Dog walking in Van Wert

Van Wert

Downtown Van Wert includes a commercial center surrounded by primarily residential streets. Check out the Wassenberg Art Center on South Washington Street. Walk through the sculpture garden, view the exhibits, or sign up for an art class here. To spend time outdoors with your fur baby, stroll down the street to Fountain Park at the corner of Jefferson and Main. This two-acre facility includes a walkway, open space, tables, and a gazebo. Meet up with a friend or bring a book and catch up on your reading while your special pal rests by your side. Control your pup with a lead or cord.

Smiley Park

The Smiley Park neighborhood, on the west side of town, is mainly a residential area. There are single-family homes, duplexes, and the county airport in this section of the city. You'll find a paved pathway along Maddox Creek where you and Spot can enjoy a walk by the water. A furrific place for the family to participate in outdoor recreation is Smiley Park. This 29.4-acre facility includes a playground, athletic fields, a fishing pond, open space, and a picnic area. Play in the grass with your leashed fur baby, then join the rest of the crew to have an outdoor meal together.

Cherry/Sycamore

The neighborhood around Cherry and Sycamore Streets includes houses, an apartment complex, a few churches, and some businesses. To learn the history of the area, head to the Van Wert County Historical Society and tour the Clark Mansion. To the north, there's a pawesome park where you and your canine companion can get outdoors together. Jubilee Park has playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic pavilions, a peony garden, and some open space. Practice fetch or obedience drills on the grass with Fido, then take a break at one of the tables. Keep your pooch on a cord or lead and collect any waste while here.

Southeast VWT

In the Southeast VWT neighborhood, you'll find some churches, houses, and a few businesses. Visit the Van Wert Civic Theatre in this area for local, live performances. Walk your furry pal down the street to Franklin Park to get exercise. This facility is a work-in-progress that includes a lawn area, playgrounds, a walking path, and a pavilion. Let your kids play on the equipment while you and your four-footed friend jog along the perimeter walkway. Finish your day with a picnic here. Make sure you control your pup with a cord or leash. Carry bags to collect and dispose of any messes.

Greenville Rd

At the far south end of town, you'll find the Greenville Road neighborhood. There are private residences, some farms, medical centers, and a golf club here. For your outdoor recreational enjoyment, head to Rotary Park off South Washington Street. The facility includes a picnic pavilion, a public boat ramp, and walking trails. Get a permit from Parks and Recreation so that you can launch your boat in the south reservoir to go fishing. On land, take your pooch on the 3.75-mile paved walking loop that circles the city reservoirs. Control Fido with a cord or leash and remember to scoop any droppings.