June 30, 2026, Press Release from the Johnny Appleseed Park District:
Here are some of the programs and events being offered by the Johnny Appleseed Park District for the month of July!
HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB
On Tues., July 7, at 10:00 a.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB and meet at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK – HORNUNG SHELTER (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Homeschool Hiking Club invites families with children ages 6-10 on a monthly hike to connect with nature, engage with their community, and explore the forest ecosystem in each season. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Register by July 5 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the park office at 419-221-1232.
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer a WEEKLY WALKS on Thurs., July 16 at 9:00 a.m., OTTAWA METRO PARK (2632 Ada Rd., OH ).
Enjoy the quiet summer mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Ottawa Metro Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages welcome, and we can set our own pace.
Dress for the weather – rain or shine! Register by July 15 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the Park office at 419-221-1232.
KAYAKING 101
The Johnny Appleseed Park District is offering KAYAKING 101 at OTTAWA METRO PARK – LIMA LAKE (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH) for ages 18 and older. Program dates and times are Wed., July 8 at 9am OR 10:30am.
Join us on the water at Lima Lake and learn the basics of kayaking! In our program, participants will learn from certified instructors how to safely and effectively launch and paddle a kayak. Instruction will be provided on parts of boat, proper safety gear and how to get out on the water. No prior experience is required.
Limited space is provided. Pre-registration is required and will close 2 days prior to the program. Register by online at www.jampd.com or contacting the Park office at 419-221-1232.
AMPHITHEATER PROGRAM
On Sat., July 11, at 7:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT will host FJBOEROG in our AMPHITHEATER PROGRAM SERIES held at OTTAWA METRO PARK (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
After touring all over NW Ohio from 1973-80, the band is back re-living those classic rock/pop memories. Nostalgic hits that are sure to get you reminiscing and celebrating summer!
For information on this and other programs, contact the Park office at 419-221-1232.
DAY CAMP: KAYAK ADVENTURES
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT is offering KAYAK ADVENTURES at OTTAWA METRO PARK – LIMA LAKE – BOAT RAMP (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH). Program dates and times are Thurs., July 16 & Fri., July 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Youth, ages 16 - 18 years old, are invited to learn to kayak! With the support of the ODNR Boating Safety Education Grant, we’ll learn safe boating practices and do some kayaking. This class focuses on kayaking basics, kayak safety, and kayak games on the water.
Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, closed-toed water shoes and a light snack. Dress to be outdoors and to get wet! Meet at the boat ramp near Lima Lake. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 in required by July 6.
Register online at www.jampd.com or contacting the Park office at 419-221-1232.
AMPHITHEATER PROGRAM
On Sat., July 18, The Johnny Appleseed Park District will host DR. INSECTA and TRILOGY BAND at the OTTAWA METRO PARK – AMPHITHEATER (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Entertainment will begin with Dr. Insecta at 11:00 a.m. We invite you and your family to meet Dr. Insecta! He will introduce you and yours to some of the coolest live insects on the planet! Fun facts about each critter will be shared, and volunteers are encouraged to experience their own close encounters with these gentle giants.
We will keep the fun rolling with the Trilogy Band at 7:00 p.m. The popular Ohio-based Trilogy Band is known for their classic rock, pop, and country covers from the 1980s through today. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
