Set within our urban existence, city parks are like ice cream or a dip in a lake on a hot summer day—refreshing and delightful. Here are just a few that stand out.
Walbridge Park
The first Toledo city park, Walbridge sits on 60 acres along the Maumee River on Broadway St., near the Toledo Zoo. I have always loved the space with its relaxing feel. Picnic tables and grills are tucked in among grand, mature trees whose cool shade invites you to spread a blanket and lounge in the lush grass.
A wide, paved pathway weaves through trees near the shelter house, bandstand, and playground, continuing past a terraced hillside with benches offering views of the glistening river. My favorite thing to do is swing on the set at the top of the hill near the playground, facing the river so I feel like I am soaring with the gulls over the water. Don’t miss the spectacular Ginkgo tree on the east side of the park, nearly seven feet in diameter and at least 80 feet tall.
2761 Broadway St. Free summer concerts
Thursdays June and July 7pm to 9pm.
Walbridgepark.org
Woodland Park
Open, flat and very sunny, Woodland has two great features. It offers the kids in your life an amazing playground experience called Fort Imagination. This seemingly endless series of bright blue ramps, swings, ladders, bridges and slides is masterfully arranged and fun for all ages. A playground built especially for 2 to 5 year olds is also available. A mile loop walking trail winds its way along the popular, well-laid out and challenging 18-hole/basket disc golf course (see website for disc course, map and scorecard).
429 E. Boundary St., at State Rt. 795, Perrysburg. perrysburg.oh.us
Cullen Park
I cannot get enough of this park with its free boat/kayak launches and easy access to Maumee Bay and western Lake Erie. The best part is the one-mile Squadron Island Nature Trail starting on the southeast side of the parking lot (marked with concrete slabs; take the right fork). The tree-lined path is a man-made causeway flanked by serenely stunning blue water and sky views. The sounds of waves caressing the shoreline and birds calling in the trees create an island paradise feel. Along the way, you can enjoy secluded beach areas for picnicking, fishing, bird-watching and sunbathing. You can walk the trail onto sandy Squadron Island and feel the water lapping at your feet and the breeze playing across your skin—it is awesome!
4526 Summit St. cullenpark.org
Ottawa Park
The largest city park in Toledo with over 280 acres, Ottawa is based on designs by Frederick Law Olmstead—famous for designing New York’s Central Park. This expansive green oasis has everything: a 3.5-mile all-purpose trail for biking and walking, a very challenging disc golf course set among rolling hills and mature trees, shuffleboard, bocce ball and tennis courts, picnic areas, a forested corridor for migrating songbirds, and the oldest public golf course west of New York City (dating to 1899). I go back every year for the summer concerts in the really cool outdoor amphitheatre (6-8 pm Saturdays, July 12 through August 16). Alternating stone and grass sections create a terraced seating area encircled by towering trees and blue sky. The music dances across the tree tops and swirls around you. Bring a chair or sit on the ground.
Entrance on Kenwood between Douglas and Upton. Ottawapark.org
