Van Wert City Parks
are involved with special
projects on an annual basis. Many projects
are established to maintain a well-rounded park system that will provide a high
quality of
life for the citizens of Van Wert. Several
projects are made possible through aggressive grant searches. Other projects are made
possible by the immense generosity of various civic organizations and individuals.
The Van Wert Rotary Club has
been very generous to the citizens by providing a pavilion with restrooms at Rotary Park
on the west side of the north reservoir, as well as the 2.7 miles of paved recreational
track around both reservoirs. Pictured is new
playground equipment that the organization purchased for Smiley Park. In addition, the club donated 18.5 acres of land
just north of Smiley Park in order to expand park facilities for development of soccer,
flag football, baseball and softball fields.
Van Wert Area School
Insurance Group obtained a
wellness grant that provided the exercise training stations around the recreational track
of the north reservoir.
The Centurions donated
benches for those who’d like to sit a while or take a rest as they utilize the track
at the Reservoir Recreation Area. The
Centurions have also assisted in purchasing a number of picnic tables for Jubilee Park.
The local area Jaycees maintain a
privately owned wooded park with a playground and pavilions that is open to the public. This park, Heistan Woods, is located at the
northeast corner of the Reservoir Recreational Area.
Van Wert Kiwanis Club designed the
landscaping around the Rotary Recreational Trail. This organization assumed the
responsibility for planting and completing the project within a five-year span. They also
help maintain the beds, pulling weeds and mulching.
The local Lions Club has adopted Jubilee Park by putting all their efforts into this park when planning community projects. In 1959 they constructed the first pavilion. As years went by, increased use of the park brought the need for an additional pavilion, which was constructed in 1997. The Lions have also assisted in the landscaping at Jubilee including bushes, several trees, and numerous peonies.
The Van Wert Men’s Garden Club has tended
numerous flower gardens within the city, including Memorial
Park, Smiley Park, and the corner of Ervin Road and South Washington Street.
The Van Wert County Foundation has funded park beautification projects, new park benches, and the reconstruction of the Fisher Field backstop. The foundation has also provided funding for the Holiday At Home fireworks display and the Fall Fright Festival.
Various individuals and organizations, not listed above,
have also been generous in their labor, gifts, and grants which have enhanced both our
city parks and other private parks that are open to the public.