DeRivera Park

DeRivera Park

A lovely green oasis in the middle of the Village of Put-in-Bay, DeRivera Park provides visitors and islanders a respite from the bustling downtown. Picnic tables, playgrounds, and public facilities are all offered in the park.

Founded in honor of the original owner of South Bass Island, Joseph DeRivera St. Jurgo, DeRivera Park is just over 5 acres of waterfront property right in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay. During a nice summer’s day, you can take a seat in the park and watch as people move about downtown, or you walk around the park and check out the memorials throughout the park that are dedicated to the history of the island. You could always visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the island.

DeRivera Park Details

The downtown of Put-in-Bay lines the banks of DeRivera Park making it easily accessible no matter where you are coming from. It is right down the street from the Put in Bay Yacht Club and with the Put in Bay docks and dockmaster being located right across the street, the Jet Express terminal is mere seconds from here, making it a pleasant first stop after your journey across the lake.

The park itself contains large, leafy trees that offer shady spots to throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Grab one of the picnic tables and host a BBQ with your friends and family. There are two BBQ pits perfect for cookouts.

Folks gather here throughout the summer to grill up perch and walleye caught fresh in lake Erie and enjoy each other’s company. Follow the Put-in-Bay Ohio blog to keep up with all the events that happen at the park. There is also a much larger grill located close to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument.

A stunning fountain sits in the center of the park. Made from cement and local stone, it was originally built by three local businessmen. While it once was home to some goldfish, the fountain now functions as a wishing well with all coins donated to Put-in-Bay’s local EMS force. Make a wish and contribute to this vital island institution.

Rent the gazebo in the park for special events such as weddings, family reunions, and private parties. Contact the office to arrange the details and to pay the small fee of $50.

Public restrooms, showers, and lockers are also onsite. For those straight off the boat and docking at DeRivera Park B Dock, these facilities are ideally located.

The playground includes swing sets as well as dolphins and seals figurines for kids to play on. The swings fit really little kids. Older kids love playing on the full playground with slides, fireman’s pole, and walkways to monkey around on.

Check out the historical memorial erected from a cannon and cannonballs in DeRivera Park. This is possibly one of the most fascinating spots in Put-in-Bay. After the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812, officials buried three American officers and three British officers here together, as a symbol of unity. However, once the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was built, the bodies were moved there. The cannonballs in DeRivera Park mark the original location of their graves.

Location

Named in honor for Jose DeRivera, the park is surrounded by many favorite local downtown businesses. DeRivera was instrumental in founding the Village of Put-in-Bay. Kimberly’s Carousel is right across the street along with the Put-in-Bay Candy Bar. Grab a drink and live music at the Boathouse Bar and Grill across the street. The dedicated staff there will make sure you are well fed and well hydrated after a day spent in the sun. Or simply head over to the banks of the lake and soak in the views.  Appreciate all the service, beauty, and wonder of this special part of the world and enjoy a group or family getaway for a weekend or two during this summer on the bay. If you are wondering how to get to Put in Bay, you can go and visit the Jet Express website for more directions on how to get here.

 

419-285-2076

http://www.bdockpib.com/~bdockpi/park.php

100 Delaware Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456, USA