by When I decided to write articles and then a book honoring and ranking the best parks and playgrounds in Avon and Avon Lake, I knew it would be a large undertaking, but one with plenty of fun involved. I quickly learned I was correct as Avon and Avon Lake combined to have some of the nicest parks on the West Side. Little did I ever think it would actually get published into a book form, but here we are – Northeast Ohio’s Best Parks and Playgrounds: Vince McKee: 9798896831068: Amazon.com: Books
As a high school sportswriter, I am gone a lot between the months of late August and the very end of May; this makes me value summertime more than I can ever begin to explain. Having a vibrant wife along with two healthy and energetic children makes my summers a lot of fun, filled with wonderful memories.
A few years back my family made the resolution to try and go to as many local playgrounds as possible each summer. In Northeast Ohio, you must make the best of the nice weather because you never know how long you’re going to have it for, and my family does just that!
As we began going to all of these playgrounds, I began to notice some were much better than others and also realized that it was smart to make notes in case we came back. Most of these notes were simple things such as the bathroom situation and if there were any places parents could sit in the shade and still have a clean vision of where their kids were.
Some parks were clean; some, not so much. Some offered indoor plumbing, and others didn’t. I learned to greatly appreciate the nice soft rubber some have for their ground and begin to disdain that nasty mulch wood mix most use. Was the park easy to find, and once we arrived, was there enough to do? These were all things I looked out for.
All these items may seem small, but adding them up and sometimes assigning grades helps you plan your visit.
Some were pleasant surprises, such as Grannis in Fairview, and others may have been a bit of a letdown, such as Skip Park in Stow. Each summer we rank them from best to worst and instantly start planning for the next year. This led to the inspiration of this book, as I wanted to help out as many parents as I could. If you want to spend time outside with your kids, then I want to help you! I hope everyone not only enjoys the book but also finds it helpful.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE – Northeast Ohio’s Best Parks and Playgrounds: Vince McKee: 9798896831068: Amazon.com: Books
Here are the parks that stood out the most in Avon and Avon Lake, two of our favorite cities to explore!
Avon & Avon Lake
Every Childs Playground
Location
36265 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011
About the park
Formerly known as “Avon Park”. It is located at 36265 Detroit Rd, in the same parking lot you will find the Avon Post Office, and directly next door to the Fire Station. Also, on the other side of the park, is a giant pool for members. Finally, if you are hungry, Taco Bell and Burger King are right across the street.
This 20 acre park has everything from an outdoor fitness park and playground to a Storybook trail and walking path in the nearby woods. It has been around 20 years as it also features a Seasonal Aquatic Facility and Veterans Memorial.
Access to the park
It is easy access as this park sits just two minutes from I90 West and East. Also, if you are coming up Detroit Rd heading East or West, you will have little issues finding a window to take a left or a right into the massive parking lot. The only thing holding your entrance back is if you enter during rush hour there may be heavy traffic on Detroit, but other than that, it’s clear sailing the other 23 hours of the day.
Things to do
There is no shortage of things to do here. They have everything from a zip line, to a story park. A few of the cooler attractions that children of all ages will love are
Firment Forest
Storybook Trail
The Cubes
Harmony Circle
Aero Glider
They even had a workout / cross fit area with 7 challenging exercises to try!
Places for parents to sit
The park is massive, so if you want to sit in one spot and still be able to watch every single move your child makes, you cannot. However, there are plenty of spots to sit around the park, so you won’t be able to sit long, but you will have options. You will want to wear sunscreen however as none of those spot to sit are in the shade.
Ground
It is half mulch and half actual cement. Thus, depending on where your child plays chances are strong they may pick up some mulch in their shores.
Best part of the park
Easily the zip line and also the storybook trail are the two best parts of this park. The Zip line is safe, but clearly you won’t want to stray far as depending on the size of your child, they may need some help getting into the apparatus.
As for the walking trails, one is more serious then the other, but both are fun and depending on the age, both can have a ton of use.
Schwartz Road Park
About the Park
Schwartz Park is a fabulous time with plenty of tremendous things to do. From the playground and baseball fields, to the pavilions and soccer fields, this truly has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age or passion. The playground has safety in mind with attractions for youngsters as little as two years old, at the same time however some of their bigger attractions could suit pre-teens.
