Green spaces in Mentor are vital to our community’s quality of life, which is why over 1,200 acres of parkland is available for the enjoyment of our residents and guests.
With 19 parks to choose from, you’ll find the perfect spot for any mood – whether it’s pickleball, kayaking, hiking, basketball, or anything in between, a nearby Mentor park is waiting to welcome you.
CITY OPERATED
8350 Carpenter Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
Carpenter Park features a baseball diamond with bleachers and a sledding hill. Paved parking.
8600 Munson Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
Civic Center Park, adjacent to the Mentor Municipal Center and the Mentor High School campus, is one of Mentor’s largest parks.
Civic Center Pool
Our largest aquatics facility, which includes an olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, children’s water play area, sand volleyball, and more.
Mentor Civic Arena
The Mentor Ice Arena features two indoor regulation-size ice rinks, a studio ice rink, pro-shop & concessions. Upstairs, you’ll find the Mentor Community Center – this newly remodeled facility is barrier-free and air conditioned with three rooms which may be rented together or independently based on your needs.
Mentor Civic Amphitheater
The state-of-the-art Mentor Civic Amphitheater hosts a number of events including concerts, theatrical performances, spoken work, dance and more. The facility features a 3,000 square-foot stage with 60-foot frontage, digital sound system, advanced LED lighting and twin 14 x 7 video screens.
Other Amenities
Civic Center Park also includes picnic grounds and shelter, large playground area, baseball/softball fields, 15 lighted pickleball courts, a basketball court, and paved bike path.
Events
Civic Center Park is home to many special events including July 4th Fireworks, Mentor Rocks, Mentor Cruise-In, Mentor CityFest, and more. Civic Center Park is also home to many of the Recreation Department’s day camps.
8537 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
The Commemorative Rose Garden was established in 1988 to mark the 25th anniversary of Mentor’s incorporation. The park features several benches, a small gazebo, commemorative walkways, shaded areas, and a variety of roses. The half-acre property was donated to the city by National City Bank on May 18, 2001.
A historic marker was erected in 2003 by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, City of Mentor, and The Ohio Historical Society and reads:
ROSE CAPITAL OF THE NATION
From the 1920s through the 1970s, Mentor was recognized as the Rose Capital of the Nation. Lake effect climate, a variety of soils, and abundant water made Mentor ideal for growing roses. Over a dozen growers produced about five million plants a year from their fields in Mentor. The Civic Center Complex was once a massive field of roses, and streets such as Tea Rose, Wyant, and Rosebud were named in honor of the blossoms that grew so abundantly here. Notable growers include Gerard K. Klyn, the largest rose grower in the Midwest; Joseph Kallay, who in 1932 received U.S. patent No. 10 for “Blaze;” Melvin E. Wyant, accredited rose grower, judge, and lecturer; Joseph J. Kern, nationally recognized expert on old fashioned roses; and Paul R. Bosley, who specialized in hybrid tea roses. By the 1970s, increased land values and development led to depletion of much of Mentor’s nursery lands. View the marker.
7556 Chillicothe Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
Originally known as Chillicothe Park, this 30-acre park was rededicated in 1995 in honor of former Mentor mayor and council president Donald E. Krueger who served on council from 1962 to 1989.
It is alight with activity each fall as Mentor’s outdoor “soccer central” with 4+ soccer fields, indoor and outdoor seating, indoor women’s and men’s barrier-free restrooms, playground area, small picnic pavilion w/ charcoal grills, and acres of open green space.
7221 Bellflower Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
Edward R. Walsh Park is a community park located within walking distance of schools, neighborhoods, and other parks. Originally opened in 1989 as Bellflower Park, it was rededicated in 2012 in honor of former councilperson Walsh who served for 35 years.
It includes a picnic pavilion, playground, two baseball/softball fields, restrooms, soccer, fishing pond with barrier-free dock, five tennis courts, two basketball courts, water spraypark, and 1-1/2 mile paved walkway.
The picnic pavilion is available for rental. It seats up to 120 people and includes charcoal grills, lights, and electric. Reserve the pavilion by calling (440) 974-5720.
7967 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
This 65-acre park is located right in the heart of Mentor. As one of our largest parks, Garfield Park includes a Community Recreation Center with barrier-free restrooms, an All People’s Playground, baseball/softball diamonds, basketball court, picnic pavilion, five-acre fishing pond, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, and wildlife area. Learn more.
7779 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH 44060 (Map)
Mentor Beach Park is a scenic, 13-acre park overlooking Lake Erie. While situated in Mentor-on-the-Lake, the City of Mentor owns and maintains the park that includes a two-story, lake front pavilion with barrier-free restrooms, a picnic grove, a playground and soccer field. Learn more.
6647 Hopkins Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
The Dog Park is a great place for dogs to come and play off leash. A small dog area and a large dog area allow unlimited play with dogs the same size.
Doggie water fountain, park benches, and a safe, fenced in entry/exit area make this park a pleasurable place to visit with other dog owners and provide your dog with exercise and socialization. A small dog area is included.
Park Rules
- Dog Park closes at dusk
- All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and must be licensed
- Aggressive dogs or dogs in heat are not permitted
- Keep pet leashed when not in exercise area.
- Always watch your dog – react immediately – control your dog.
- Dog owners are responsible for any accident or injury inflicted by their pet.
- Do not allow your dog to harass other dogs or persons.
- No kits, balls, stick throwing, or frisbees
- For their safety, children must be accompanied by an adult. No running or screaming as it may alarm a dog.
- Protect your dog and others from disease. “Scoop the Poop” – Please clean up after your dog.
- Area is to used for dog exercise only. Please refrain from bringing rawhide chews and toys.
- If Dog Park is crowded, please limit your stay and visit again.
- Enjoy your dog’s freedom while off leash!
