May 13, 2025, Press Release from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District:
Here are some of the programs and events being offered by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District this summer, plus dates for their programs at the Ottawa Metro Park Amphitheater!
BEGINNING ARCHERY
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer 2 Sessions of BEGINNING ARCHERY at the EVAN’S ARCHERY RANGE (1376 N. St. Mary’s Road Spencerville, OH) on Wed., May 28. Session 1 will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Session 2 will be from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy the great outdoors while learning a new skill! Participants ages 9-Adult are invited to join us on the range to explore this unique recreational sport and appreciate the role of archery in wildlife management. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique and important safety considerations. All materials will be provided by the Park District.
Participants must use the equipment provided. Wear closed toe-shoes and secure long hair. Please register for ONLY ONE EVENING SESSION. Register by May 27 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER VOLUNTEER OVERVIEW
On Wed. May 28 at 6:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT will offer a SUMMER VOLUNTEER OVERVIEW informational session at the PARK OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM (1682 Slabtown Rd., Lima, OH.)
Please join us to learn about volunteering at the park. This session will be held to provide an overview of opportunities during the spring and summer months in our Nature Education Dept., Natural Resources Dept., and more!
Following the overview, we help new volunteers get set up with our volunteer portal. First-time and long-time volunteers are welcome!
Register by May 28 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
FEEDING DAY
On Thurs., May 29 at 4:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will host FEEDING DAY at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
The Park District maintains several education animals in the McElroy Environmental Education Center, using them throughout the year for nature presentations and programs. Join the Critter Care volunteers to help (or watch) them clean and feed all our animals at 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month!
Register by May 29 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SKY FISHING
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer “SKY FISHING” at KENDRICK WOODS (971 N. Defiance Trail Spencerville, OH).
The last Friday of each month from May to Sept., a naturalist will set up equipment to go “sky fishing” - a way that scientists sample the insects flying through our night sky. Each month should bring new insects as different species emerge at different times of the year. Help is identify and record the insects we find or simply enjoy the show!
Event starts at sunset each month. Register by May 30 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – POLLINATOR PARTY!
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer POLLINATOR PARTY! as part of the METROPARK TRAILBLAZERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 5 & 6yr olds. This program will meet at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 6/3 & Wed. 6/4
9:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The world is positively buzzing with pollinators: bees, bats, butterflies, and more! Learn about and celebrate these tiny, but mighty animals that do so much good! For ages 5-6. Children are invited to come dressed in long pants and closed-toed shoes and socks for a hike in the woods and prairie. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack!
Registration along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 30th. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – ABC’S OF NATURE
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer ABC’S OF NATURE as part of the METROPARK TRAILBLAZERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 5 & 6yr olds. This program will meet at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 7/22 & Wed., 7/23 10:00am – 1:00 pm OR Thurs., 7/24 & Fri., 7/25 10:00am – 1:00 pm
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’S of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle.
Registration along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – HERP! HERP! HOORAY!
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer HERP! HERP! HOORAY! as part of the METROPARK DISCOVERERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 7 – 9 yr olds. This program will meet at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 6/17 & Wed. 6/18, 9:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Let’s get this party started and celebrate our native herptiles! During this 2-day camp children ages 7-9 will participate in interactive lessons and activity stations dedicated to learning all about Ohio’s awesome amphibians and remarkable reptiles. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack!
Registration along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by June 14. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – ROCK ON!
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer ROCK ON! as part of the METROPARK DISCOVERERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 7 – 9 yr olds. This program will meet at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 7/22, Wed., 7/23, & Thurs., 7/24 9:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children ages 7-9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack!
Registration along with a non-refundable $15 fee is required by July 19. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – “FUN”DAMENTALS OF ARCHERY
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer “FUN”DAMENTALS OF ARCHERY as part of the METROPARK EXPLORERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 9-14 yr olds. This program will meet at The ALLEN CO. FARM PARK (1582 Slabtown Rd., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 6/3 & Wed. 6/4 OR Thurs., 6/5 & Fri., 6/6 9:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2 – day camp, children 9- 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fun-damentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toed shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack!
Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable $15 fee is required by June 1. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SUMMER DAY CAMP – KAYAK ADVENTURES
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer KAYAK ADVENTURES as part of the METROPARK EXPLORERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 10-14 yr olds. This program will meet at the OTTAWA METRO PARK (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Tues., 7/15, & Wed., 7/16 OR Thurs., 7/17 & Fri., 7/18, 9:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Youth ages 10-14 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. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and a sack lunch. Dress to be outdoors and to get wet!
Registration along with a non-refundable $15 fee is required by July 11. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as we host our Summer OTTAWA METRO PARK AMPHITHEATER SERIES. Programs will meet at OTTAWA METRO PARK – AMPHITHEATER (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
The Park District is excited to offer summer amphitheater programs once again! Programs will be held on Saturdays throughout the summer with children’s programs being offered from 11:00 – 12:00pm. All amphitheater programs are FREE! No registration is needed. Seating provided.
May and June Dates:
May 31 – ROSCOMMON SESSIONS
7-9pm (Traditional Irish Music)
June 7 - 60’s SURVIVOR BAND
7-9pm (Cover Band for 60’s-80’s music)
June 14 – SOMEONE’S KIDS
7- 9 pm (Cover Band for 60’s – 80’s music)
June 21 – CHRIS ROWANDS
11am -12pm (Naturalist, Musician, Magician, Puppeteer)
