Ottawa and Jermain Parks

About Ottawa and Jermain Parks

In its initial conception by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, Ottawa Park was intended to be central to a vast park and boulevard system. It remains one of Toledo's most frequently used parks.

Ottawa Park is the largest of Toledo's city parks. Originally built in 1892 on 280 acres belonging to John B. Ketchum. Ottawa park and the adjacent Jermain Park now occupy more than 350 acres. It hosts a police museum, bike trails, bocce ball, sledding hills, fishing, a 3.5 mile paved multi-use trail, an amphitheater and open air ice-rink.

Before its purchase in 1915, Jermain Park was an amusement park. It is currently under construction with the addition of four new pickleball courts set to open in 2024.

These parks have been lovingly cared for by a group of park enthusiasts called "Friends of Ottawa-Jermain Park."

Park History

Amphitheater

The historic amphitheater in Ottawa Park was constructed between 1935 and 1936 with 500 tons of stone from a quarry near Whitehouse, Ohio. It holds 750 people and is located on a sloping piece of ground surrounded by trees in a bird sanctuary section of the park. The Ottawa Park amphitheater is the only permanent venue for free open air concerts in this area.

It has been used for church services, plays, magic shows, and free summer concerts.

Reserve the Amphitheater

Ottawa Park Events

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Ways to Play

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Golf

Ottawa Park has an 18-hole golf course--the first public golf course West of New York!

Toledo Golf

All Year

Ice & Roller Rink

Ottawa Park's open-air ice rink hosts public skate nights and hockey workshops. In the summer, it transforms into a roller rink for year round fun!

Learn more

Summer