To reserve a pavilion, you will need to submit a request for a permit to the Avon Parks & Rec. Dept. (35001 Schwartz Rd.) It makes the perfect outdoor location for smaller birthday parties, baptism parties or just a family get together at the park. Complete with grill and other luxuries needed for a good time at the grill.
The park itself is clean however you can also expect bugs if you sit under the trees where the benches are, but that is a small price to pay for shade.
Located
35001Schwartz Road, Avon, OH 44011
Access to the park.
It’s easy to find but takes a bit to get there for non-residents. It is a nice drive however and smack dab in the middle of a beautiful housing development. You won’t have much traffic and there are plenty of options for parking. Again, unless you are extremely familiar with the area, you may want to give yourself a few extra minutes to get there.
Things to do at the park.
This park is loaded with things to do! Everything from a playground and basketball court to baseball fields and soccer fields. Two separate pavilions, perfect for parties and a nice, shaded area under the trees with a large picnic table as well. The playground features large playsets, plenty of swings for big kids and toddlers. It has a seesaw and a number of things to climb on. You can easily kill two hours at the playground without anyone getting bored. A great park!
Per city website, these are the official attractions listed
Encompasses 67.8 acres
Soccer Fields (Avon Soccer League Association Field Map)
90 ft. Baseball Field
Basketball Courts
Sand Volleyball Court
Playground
Nature Trail
2 Pavilions with picnic tables and grills
Restrooms (Winter hours: 7am-8pm)
Places for parents to sit.
If you don’t mind flicking off a few bugs here and there, the seating is perfect. You have a direct view of your kids at the playground, and plenty of shade. Three benches to sit can be found in the playground area. Also, there is a large pavilion right next to playground you can sit at as well and read if you want or pack a snack while the kiddos play.
Ground
A soft mulch in the main playground area with mostly grass everywhere you will go at this location.
Bathroom Situation
Indoor plumbing
Best part of the park.
Fun for the whole family and really cute! A great park with plenty to do. My kids LOVED the playground! I cannot stress it enough, it may be a tinier playground, but there is still at least 90 minutes’ worth of action if you don’t rush through it.
Avon Village School Playground
Location
36600 Detroit Rd, Avon OH 44011
About the Park
Located at Avon Village School, the playground is a nice blend of older and newer styles that have a little something for everyone to enjoy. One play set is fenced, another partially fenced with a rail fence. There is also a tall fence between the playground and Detroit Rd. There is a good reason for this however as the fenced play set is wheelchair accessible and offers hand activities and there is one adapted swing. A second play set (not fenced) also includes some hand and sensory activities but it is on mulch and not wheelchair accessible.
Access to the park
If you have found the school, you have found the playground. There is plenty of parking and it isn’t very crowded.
Things to do
This is a sensory playground built for kids ages 2-8. If you keep that in mind, you can have a good time while there. It has your standard slides, tunnel slides, swing sets and even a few musical instruments to play with, including the bongo drums.
Places to sit
There isn’t any, be prepared to stand and also where sunscreen with zero shade to be found.
Ground
Mulch
Bathroom
Porta Potties
Best Part of the Park
The playground is safe, not too challenging but enough for a little one to enjoy.
Northgate Park
Location
2155 Eaton Dr, Avon, Ohio 44011
About the Park
While the playground may be on the smaller size, the park itself is more so laid out to be scenic rather than overwhelming. There is a small lake with a fountain on the property as well as a walking path around the park that circles the lake. This gives parents with younger ones a nice walk to take while pushing the stroller.
Access to the Park
One entrance also appearing as an exit. Thus, same way in as out.
Things to do
3 playsets
Nearby soccer fields
Sandbox
Places to sit
Small bench near the area of the playground which gives you a perfect view to watch your child.
Ground
Mulch
Bathroom
None, however most times you can cross the street and access the one at The Lions Club.
Best part of the Park.
The small size of the playground sets allows a parent to sit and relax while still having a view.
Weiss Field
Location
33401 Webber Rd, Avon Lake OH, 44012
About the Park
It is a baseball themed park that will bring out the kid in all of us. It has baseball diamonds and even a skate park surrounding the main playground area. It features 11 baseball/softball fields in total, two rentable pavilions, a baseball-themed playground, a concession stand, a basketball court, a dog park, a bike and skate park, a horse arena, walking trails, and grills. Clocking in at79 acres, there is plenty of room for the whole family.
Access to the park.
