Countryside Park

Exciting improvements are being made to Countryside Park! For complete details about the project, check out the Countryside Park Master Plan.

March 2026 Update - Countryside Park Phase II Construction Underway

We ask that park visitors exercise caution when accessing the park during construction and observe all directional signage.

South Sections: Access to the park is limited at this time due to construction. Vehicle access by the general public is prohibited at this time. The playgrounds, A-Frame Shelter and ball field are OPEN. Pedestrian access is maintained, and visitors should plan to park in the front parking lots and use caution when accessing these areas due to construction traffic. Please note we are not taking reservations for the A-Frame Shelter until further notice. It is available on a first-come, first serve basis.

North Section: Access at this time to the north section/Bass Lake area is very limited and at times not possible due to intermittent closures. Please observe all signage and use caution when entering construction areas. Access to the northern section is primarily limited to neighboring residents/businesses only at this time.

Vehicle parking and park access between our two main buildings is restricted due to ongoing construction involving the new Gateway Plaza; vehicle and pedestrian travel between the buildings may be intermittently prevented due to construction in the roadway.

Construction is anticipated to end in December 2026. Click here for the Park Master Plan renderings.

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, two ponds, historic cabin, A-Frame shelter, Bass Lake Shelter, kayak launch/dock at Bass Lake, pedestrian bridge over Heron Pond, boardwalk/fishing pier at Turtle Pond, sports fields, and walking trails. Future developments include a Gateway Plaza with interactive fountain, outdoor performance/programming space and public restrooms, Paragon Road entrance, enhanced parking, and trail connectivity. Construction is anticipated to take place in several states through 2030.

Countryside Park is used extensively for outdoor programs, sport leagues, summer camps, special annual events like Lantern Fest, Woodland Lights and the Cruise-In to the Ice Cream Social.

Use the links below to learn more about Countryside Park amenities,or click here for information about additional Recreation Department facility rentals and birthday party packages.

Due to ongoing construction, we will not be taking reservations for the A-Frame Shelter until further notice. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Rental Fees:

Residents: $0

Facilty Rentals

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 180 and discovered in 1981 as the original part of a 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.

Cabin at Countryside Park

In addition to funding vernal pond improvements, grants from the Levin Family Foundation created a pollinator garden where the park and foundation properties meet.

Garden Garden

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 at Turtle Pond.

Fishing is allowed by those age 16 and older with a fishing license. Youth (age 15 and younger) do not need a license.

The Centerville Noon Optimist Fishing Derby is held annually in Countryside Park.

Bass Lake Shelter Accessible Kayak Launch

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 Countryside Park Master Plan.

Pedestrian Path in Park

The park has two themed playgrounds, funded in part by the Yukta Garg Memorial Foundation -- the Butterfly Playground and the Nature Sound Playground.

Nature Sound Playground Butterfly Playground

There are three 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-served basis when no Washington Township programs are taking place.

Facilty Rentals

Contact Our Department

Recreation Department 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road
Dayton, Ohio 45459
Phone: 937-433-0130
EmailSend us a message

Countryside Park