- You Are Here
- Home
- Government
- Public Works
- Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
What We Do
Our charge is to manage the continued development, security and overall maintenance of the city parks, recreational sites, the riverwalk/bikeway, as well as recreational programming and activities, including the operation of local splash pads. We also oversee the management of the Urban Forest which includes the trees located on city owned property throughout the Lima community.
Our Parks
We have nearly 400 acres of land that we maintain annually. Included in the green space use are rental opportunities for shelter houses and other park facilities. We also supervise a number of adult and youth activities ranging from our Summer Playground program to Softball, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball and Chess.
Our Park Rangers administer the safety and security of not only the parks, recreational sites and recreation programming, they also assist with the surveillance of the reservoir system for the city.
If we can be of any help or assistance to you, please feel free to give us a call Opens in New Window .
If you are interested in seasonal work, please fill out our seasonal employment application Opens in New Window .
PERMITS, APPLICATIONS, PROGRAMS & FORMS
PARK NEWS
Lincoln Park All-Inclusive Playground Dedicated
The City of Lima's Parks & Recreation Division recently dedicated the newest renovated playground in December of 2019. The design for the Lincoln Park playground focused on all-inclusive play and provides an enclosed play space with play features that are accessible to children of all abilities.
Additional Licoln Park improvements included in this project are a paved parking lot with upgraded drainage, accessible sidewalks and newly planted trees.
The playground improvements at Lincoln Park are part of the playground overhaul initiative started in 2017 for all of the playgrounds in Lima. A project of this magnitude could not be possible without the support and financial backing of the following entities: ODNR Nature Works, Lima Memorial Health Systems, Ford, Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, City of Lima, American Athletix & the Kenney Family.
City of Lima Park Rangers Honored
Congratulations to the City of Lima’s Park Rangers who were honored at the 2019 Allen County Pedestrian Task Force Banquet. The Rangers received Advocates of the Year awards for their participation in the Summer "Ride With a Ranger" program. The program was developed by the Rangers to encourage bicycle enthusiasts to take advantage of the Ottawa Riverwalk, not only for exercise but for entertainment as well.
Be sure to join in on next year’s program and take advantage of all that the Ottawa Riverwalk has to offer!
Investing in the future of our playgrounds...
June 2017 - Lima City Council approved two ordinances as part of a $1 million dollar renovation/upgrade to the city's playground equipment over the next four years. Council's approval will allow the Public Works Department to revamp and upgrade all 13 playgrounds located within eight of Lima's parks throughout this endeavor. Council authorized the Public Work's Department to enter into contracts with GameTime, a PlayCore Company, and Kompan, Inc. to renovate, redesign and enhance the playground equipment at Robb Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Faurot Parks Shelter 2 and Tot Lot for the 2017 calendar year. Future
Future upgrades will include improvements in Schoonover Park, Hover Park, Cook Park, Kibby Corners and the Skate Park. Our goal is to improve our playground equipment to integrate learning, fitness and social interaction to promote and enhance healthy lifestyles and create an environment that allows everyone the opportunity to participate, regardless of their age or physical capabilities. Get a brief presentation on the scope of the project (PDF) Opens in New Window here.
Allen County Health Department Promotes Healthy Public Spaces
Tobacco Free Public Spaces/Events:
There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure. To reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, the Allen County CHC program is working with cities, villages, and townships to adopt tobacco free public spaces/events in parks, communities, and other outdoor areas.
Take a brief survey regarding community feedback on a smoke-free environment. SURVEY
If there is an event or public space you would like to see implement a tobacco-free or smoke-free policy, contact the CHC Project Coordinator at 419-228-4457.
For additional Tobacco Free Living information.
Get information on Smoke Free Living.
CITY OF LIMA PARKS
- Baxter Park
- Buttonbush Wetland Preserve
- Collett Street Recreation Area
- Cook Park
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
- Faurot Park
- Hover Park
- Kibby Corners Park
- Lincoln Park
- Lima Stadium Park
- Oxford/Vine Street Soccer Fields
- Robb Park
- Schoonover Park
Useful Links
- Parks & Recreation Facebook
- Activate Allen County Bike Map (PDF)
- Allen County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Building Our Future Committee
- Downtown District Walking Routes (PDF)
- Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks
- Lima Astronomical Society
- Lima Astronomical Society - Facebook
- Ottawa River Coalition
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources
- Safety City