by My family and I recently swung by the revamped East River Park and rather enjoyed our visit. It was nice to see the city of Olmsted Falls finally spend a few bucks to make some much needed improvements. This was a long time coming to a park that sorely needed it. I took the liberty of writing the following review of the park, and truly hope everyone makes an effort to head on out!
Also, don’t forget to check out the full photo gallery on page two!
East River Park
Location
7878 Lewis Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
About the Park
Remodeled in 2023 and re-opened in 2024, this is a unique playground because it is near the river so it provides incredible visuals. There is also mother nature everywhere with a few small paths you can walk through. Falls Ice Cream is also only a few minutes away by walk so you can knock both out in one night.
Up until 2023, the playground wasn’t seen as much of an attraction and one of the sole reasons to visit was the large open field of grass to have a picnic, or the pavilion to have a cookout with the grill. After the upgrades, it has become more of a fun for the whole family type park.
Access to the Park
It can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention, so you will want that Google map on and prepare yourself if you are coming from Bagley Road, you may just get stopped by a train so don’t be shocked if it happens. It is in an extremely wooded area with a nice walking path, so make sure to bag plenty of bug spray as well.
Things to do
A Pavilion with picnic tables and a light yourself grill.
2 benches located in the playground area to sit and enjoy, and 3 picnic tables under the trees near both the pavilion and the playground area.
Playground featuring the following items as well
Straight slide
Curvy slide
Double slide
Rockwall made of leaf cutouts
Sign Language and Connect Four boards
8 total swings with 4 regular and 4 for toddlers with a locked in setting
The ever popular “globe spinning thing”
No Monkey bars, but a cool triangle step through 3 prong setting,
Places to sit for parents
As mentioned, there is no shortage of benches in the playground area, picnic tables outside of the playground area and the pavilion as well. It also features a giant area of grass that is wide open and a perfect spot to set up a picnic blanket and basket.
Ground
Grass outside of the playground
The much-appreciated soft rubber padding on the playground set
Wooded area dirt if you go on the walking path. Not exactly as gross as “Zoo dirt” but you will want to wash your shoes when you get home regardless.
Bathroom
Go before you get there, they have one, but it is about as nasty as you would think a giant hole in the ground with a bug and urine soaked toilet seat could be. Again, there is no flushing or running water available, is truly is a giant hole, one marked men, and one next to it marked woman. Go before you get there.
Best part of the Park.
It really depends on what kind of person you are, and what you’re looking for. If you have young children, the playground set is very basic and safe. I’d say perfect for ages 3 through 6. If you have a 7 and 10 year old like I do, the playground set is just ok, and you may want to take a fun nature walk wit them instead, or bring your bikes and take on the nature trail. Also, my wife loves looking at the water and just nature in general.
FULL PHOTO GALLERY ON PAGE TWO
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