8365 Harbor Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
This beautiful nature preserve is located in Mentor, right on the shores of Lake Erie. The 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina includes one and one half miles of shoreline with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh, mature oak bluff and crescent-shaped open waterways. Over three miles of hiking and biking trails encircle the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve providing four distinctly different vistas a view of the marina, Mentor Marsh, upland forest and Lake Erie shoreline. Learn more about the Nature Preserve or about Boating Opportunities.
9325 Rosemary Lane, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
This park is home to Morton Pool & Sprayground and also includes restrooms, a picnic pavilion, charcoal grills, a playground, and a basketball court.
Morton Park is adjacent to the Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve with access to walking trails, scenic lookouts and an abundance of wildlife.
Morton Pool and the picnic pavilion are both available for rental. Call (440) 974-5720 for more information.
7670 Buchanan Court, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
This neighborhood park is located off of Ohio Street and offers a picnic pavilion, small playground, basketball half-court, paved walking trails, and open green space. On-street parking is available adjacent to the park.
6776 Heisley Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
53-acre Springbrook Gardens property was purchased by the city in 2015 for $2.5 million to preserve the space and create a predominantly passive-use park. Since then, an additional $9.1 million has been invested including extensive regrading and soil enrichment of the entire property, channel stream restoration, native plantings, pond expansion, construction of a boardwalk and 1.7 miles of paved multi-use trails, a playground, two open-air picnic shelters, and the new Springbrook Gardenhouse.
Joseph P. Tiefenbach was an optometrist who lived and worked in our city. He served as Ward 1 Councilman from 1978 to 1984 was well as mayor in 1980 and 1981. During his tenure as mayor, he was dedicated to addressing crime and drug abuse among local youth. His initiatives included establishing a crime prevention program involving police officers, school officials, and judges, as well as creating a neighborhood block watch program for young people.
He passed away in March 1984 at the age of 55 after a brief battle with cancer. That July, Joseph P. Tiefenbach Memorial Park was dedicated near the intersection of Corduroy Road and Jordan Drive, with Ohio Governor Dick Celeste in attendance. The park was expanded in 2000 and enhanced in 2016 with the addition of pipes, rails, and ramps for skaters and bikers.
The site was once home to the Mentor Headlands Volunteer Fire Department. Today, it serves as a gathering place for the Headlands community.
8500 Civic Center Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
The Veterans Memorial stands at the entrance to the Civic Center Campus at Civic Center Boulevard and Center Street. It was created to honor the men and women, past and present, who have served to protect our freedoms. Designed and built by city employees with generous support from Mentor VFW Post 9295, the memorial was dedicated on September 24, 2006.
The VFW donated flagpoles and flags representing the five branches of the Armed Forces, along with a 30-foot-tall flagpole for the American Flag and POW Flag. Five concrete benches face a curved brick Patronus brick wall rising from a circular concrete base, symbolizing the circle of life.
It is a place for reflection and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
7645 Little Mountain Road. (Map)
Wildwood Cultural Center & Park is Mentor’s finest cultural gem and features a historic 25-room English Tudor style mansion nestled on a 34-acre estate.
The grounds include stately trees and beautiful gardens, 2-miles of hiking trails, barrier-free restrooms, picnic tables, and a wildlife area. Community garden space is also available annually. Learn more.
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OTHER PARKS
9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH 44060
The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its massive 35-acre Lake Erie beach. Besides providing exceptional sunbathing and swimming opportunities, Headlands Beach also offers unique beach glass hunting and phenomenal Lake Erie sunset viewing. Picnicking is available throughout the park and a paved hike/bike trail that runs along the park’s back dunes provides excellent views of the beach and lake.
The interaction of the lake, wind, and sand creates the rare lakeshore sand dune habitat which supports rare and unique plants, and helps position the park as one of Ohio’s premier birding locations. Additional wildlife viewing opportunities include nesting bald eagles, red fox, and the spectacular monarch butterfly migration. To help protect the beach and wildlife, visitors are asked to always carry-in/carry-out their litter. A newly created wetland will provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Headlands Beach State Park is owned and operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Learn more.
9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, located adjacent to Headlands Dunes State Park, is one of the last of its kind in Ohio. This community is much more than just an accumulation of sand along a shoreline. It is a living assemblage of fascinating and highly specialized plants and animals occurring in an environment too hostile for most other organisms to survive.
The preserve features 1 mile of hiking trails, an accessible boardwalk and observation deck. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails. Pets are not permitted. Learn more.
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
One of the largest natural marshes remaining along the Lake Erie shoreline, Mentor Marsh became Ohio’s first state nature preserve in 1971 and is wonderfully managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
The marsh is an important breeding and nursery area for several fish that live in Lake Erie. Mentor Marsh and the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve are among the best places in the state to witness spring migrations of songbirds. Great numbers of waterfowl, such as blue-winged teal, American wigeon, gadwall, American black duck, northern shoveler, and hooded merganser, also stop at the marsh during seasonal migrations.
Mentor Marsh trails are free and open year-round, dawn to dusk. The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center is open to the public on Sundays, noon to 5pm, from April through October. From November through March, the Nature Center is open 11am to 4pm on the first Sunday of the month. Special nature programs and guided hikes are offered at 2pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open. Hikes are free with registration. Learn more.
5730 Hopkins Road, Mentor, OH 44060 (Map)
Owned by the city of Mentor, but operated by Lake Metroparks, Veterans Park is home to the largest inland pond in the county and a remnant of original Ohio swamp forest.
The park offers four accessible fishing piers, a 1.78-mile loop trail though native wetlands with 830 feet of boardwalk, and a wetland/wildlife viewing area. The property was purchased from the Granger family by the City of Mentor in 1970 and was Mentor’s first neighborhood park. Learn more.
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