Drive at the southern edge of the city. You can get more information about the Willow Bend Country Club by calling 419-238-1041 or visiting their website at www.willow-bend.com
The Woods The Woods Golf Club is a public course located at 12083 U. S. 127 South, 2 miles south of Van Wert. The course is open from dawn to dusk. The course has 27 holes, a driving range and practice green, pro shop, restaurant, snack bar and offers lessons. For additional information call them at 419-238-0441.
Delphos Country Club The Delphos Country Club, located at 7055 Shenk Road, northwest of Delphos, is a public course with memberships available. The course is open from 8 am to 8 pm. The course is an 18 hole, 72 par course. They provide a driving range, practice green, pro shop, restaurant, and snack bar. Lessons can be arranged. For more information call them at 419-453-3812.
Gold Tee Indoor Golf Center For the real golf aficionado who may not be able to afford Palm Springs in the winter, Van Wert offers you the Gold Tee Indoor Golf Center, located at 115 S. Market Street in downtown Van Wert. The Gold Tee allows you to play 26 different renowned courses using their golf simulators. They also have swing analyzers available. They are open 7 days a week, appointments accepted from 6 am to 12 am and walk-ins are scheduled between 9 am and 4 pm. Groups are welcome and parties can be arranged. For more information call them at 419-232-6383.
NOTE: The Gold Tee Indoor Gold Center is currently closed due to a fire
Country Tee Driving Range Need a little practice with your drive? The Country Tee Driving Range located at 5445 State Route 49, just at the northern edge of Convoy, Ohio, has 25 practice tees. For more information, call 419-749-4114.
Outdoor Fun
Historic Walking Tour Downtown Van Wert is currently undergoing a revitalization under the guidance of The Ohio Main Street project. Efforts are underway to preserve historic buildings in the city. A walking tour, either guided or self-guided, is available by contacting the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Bike Tours The flat landscape of northern Van Wert County, created when the Great Black Swamp covered the area, provides an easy ride for cyclists who enjoy the serenity of riding less-traveled rural byways along-side of wheat, soybean or corn fields and picturesque family farms. The southern portion of the County offers a bit more rolling terrain, but again along quiet country roads that allow for safe family biking. Maps can be found on this website or can be picked up at the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau office.
Fishing Fishing is available at two Van Wert City Reservoirs located at the south side of the city, as well as along the Little Auglaize and St. Marys Rivers, and Dog Creek. There are also numerous farm ponds stocked with fish in the county. Be sure to get permission from the pond owners before fishing on private property. A valid Ohio fishing license is required. Small mounth bass, channel carfish, bluegill, yellow perch, large mouth bass, and crappies are most common. Rainbow trout are released into the city reservoirs each year. Information about fishing licenses can be found by calling the County Wildlife Officer at 419-492-8395 or by visiting www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/License/main.htm.
Hunting Hunting in the Van Wert area is limited, due to the lack of woodlands and public land. However, hunters are still about to find deer, fox, coyote, squirrel, rabbit, Canada geese, ducks, pheasants, mourning dove, ground hog, and racoon in large numbers. About 10 years ago a program was launched to release wild turkey in the County and hunters are reporting increasing kills. Remember, a valid Ohio hunting license is required, as is permission from property owners to hunt on private land. Please respect property owners’ rights. For more information you can call the County Wildlife Officer at 419-492-8395 or visit www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/License/main.htm.
Tennis Tennis courts abound throughout the Van Wert Area. Within the city itself, there are 3 tennis courts in Smiley Park and 4 in Jubilee Park. The YMCA also has tennis courts available, including an indoor court at Camp Clay. Convoy’s Edgewood Park has 2 courts, and Middle Point Ball Park has 1. Stadium Park in Delphos has 6 tennis courts.
Baseball and Softball America’s most popular pastime may be enjoyed throughout the park systems in the Van Wert area. Smiley and Jubilee parks in the city of Van Wert provide ball fields, as does Edgewood Park in Convoy, Fireman’s Park and Water Tower parks in Ohio City, Middle Point Ball Park and Stadium Park in Delphos.
Basketball Basketball courts can be found in Smiley and Jubliee Parks in Van Wert. The Middle Point Ball Park, Edgewood Park in Convoy, Stadium and Garfield parks in Delphos, and Fireman’s Park and Water Tower Park in Ohio City also provide areas for basketball.
Demolition Derby According to Amusement Business, "demolition derbies are currently the largest draw at county fairs, outside of top name talent." Lovers of the sport include visitors to Van Wert, who can watch a demolition derby on the final night of the Van Wert County Fair each September and the Fall Demolition Derby held on the third Saturday in October. Both events are held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds and more information may be found at their website www.vanwertcountyfair.com.
