Southview Oak Savanna

Welcome to Southview Oak Savanna

Experience the Sylvania area’s globally unique natural history when you roam the Southview Oak Savanna.

After more than 10 years of care from The Olander Park System, and help from numerous volunteers, this 7-acre fragment of the globally rare Oak Openings Region has been nearly restored to its former glory, with much for visitors to see and enjoy.

Take in the beauty of rare wildflower species that have sprung to life after years of dormancy. Search for animal tracks that traverse the property. Listen for the whistling song of an indigo bunting and the gentle tap of a woodpecker. Count the varieties of butterflies and dragonflies while sharing the space that eastern box turtles now call home. It’s all possible on the savanna.

Southview Oak Savanna is home to walking trails that connect to the University Parks Bike Trail. Both provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the savanna’s scenery. Behold the progress that the savanna has made so far, keeping in mind that with sustained care, the area will continue to amaze us.

 

Sylvan Prairie Park

Welcome to Sylvan Prairie Park

The largest of the five TOPS locations, Sylvan Prairie Park offers something for nearly everyone.

This 240-acre park houses the 5.5-mile Quarry Ridge Bike Trail, making it a perfect spot for biking, walking, jogging and rollerblading. Pets are welcome, so grab your four-legged friend, snap on a leash and hit the trail!

If you’re looking for a more laid-back outing, Sylvan Prairie Park has two small lakes for fishing. The park is flourishing with native plants and wildlife, making it an excellent spot for exploring and enjoying the beauty and wonder that nature offers.

During winter, Sylvan Prairie Park offers a new and improved sledding hill with three different slopes. The sledding hill is available during open hours and when weather conditions permit.

All TOPS Parks are OPEN. To protect the community and our staff, please be considerate of each other and practice social distancing. Over-crowding may result in the closure of some facilities.

Playgrounds are now open. Help stop the spread and stay safe by:

  • Maintain appropriate physical distancing and avoid congregating

  • Face masks/coverings are highly recommended

  • Food or drink is not permitted into play area

  • Wash and/or sanitize your hands regularly

Please note: Although playgrounds are open, COVID-19 is still in our community; Use at your own risk.

 

Fossil Park

Welcome to Fossil Park

The Fossil Park Digging Pit is scheduled to open June 12 by Reservation Only. Click HERE to learn how to make a reservation. Current Open Hours for the Fossil Digging Pit are Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. The Quarry Ridge Trail remains open normal operating hours. 

Experience the life of a fossil hunter at one of only two prime Devonian Era sites on the entire planet, at a park that is unlike any other.

When your work is done, transport your treasures home where you can continue to learn, research and remember your adventure.

Nearly 375 million years ago, northwest Ohio was a great sea teeming with life. Now, Fossil Park is rich in fossilized brachiopods, coral and more than 200 species of prehistoric life. You’re going to dig exploring for these buried treasures, and the best part is, you get to keep whatever you find!

Fossil Park’s 5-acre, ADA accessible rock quarry allows you to search for world-renowned fossils in a safe, controlled environment. The fossils come from Hanson Aggregate Midwest’s large working quarries, located just a mile south of Fossil Park. The specimens are already in shale that is soft enough to break with your bare hands, making this an activity nearly anyone can enjoy.

Olander Park

Welcome to Olander Park

Whether you prefer activities on land or in the water, 60-acre Olander Park in Sylvania is a recreational oasis that’s sure to please.

At the center of it all is a spring-fed, 28-acre lake that’s perfect for fishing and boating.

For land lovers, there’s a 1.1 mile paved, ADA-accessible loop surrounding the lake that’s ideal for walking, jogging, rollerblading and bicycling. Blow off steam at one of the park’s three playgrounds or gather friends for a game on one of four sand volleyball courts.

Olander Park also features three facilities that are available to rent for wedding receptions, meetings, family reunions and more.

TOPS Update on COVID-19 Response (Updated 6/13/2020):

All TOPS Parks are OPEN. To protect the community and our staff, TOPS has taken the following measures:

Park Access Changes: All parking lots are open.

Olander Park Parking Fee:

  • Sylvania School District Residents & Members: Free

  • Non-Residents: Monday through Friday – $3; Saturday & Sunday – $5; Holidays – $7.

*There is no fee for parking in our other parks. 

Summer Amenities: We are excited summer amenities will be opening soon at TOPS! The dates below are tentative opening dates and are subject to change. Access will be by RESERVATION ONLY. Reservations will open beginning June 10 for Fossil Park and June 17 for the Swim Beach & Boat Rentals.

Lake Olander is now open for personal watercraft. Life jackets are required to be carried on board all personal watercrafts – one per person. All passengers younger than 11 years of age onboard a vessel must be wearing a life jacket. Life jackets must be worn at all times when operating a Stand Up Paddleboard on Lake Olander. Let us know you are on the water – check in with a TOPS staff member at the Bait & Boat Shop. No gas motors are allowed. Use at your own risk, as the water temperature of the lake is still very cold.

Programs: In-person programs will begin June 17. All classes and programs have been adapted to fit all social distancing and safety guidelines. Pre-registration is required. For a full list of summer programs, click HERE.

Virtual programs will continue throughout the summer. Check out the fun HERE!

Playgrounds are now open. Help stop the spread and stay safe by:

  • Maintain appropriate physical distancing and avoid congregating

  • Face masks/coverings are highly recommended

  • Food or drink is not permitted into play area

  • Wash and/or sanitize your hands regularly

Please note: Although playgrounds are open, COVID-19 is still in our community; Use at your own risk.

 

Park Closures & Adjustments

• Restrooms are for Emergency Use Only –please “go before you go”.
• Trash cans have been reduced–please carry your trash out.
• Rentals are CANCELLED through at least June 30.
•  Administrative Office is staffed at minimum levels Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, but will be open to the public by appointment only.

We want you to enjoy our parks but please be considerate of each other and practice social distancing. Over-crowding may result in the closure of some facilities.

For more information, please see our statements here: TOPS Updates to the COVID-19 Response