Growing up in Findlay, a city of 40,000 in Northwest Ohio, I had everything I needed.
It had plenty of restaurants, a movie theater, parks, stores, gas stations, my bank and a bowling alley from when I was an avid bowler.
It’s also like when people use gas stations today as their one-stop shop. Wawa opened in Mount Carmel about six months ago, and it’s a well-equipped gas station with many amenities. Back home, Findlay has Sheetz, which offers made-to-order options for almost everything. Locally, United Dairy Farmers — especially the newer ones — stock nearly everything people need.
If you are a park enthusiast in Clermont County, the Batavia Township Community Center and Park offers a diverse range of activities.
Aside from Locust Corner Park & Trails, the Batavia Township park is another favorite for Lucy and me on our weekly walks.
THE BATAVIA TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARK
Dedicated in 2009, the grounds include the Batavia Township Veterans Memorial. Its centerpiece is a Humvee that primarily served in Bosnia. The Memorial Plaza honors our Nation’s Military Branches, as well as veterans and active duty members.
Located at 1535 Clough Pike, the park is 71 acres, including a .57-acre pond that has fishing access and offers trails in the wooded section located on the northern side of the park near Clough Pike. The park has 1 1/4 miles of paved walking trails — officially known as the Louis Moore Memorial Walking Trail — with benches located along the trail. Lucy and I usually find a way to walk about 1 1/2 miles with an extra loop around the main parking lot.
For dog lovers, the Township maintains the one-acre David J. Stricker Dog Park, located on the park’s southwestern edge, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs and benches for owners.
The park has two separate playgrounds with swings. A sand volleyball court, tetherball, corn hole boards, basketball courts, pickleball courts and a sports complex.
The Batavia Township park is striking. That was my immediate impression when we began our walks last year. It’s spacious, well-maintained and bustling nearly all day.
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