Drive-In Movies A popular throw-back to the 50’s and 60’s are the few remaining drive-in theaters found around the United States. Van Wert could boast two drive-in theaters until an F-4 tornado in November of 2002 destroyed one. Now, the Van-Del Drive-In Theater, located between Van Wert and Delphos on the historic Old Lincoln Highway, features first run movies in season. For more information on what’s playing and show times, you can call the drive-in at 419-968-2178.
Birding There are several areas in the Van Wert vicinity that are attractive to both local and migrating birds. Since 1997, local birders have logged a total of 190 species in the County. The most consistently productive places are Heistand Woods and the reservoirs just east of State Route 127 and Hospital Drive at the south edge of the city. Heistand Woods is located along the western border of Town Creek as it winds into town. It is an 18 acre community park of mixed hardwoods. Walking trails wind through the wooded portion. Since it borders on the creek, the reservoir, and four shallow ponds, it is possible to quickly see woodland species, ducks and geese in the reservoirs, and shorebirds in the ponds. There is a paved trail around both reservoirs.
East of Van Wert, at the intersection of Middle Point and Dog Creek Road, west of the village of Middle Point, is a large pond created by a local quarrying company. It occasionally holds grebes, ducks, and geese during migration. It is difficult to observe because it lacks parking, is not public land, and traffic can occasionally be intimidating to someone on foot. Much of the year the pond is empty.
A new area of birders is Camp Clay, a YMCA camp west of Van Wert at 9196 Liberty Union Road. It is open to the public, has a small nature center, a pond, grassland area, and woods.
Finally, good bird sightings can occasionally be had just by driving the back roads between farm fields, especially after rains when there is standing water.
Horseshoe Pitching Horseshoe pitching is enjoying a resurgence in the area. Edgewood Park in Convoy, Fireman’s Park in Ohio City, the Middle Point Ball Park, and Jubilee Park in Van Wert all have courts for participating in this sport.
Shuffleboard Shuffleboard courts are available in Jubilee Park in Van Wert and the Middle Point Ball Park.
Volleyball A volleyball court is provided at Jubilee Park in Van Wert. Stadium Park in Delphos offers a sand volleyball court.
Soccer Edgewood Park in Convoy features a soccer field and there are six soccer fields adjacent to Garfield Park in Delphos.
Indoor Fun
Hat Creek Arena Hat Creek Rodeo operates from November to May and offers bull riding at its best on Saturday nights. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. The rodeo features a heated arena, and kids’ activities. Located at 8020 Richey Road, just north off historic Lincoln Highway near Van Wert. Call 419-238-6588 or visit www.hatcreekarena for more information.
Roller Skating Roller skating is available to the public at the Y.M.C.A.-Camp Clay facility located at 9196 Liberty-Union Road. Contact the YMCA at 419-238-0443 for more information and times.
Cinemas The Van Wert Cinema, located at 10709 Lincoln Highway at the west side of Van Wert, is a five-screen theater showing first run movies seven days each week. Afternoon matinees each day. They feature special pricing for children and senior citizens. Visit their website at www.vanwertcinemas.com or call them at 419-238-2100 for titles and show times.
Gold Tee Indoor Golf Center For the real golf aficionado who may not be able to afford Palm Springs in the winter, Van Wert offers you the Gold Tee Indoor Golf Center, located at 115 S. Market Street in downtown Van Wert. The Gold Tee allows you to play 26 different renowned courses using their golf simulators. They also have swing analyzers available. They are open 7 days a week, appointments accepted from 6 am to 12 am and walk-ins are scheduled between 9 am and 4 pm. Groups are welcome and parties can be arranged. For more information call them at 419-232-6383.
NOTE: The Gold Tee Indoor Gold Center is currently closed due to a fire
YMCA Today the Y features aquatic programs in its pool; volleyball, indoor soccer, gymnastics and tumbling, and basketball in its 5 gyms; fitness classes and personal training programs in its wellness center; and racquetball courts. Outdoor programs include tennis, flag football, and outdoor soccer. Out-of-town visitors may visit the Y for a Guest Pass or use their Y membership card from their hometown YMCA. For more information you may visit their website at www.vwymca.com or call the Y at 419-238-0443.
YWCA The local YW provides transitional housing for women and children, a highly successful travel program, swim lessons, aquatic and land fitness, volleyball leagues, gymnastics, a summer food program and Kid’s Day Out Events. The building offers a child care center, gymnasium, fitness center, aerobics center, a warm water pool with a moveable pool floor, whirlpool, and sauna. The YW would love to welcome any visitor coming though town by offering them a place to stop and get rejuvenated. The YWCA is located at 408 E. Main Street. They may be contacted at 419-238-6639 or by email at ywca@bright.net.
Bowling Olympic Lanes, located at 430 West Ervin Road, offers the novice bowler as well as the experienced, a great time. The facility has 16 lanes, a lounge and snack bar, plus pool tables, bumper bowling, and video games. The lanes are primarily for league bowling during the week, but open bowling is available on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. For information on open times give them a call at 419-232-2695.