Aeraland Recreation Area

Aeraland Recreation Area

1141 Township Road 243 Fostoria, Ohio 44830

Official Website

Tips for Birding

The best places for birds are the gravel path leading to Goose Lake and the old lagoons. The gravel path to Goose Lake can be found at the south end of the parking lot. For the lagoons, look northeast from the parking lot. You will see a stand of evergreens roughly 300 yards away. The lagoons are just in front of this grove.

About this Location

Aeraland is located off OH-12 or US-224, between Findlay and Arcadia. Take Township Road 243 traveling northeast and the park is located on the east side, just north of Arcadia.

Formally called Aeraland, short for Atlas Employee Recreation Area, the parkland was originally created for the employees, families, and guests, and retirees of the Atlas Crankshaft Corporation located in Fostoria as a private recreational area. Operating funds were generated by a percentage of sales that came from vending machines in the employee canteen.

Originally opening on July 12, 1981, the park housed a swimming pool, a variety of recreational courts, parking lots, and picnic areas among other features. In coming years, other attractions would be added including a fishing pond.

After the Fostoria plant closed in 1999, the company had to dispose of assets and the Aeraland Board could no longer responsibly manage the park. The property was donated to the Washington Township trustees who oversaw the maintenance until December 2012 when it was given to the Hancock Park District.

The parkland covers 75 acres of rolling hills, forest, and meadows, and the south branch of the Portage River runs through it. Aeraland Recreation Area reopened in September 2013 and is now enjoyed by the public.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

Content from Official Website and Bob Sams