The Olander Park System

What’s Up at TOPS this Month?!

May 9: Bluebirds, blue racers, blue lupine, oh my! TOPS and the Oak Openings Green Ribbon Initiative invites you to celebrate Blue Week 2021 coming next week! Join us for nature hikes, workshops, online presentations, and DIY adventures to help us celebrate the unique species that call the Oak Openings Region home. In-person and virtual events are scheduled beginning May 10 to May 16!
- Full list of events available at www.oakopenings.org/blue-week TOPS will be installing a new storybook trail at Olander Park on May 10 with companion virtual programs available online at www.olanderpark.com/virtualprograms
May 7: Exciting things are happening at Whetstone Park and Olander Park! These improvements to both parks mean a little construction, so please make sure to stay clear of any marked areas.
- With funds awarded to TOPS from the Recreational Trail Program, a new paved walking loop is being installed at Whetstone Park. Construction should take approximately two weeks.
- The Culvert Bridge in the north end of Olander Park is currently being replaced with a completion date of Monday, May 10. Special thanks to Northern Concrete Pipe and Hanson Aggregate for donating materials to complete this project.
- The Nederhouser Community Hall is getting a refresh! A fresh coat of paint and new cabinets have been installed in the kitchen. Plus! Construction of a new patio, arbor, and firepit is almost complete!

May 3: May is Bike Month! Olander Park & the Quarry Ridge Bike Trail that connects Sylvan Prairie Park and Fossil Park are wonderful, easy trails perfect for the whole family.
- In May, TMACOG (Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments) supports recreational bicycle riders and works to encourage the use of bikes for commuting and errands. You can participate in their Bike Trail Challenge and get all kinds of awesome rewards!
- Check out these links for more information! Bike Trail Challenge: https://tmacog.org/transportation/walking-biking/bike-month
- Resources & Safety Info https://tmacog.org/transportation/walking-biking

May 1: The weather is perfect to get out on a TOPS trail and complete the first mile in the WALK THIS MAY Challenge. Complete 31 Miles in 31 Days and Earn a Prize! This program is FREE to the community and is open to all ages and abilities. To be eligible for the prize, all participants must be registered by May 14.
- Register online at olander.recdesk.com/Community/Program
- Download the log sheet at www.olanderpark.com/wellnesschallenge or pick up the form in the lobby of the administrative office at Olander Park.

April 28: Check out the NEW storybook along the trail at Olander Park provided by Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, Inc.! Enjoy reading, exercising, and family time all in one as your read the childhood classic, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. The story starts at the north end of the park by the new playscape. This story will be available along the trail until at least mid-May. For more fun, check out some companion activities on our website at www.olanderpark.com/virtualprograms
April 19: Fossil Park is officially open for hunting! No reservations required. The digging area is open 8:30am to 90 minutes prior to sunset 7 days a week. Stay safe by following all CDC/ State of Ohio pandemic guidelines, and TOPS safety rules. For more details including how to schedule an unguided trip for your group, check out this link: www.olanderpark.com/olanderpark/fossil-park