Brookville Parks

The big park is Golden Gate Park. It is located on Upper Lewisburg and Brookville Salem roads. It covers a lot of land and is complete with a pond and creek plus lots of things for people. This park is a true oasis for wildlife because of large trees offering both food and shelter. There are ball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a special playground for kids. Numerous shelters dot the landscape and there are enclosed buildings that can be rented for special events. This is a great park for a small community and the city makes sure that it is well cared for. The park ball diamonds are heavily used on evenings and weekends. You'll find large crowds of moms and dads watching ball games. It is the home of the annual "Community Picnic."

The newest park is a "Welcome Park" loosely called ìGateway Parkî as it is the first thing travelers see when coming into town off the interstate. I suppose it is a kind of gateway to our city but it is also a reflection of what one might expect here. So the cleanliness of this park will be important. It is under construction and bright orange/red concrete walks dominate the scene.

Ward Park is just off Wolf Creek Street and while it is a neat place for anybody it doesn't attract large crowds of people. It is a nice place to just walk through or to set down and read a book. Playground equipment that once graced a popular eating establishment is on the site. The green space Ward Park offers the community is important to the area and to wildlife.

Westbrook Park is a spacious area with parking that is easy to get to off Westbrook Road and Arlington Road. It is primarily a soccer complex and the grounds are usually filled with people and cars on weekends.

The small Gruening Park on Market Street sets in the shadows of the Brookville National Bank. It offers a green space downtown. The city keeps this small park neat and clean and that is appreciated by those who pass by. Gruening Park does not attract people like you might expect.

The SK8 Park is behind the city building and police department. It is an asphalt covered lot with jumps and stands and is used by skateboarders. Like all parks in Brookville this park is as neat as a pin and appreciated by those who ride skateboards.

The meadows, woodlots and still waters of Sycamore State Park offer a great number of natural features in the midst of expansive farmland. Sycamore provides the perfect setting for picnicking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

Anglers will enjoy good catches of largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish in the park's ponds. Wolf Creek offers excellent stream fishing for smallmouth bass. Hunting is permitted on nearly 1,500 acres of park land with outstanding squirrel and deer hunting opportunities. This huge park complex is only a stones throw down Wolf Creek Pike. The park has its own website at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/sycamore.htm .

Maps of Golden Gate Park and the city are available on the city website at www.brookvilleohio.com or on my website at www.whizbanggraphics.com .