It is easy to get to with plenty of room for parking. Not far at all from the Avon Commons and plenty of things to do in the area to make a day out of it after you getting all your shopping done, or perhaps just a nice break from the shopping!
Things to do at the park.
There are no shortages of things to do at this playground. They have everything from playgrounds and skate parks to volleyball nets and baseball fields. The baseball theme is just really cool and unique. Did I mention they even have a dog park there?
Also, make sure that no little ones get their tiny fingers stuck in the roller slide. My youngest daughter loved mastering all the monkey bars. The only thing missing was a swing set for big kids, as they only had one for tiny tots.
Places for parents to sit.
There is plenty of room for parents to sit in the shade, and still keep an eye on their children. This includes not only the large pavilion, but also round metal tables only 3 feet from the playground. A perfect spot or parents to sit and rest a minute or two.
Ground
Soft rubber and grass
Bathroom Situation
Indoor plumbing
Best part of the park.
The baseball theme is cool enough for a token visit but the rest of the park gives you a reason to come back time and time again. I feel like if the city put some money into cleaning up the playground area, the pavilions and even the skate park, they’d have a cannot miss park. It just feels like we visited a once great park, that has seen some rough times. One attraction, the round net thing, literally broke when my tiny daughter was on it while the volleyball court had weeds growing through it.
Troy Playground
About the park
Tucked away behind Troy Intermediate school in Avon Lake, it may not be well known, but still a nice little distraction for the kiddo’s while the older siblings play soccer on the four fields behind the giant school as well.
Location
237 Belmar Blvd, Avon Lake, OH 44012
Access to the Park
Not far from Lake Road, this gem can sneak up on you if you are not paying attention while on Belmar, but once you find it, it will provide a nice time. There is also plenty of parking on the North End in front of the actual school.
Things to do
Large net wall to climb on and conquer
Double glider that my children loved
Large and curvy monkey bar set
Giant Rock Wall to climb, it almost reminded me of a mini version of American Gladiators.
10 wide swing set for big kids
Places to sit
Two park benches located right in the playground area. Not much shade, but will still get the job done if you need to get off your feet for a bit.
Ground
Wood chipped mulch
Bathroom
Porta Potty
Best part of the park
We’ve been to a over 80 parks in the last 3 summers, and this is the only one with gliders and a large rock wall. Good stuff!
Bleser Park
Location
32800 Electric Boulevard Avon Lake OH, 44012
About the Park
Description per the city website – Our Parks (avonlake.org)
Bleser Park is the most frequently visited park in Avon Lake. With approximately 23 acres, it is the focal point for many activities from baseball to basketball to swimming. Two pavilions are available for private party rentals. Pavilion A sits closer to the volleyball and basketball courts. Pavilion B sits closer to the playground.
Access to the Park
Large Parking lots fill each size of the massive park, thus no matter the event you are there for, you will have not any issues finding access to the park and then a spot to park once you get there.
Things to do
The Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center with concession stand.
Avon Lake Play Space (ALPS), a 12,000-square-foot playground.
Rentable picnic pavilions
Picnic tables
Baseball fields
Lighted basketball courts
Lighted tennis courts
Sand volleyball courts
Grills
Restrooms
Water fountains
Places for Parents to sit
Depending on the event you are there for, you won’t have any issues finding somewhere to sit. There is not guarantee that it will be in the shade however.
Ground
A mix of mulch, grass and cement depending on where you are on the grounds.
Bathroom
Indoor Plumbing
Best part of the park
In this case with the playground being a bit on the smaller end, the entire park in general with the variety of things it gives visitors to enjoy, would easily have to be the best part. Who doesn’t want variety?
Miller Road Park
Location
33760 Lake Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012
Per the Avon Lake City website, Miller Road Park packs a lot into its 14.7 acres. Located on the west end of Avon Lake on the bike-friendly Lake Road (U.S. 6), the park is many things to many people. Visitors can walk along a lake-side paved trail or sit on one of several park benches and look out over Lake Erie. Picnic tables and grills are available making the destination a popular spot for family gatherings.
A long fishing pier is open year-round and is a popular place for fishing, walking and watching boaters. Miller Road Park is heavily utilized by Lake Erie boaters. A well-maintained boat launch is in use spring, summer and fall. There is ample parking for visitors and designated parking spaces for vehicles and trailers.
The Gazebo at Miller Road Park is home to our Summer Concerts. Many people have found this gazebo to be the ideal location for outdoor summer weddings and or photos. The small pavilion at Miller Road Park can be reserved for picnics.
