Schools are letting out for the summer. Mom and Dad are planning family vacations.
With soaring gas prices and ever-increasing costs of food and lodging, the plan for long-distance destinations becomes an unreachable dream rather than a reality. What do you do? You take advantage of what the Ashland County Park District has to offer for a locally free getaway. Leave home in the morning and return in the evening renewed and rested.
Be one with nature and the outdoors as you explore. A complete list of your parks and their amenities can be found on our website, ashlandcountyparks.com. You will find everything from wetlands to trails, to playgrounds, and rivers. Enjoy fishing (catch and release), hiking, canoe and kayaking. Covered shelters provide a respite for picnics.
Audubon Wetlands Preserve
The wetlands open a window of adventure to wildlife and ecological diversity. Audubon Wetlands Preserve, 1379 Township Road 743, is a 215- acre park right here in Ashland. A 300-foot boardwalk crosses the marsh and is the only access to the main area of the park. It’s not the “Secret Garden,” but once you cross to the other side, you enter into a peaceful haven where nature speaks to you if you listen very closely. There are walking trails that loop around the edges of the park; gravel trails winding through woods, meadows, wetlands along the Jerome Fork River. This is home to many wildflowers that thrive in summer. The wetlands provide breeding grounds for salamanders, peepers, frogs, and toads. More than 96 species of birds have been identified within the park. There is even a Blue Heron Rookery near the river and a Bald Eagle’s nest on the preserve. Nature is inviting you to really see and appreciate her beauty. She puts on her finest just for you. Take your binoculars for up-close views and your camera to record your adventure.
Freer Field
Freer Field is another park located within the limits of Ashland at 1301 Park Street.
Two miles of hiking trails, a one-mile paved loop, playground, picnic area, restrooms, and shelter are offered here. The paved loop is stroller, walker and wheelchair friendly and circles a large grassy area. Bring your kites and frisbees! There are 30 acres of woods featuring hickories, oaks, and pine forest. The unique playground was designed to be used by children of all abilities. Parking is available off Park Street and by the barn. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy the open- air pavilion at the visitor center. The restrooms and lobby are open from dawn to dusk year-round. If you want more information about any of the parks, the visitor center office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm (except holidays) Freer Field is also the site of the annual Balloon Fest. Opening night for the event this year is Thursday, June 25.
More parks
If you are local in Ashland, these are two parks within walking distance or a short few minutes’ drive. No major planning or expense involved.
Plan a Saturday outing to a park you’ve selected that is outside the city limits. Begin your day with a visit to one of the local farmers’ markets, where you can fill your cooler and picnic basket with fresh produce, fruits, and breads. Make sure you take plenty of water. It is so very important to stay hydrated, especially the elderly and very young.
What park have you chosen? Still not too far. Will it be Ashland Fire Company Nature Cabin? Byers Woods? or Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park? If it is the 4th Saturday, Byers Woods offers a monthly bird walk, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. These are free and open to the public. For more information, you can contact park manager, Tim Leslie. Oh, what a day you will have visiting this awesome park! It includes well-maintained trails looping through grasslands, wetlands, and fishing ponds! The grasslands are home to dozens of butterfly species and grassland nesting birds. Most notable of these is the endangered bobolink, which live and nest in the park in great quantities. Because of this, the Greater Mohican Audubon Society (GMAS) holds a well-attended “Bobolinks and Butterflies Event” every year in June, GMAS has identified more then 161 different species of birds.
Aside from what you spent at the Farmers’ Market, visiting just these three parks has cost less than half a tank of gas. Wow! How more economical can it get? You have benefited from fresh air and sunshine and exercise. Most of all, precious time and memories with your family.
When you visit ACPD website, a map is provided with the location of each park. Take an evening and sit with the family. Decide which parks you will visit and when. Keep the picnic basket, water bottles, sunscreen and bug spray at the front entrance ready to be scooped up as you leave the house. Remember to dress for the weather. Parks are open rain or shine.
If you are a photographer, Ashland County Park District offers a monthly Facebook Photography Contest, sponsored by Fin, Feather, Fur Outfitters. Submit your unique photographs of the Ashland County Parks each month for a chance to win a Fin, Feather, Fur gift card. Contest rules and regulations can be viewed on our website.
Interested in an evening of entertainment where you can sit and listen to live southern gospel music? Mark your calendar for June 26, beginning at 6 p.m. and June 27, beginning at 3 p.m. at Sauers Farm Park, 260 Township Road 1601, Greenwich. This park is located off US Highway 224 at the border of Ashland and Huron County. For the 13th year, Independence Celebration Gospel Sing, hosts a great line-up of gospel groups. Seating is provided inside the Century Barn and delicious food is available by donation. Bring the family. Take time to explore this beautiful park. A playground and pavilion are adjacent to the Century Barn. Admission and parking are free.
Volunteer opportunities are always available. Every level of interest and talent are welcome and needed. Assisting with park programs or manning the booth at the fair are just two ways our volunteers help out. Call the park office, 419-289-3524, for more information or click the volunteer icon on our website ashlandcountyparks.com
Let us know how we are doing. Your feedback is always appreciated and taken seriously.
Enjoy your summer!
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Discover free summer getaways in Ashland County
Reporting by Karen Leonetti, Special to the Times-Gazette / Ashland Times Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
