"DISCOVER YOUR HANCOCK PARKS" all seasons. New adventures await visitors 365 days a year, dawn to dark, with year around parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. A network of public facilities remain open free of charge with clean, safe, natural parks thanks to Hancock County voters who renew a park levy periodically.

What's New

Riverside Landing Boat Rentals Open For The 2008 Season Sunday May 18

Hancock Park District's Riverside Landing Boat Rental Concession will open for the 2008 season on Sunday, May 18.  Park visitors are invited to tour "Down by the Old Mill Steam" to see spring wildflowers and wildlife along the banks of the historic Blanchard River.  The Park District makes watercraft rentals available to give area residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Blanchard River through the concession located in the City of Findlay’s Riverside Park along the waterfront.  Renting canoes, pedal boats and kayaks, new to the watercraft fleet this year, are two new single seat kayaks. 

Boat livery operations are open weekends and holidays, 1 to 7pm through Labor Day, September 1. In the event of high water or hazardous conditions, the concession may be closed at the discretion of the HPD staff.  Launch times at Riverside close at 6pm for one-hour rentals and 6:30pm for half-hour rentals. Interested renters should keep in mind that rentals for all watercrafts are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Rental rates for all types of watercrafts, with a complete outfitting of life jackets and paddles, are set at $5.00 per half hour rental period during regular open hours. Other rates and details for special features include all day canoe float trips, company picnics/family reunions, and group rentals after hours can be obtained and arranged by contacting the HPD office during open hours, Monday through Friday, 8am – 4:30pm.  Arrangement for groups must be confirmed through the HPD office at least one week in advance with fees paid at the HPD office.  A $1.00 discount coupon can be downloaded on-line at www.HancockParks.com  under the Recreation session and redeemed at the HPD concession during regular open hours. 

For additional information regarding boat rentals, facilities or activities of the Hancock Park District contact the HPD office located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, or call 419-425-7275 during open hours, M-F, 8 am – 4:30 pm or the Riverside Landing Boathouse, during open hours only, at 419-423-1902.
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Too Old for Day Camp?

Conservation Stewardship Days may be just the ticket. New this year for teens ages 13-15, who have an interest in helping out the environment, is a summer program for young minds learning and growing through the summer months. Each day learning and stewardship activities will be integrated in a hands-on approach with river monitoring and inventorying, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and habitat management. Sessions consist of two consecutive Thursdays, in a two week period.  Teens may enroll in any or all sessions. Participants must register with $10 per session, no later than one week before each session begins. Call for park locations and more details.

Session 1: June 19 & 26 (June 12)

Session 2: July 10 & 17 (July 3)

Session 3: July 31 & August 7 (July 24)
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Kids Just Want to Have Fun

Everyone has heard the phase “kids just want to have fun” and what kid doesn’t? Hancock Park District summer day camp experiences can help fill up the summer school break and keep young minds energized as they learn about their natural environment, early pioneer history, or discover a new outdoor recreational activity.  Now more than ever it’s important to keep your kids connected to their natural environment.

HPD is cooperating with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in providing outdoor recreational opportunities to get kids outdoor to “Explore the Outdoors”.  The ODNR has a statewide outreach and public awareness campaign designed to help Ohio’s children unite with nature, live more active, healthier lives, enjoy the natural treasures of our parks, forests, flora and fauna – and discover the rewards of becoming environmental stewards.  Statics prove that kids spend more than six hours per day on video games, TV’s and computers; which continues to disconnect children from their natural world.   Numerous studies document that children who are in touch with their natural environment are healthier, do better in school, have social skills and self-image, and lead more fulfilled lives.

The HPD and ODNR want to help your children reunite with nature, live more active, healthier lives, and enjoy the natural treasurers of our local and state parks this summer.  Now is the time to get your kids “connected” by providing them with outdoor opportunities to explore and be challenged to learn something new and exciting that could provide them with life long benefits.  Learn more about the ODNR campaign at any HPD bulletin board in all major park locations.   

All HPD summer camps are conducted by professional staff members.  Space is limited in each camp to provide a quality and safe experience for each camper.  Registration and medical forms can be obtained by calling the HPD office or downloaded below. Please call the Park District office at 419-425-7275 for further information.   

2008 camps include:

Budding Naturalist Camp (ages 6 - 8) 
Tuesday & Wednesday – June 17 & 18
9am-1pm - Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Participate in nature-based activities that open the mind and move the body. $25 fee, per camper, register by June 9.

Pioneer Camp (ages 9 - 12)
Tuesday & Wednesday – June 17 & 18
9:30am-1:30pm - Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Campers will learn more about early history in Hancock County through chores, games, music, visit the historic McKinnis House, snacks and crafts.  $25 fee, per camper, register by June 9.

Junior Naturalist Camp (ages 8 - 12)
Tuesday thru Thursday – June 24 -26
Tues. – Riverbend Recreation Area
Wed. – Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discover Center
Thurs. – Riverside Park, Waterfalls Pavilion
Get ready to explore and get a close-up look at habitats through hiking, canoeing, and participating in activities and games. Please bring lunch and drink. $35 fee, per camper, register by June 16.
2008 Summer Camp Brochure (pdf)
Day Camp Emergency Medical Form (pdf)
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Revised Hancock Friends Of The Park Sponsor Dayton Bus Trip

The Hancock Friends of the Parks have revised their Dayton bus trip to a single day trip to hopefully fill up the bus.  This one day trip will take us to Dayton “The Birthplace of Aviation”  on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.  We begin our morning at Carillon Historical Park showcasing Dayton's rich legacy of invention and milestones in transportation that changed the nation.  Carillon Park is home to the Wright Flyer III and also the largest carillon in Ohio.  A picnic lunch will be served at the park before the guided tour of 25 structures.

Then it's off to Cox Arboretum & Gardens, part of the Five Rivers Metroparks, with its hands-on arboretum and numerous specialty gardens that allow visitors to experience, learn, see, touch and smell the natural beauty of the land.  A tram service will be used to help the group get around more quickly to enable us to see and enjoy the 189 acres. Afterwards, there will be some free time to roam the ground and enjoy the gift shop before leaving.

Dinner will be served inside the former Dayton Corn and Grist Mill known today as Jay's Seafood. Constructed in the 1850's, the structure houses a 5,400 pound Honduras Mahogany bar that was crafted in 1882 among other historical furnishings.  The restaurant has received many honors for its seafood cuisine. There is a lot to see and do in Dayton.

Cost per person is $85 per person and is due by July 1, 2008 .  A limited amount of space remains. A complete agenda can be furnished upon request by calling the Hancock Park District at 419-425-7275 Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

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