Access to the park
With it’s location the actual lake. You may have to walk a bit once parking your car, but the walk to the main area is fairly clean and well lit.
Things to do at the park
- Lakefront access, sunrise to sunset
- Boat launch & fishing pier
- Rentable pavilion
- Rentable gazebo
- Paved walking trails
- Playground
- Grills
- Restrooms
Places to sit
There isn’t a ton of room to sit, with the exception of the Gazebo and Pavilion areas.
Ground
Mainly grass with some clay areas as well.
Bathroom
Outdoor plumbing
Best part of the park
The many options for the outdoorsman, nature lover in you as the swimming, fishing, and biking take center stage here. There is a modest playground as well but this one is for so for the adventure lover in you as opposed to the parent.
Veterans Memorial Park
Location
32756 Lake Road, Avon Lake OH 44012
Access to the Park
There is limited on-site parking with overflow available across the street at the Old Firehouse Community Center (100 Avon Belden Road) and the old RTA Commuter lot on Lake Road, just west of the Old Firehouse Community Center.
Things to do
Lakefront access, sunrise to sunset
Avon Lake Boat Club
Boardwalk trail
The Lake House
The Folger Home
Veteran’s Memorial Park Gazebo
Picnic table
Benches
Grills
Places to sit
Not many, this is a park for the movers and shakers, not those looking to relax and rest. They do have a few random benches.
Ground
Mainly grass and dirt
Bathroom
Indoor plumbing
Best part of the park
This location is for the outdoorsmen in all of us. You have the option to catch your dinner in the lake and then walk over to one of the man grills and cook it up. Also, if you own a boat, bring it on by!
Recommendations from parents
It makes for a romantic and somewhat cozy place for a first date. – Jen from Cleveland
Overlook Park
Location
160 Forest Blvd, Avon Lake OH 44012
About the Park
Per CV Snider Rec The large play structure is designed for children ages 5-12 that include Viper and Velo Slides. The Wiggle-Watch-Tower, Convex Climber and Apex Ellipse climber are just a few of the fun climbing adventures. Fun activity panels, including 3-in-a-row, Bee and Bubble Mirror, will keep your young ones entertained for hours!
Adding to the fun, a whole area of swings was added. Standard belt swings are enhanced with a little Tot Swing and a Freedom Swing for all to enjoy! It was re-done and update in 2020.
Access to the Park
Not the easiest to find, and may have a issue with parking spaces as well.
Things to do
Playground area with slides, swings, monkey bars and all the needed aspects for your child to have fun. Also they have a splash pad and picnic tables.
Places to sit
Somewhat in the shade, they have a few picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch.
Ground
Mulch and dirt
Bathroom
No Bathroom
Best part of the park?
It is extremely colorful and would make for some great photo opportunities.
Belle Road Park
Location
360 Armour Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012
About the Park
This is a small neighborhood playground that is connected via paved nature trails to the Avon Lake Public Library and its sister park, Sunset Park.
Access to the park
It is a part of the Metroparks, so you may need to hunt awhile to find it.
Things to do
The park features traditional and tires swings both. It has a multitude of slides as well as a rock wall to climb.
Places to sit
One small picnic table with no covering too it.
Ground
Mulch
Bathroom
None
Best part of the park.
It is walking distance from two other playgrounds, including Sunset, so it gives you a chance to explore a bit. Also, because of the size, you can see your child at all times without having to be on top of them.
Eastview Playground
Location
230 Lear Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012
About the park
It includes several pieces of adapted equipment, including a merry go round of musical toys, in which you do not see at many places. The playground has partial shade and loads of play opportunities on a giant climber. Swings are also available but there isn’t infant/toddler or adapted swings.
Access to the park
It is located directly behind Eastview Elementary School so you will have no issues find a place to park.
Things to do
The main selling point here are the climbing options and extremely colorful slides. There is a section in the middle of the playset with no less than 7 climbing options with everything from rings and steps, to old fashioned monkey bars.
Places to sit
None
Ground
Soft rubber at the playsets and mulch near the musical portion
Bathroom
There aren’t any, however the park is less than 1 mile from Learwood Square shopping plaza. Bathrooms are available at Giant Eagle.
Best part of the park
The multi optioned and extremely colorful climbing options really stand out as the go to reason to check this playground out!
