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

 

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.

The Quarry Ridge Bike Trail, parking lot, and bathrooms are open year-round.

The Fossil Park Digging Pit is scheduled to open for the season on Monday, April 19! 

  • Important Visitor Information

    • To begin the season, we will NOT be requiring pre-registration to visit as we did last year. This may change based on visitation numbers. All changes will be posted on the website and social media.

    • Please remember to follow all State of Ohio Health Guidelines:

      • Maintain appropriate physical distancing from those not in your immediate family (6ft) and avoid congregating.

      • Face masks/coverings are highly recommended.

      • Food or drink is not permitted in the digging area with the exception of water for warm days.

      • Wash and/or sanitize your hands regularly.

      • If you feel ill, please postpone your visit until you feel better.

      • If you or someone you have been in contact with has recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, please stay home and wait the recommended days designated by the CDC before visiting the park.

    • The Fossil Park Digging Quarry will be staffed weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend. Details coming soon.

Field Trips

    • At this time, we will not be scheduling guided field trips. If you would like to schedule an unguided trip, please click here to schedule a date and time. You will receive a confirmation email from our Program Coordinator within 5 days. We hope to resume guided trips in the fall.

      • If you have questions, please email programs@olanderpark.com or call 419-882-8313, ext. 1004.

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.

Trout Derby News: Due to the pandemic, TOPS will be postponing the 30th Annual Trout Derby to next spring 2022. ODNR is scheduled to stock Lake Olander with trout the week of April 26. Please note: Anglers age 16 and older are required to have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler with no minimum size limit. TOPS plans to hold a Family Fishing Weekend June 19 & 20 at Olander Park. Details coming soon.