There are 21.2 acres of parkland called Countryside Park adjacent to the RecPlex. Washington Township acquired a portion in 1988 when it purchased the South Suburban YMCA for use as a community recreation center and the remainder in 1990 when Tom Stolz bequeathed it to the Township.
Current amenities include a lake, 2 ponds, historic cabin, A-Frame shelter, lakeside shelter, kayak launch/dock at Bass Lake, pedestrian bridge over Heron Pond, sports fields, and walking trails. Future developments include a boardwalk/fishing pier at Turtle Pond, Gateway Plaza with interactive fountain, outdoor performance/programming space and public restrooms, Paragon Road entrance, maintenance facility, enhance parking and trail connectivity.
Countryside Park is used extensively for outdoor programs, sport leagues, summer camps, special events like Woodland Lights and community rentals.
Click Here for Countryside Park Policies
For information about more Recreation facility rentals, check here.
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Cabin
The historic cabin was moved to Countryside Park in 1984 when the park was owned and operated by the YMCA. It was built by Abraham A Roades circa 1802 and discovered in 1981 as the original part of house in Brushcreek Township, Highland County, 10 miles southeast of Hillsboro, Ohio on Sinking Springs Road (now Route 124) at the southwest corner of Stanley Road.
The log structure and additions were covered with lap siding, contributing to the good condition the logs are in today. The cabin was donated to the South Suburban YMCA (now Washington Township RecPlex) by Grace and Robert Beischel and rebuilt on this site by Tom Stolz, donor of Countryside Park.
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Pedestrian Path
A 1.3 mile paved, accessible, pedestrian path snakes through Countryside Park. The park is pet friendly for animals on a leash and responsible owners who pick up after their pets. Enhanced pathways and park connectivity are included in the park master plan.
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Lake and Ponds
Turtle Pond is located adjacent to State Route 725; Heron Pond is situated directly behind the RecPlex; Bass Lake is in the northeast corner of the park and a vernal pond is centrally located. Amenities include an accessible kayak launch/dock and lakeside shelter at Bass Lake, pedestrian bridge over Heron Pond and a boardwalk/fishing pier planned for Turtle Pond.
Fishing is allowed by those 16 and older with a fishing license. Youth 15 and younger do not need a license. The Optimist Fishing Derby is held annually in Countryside Park.
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A-Frame Shelter (Capacity - 40)
The A-Frame Shelter is located to the East of the RecPlex, at the front of Countryside Park. Picnic tables, playgrounds and green space are amenities available at and near the shelter. The shelter is scheduled for renovation in 2025.
The A-Frame may be reserved by residents of Washington Township/Centerville only. Those patrons who have reserved the shelter will have priority to use the shelter over all other visitors at the park.
Resident Rentals - $0
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Stolz Building
The Stolz Building is located to the rear of the RecPlex. This building was the original landscape office and apartments for Thomas Stolz, longtime owner/operator of Countryside Nursery who donated the park to Washington Township to be "used only as a nature preserve for recreational enjoyment of all persons in perpetuity."
The building is primarily used for maintenance and storage. |
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Sports Fields
There are 3 open spaces for outdoor sports programming. The main field has a backstop for baseball/softball and a set of semi-permanent full size soccer goals. The other two open spaces are fully grassed and can be set up for sports programs. These fields are used on a first-come, first serve basis when no Washington Township programs are taking place. |
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Playgrounds
The park has two themed playgrounds funded, in part, by the Yukta Garg Memorial Foundation- the Butterfly Playground and the Nature Sound Playground.
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Gardens
In addition to funding vernal pond improvements, grants from the Levin Family Foundation created a pollinator garden where the park and foundation properties meet.
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Park Map
