The first day of spring was March 20, and with warmer weather arriving, outdoor activities are top of mind for many.
Mount Vernon residents and visitors can choose from a full slate of city-sponsored outdoor options, from fishing for rainbow trout at Ariel-Foundation Park to hunting hidden geocaches and enjoying seasonal family events across local parks.
Trout Stocking at Ariel-Foundation Park
The Ariel-Foundation Park rainbow trout stocking took place on Friday, March 13, according to the Knox Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife notes that trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10–13 inches before release. Anglers are allowed a daily harvest limit of five trout per person on inland lakes.
Such rainbow trout releases offer an ideal way for families to fish together.
Jeff Derr, who is entering his third year as recreation director for the City of Mount Vernon, said the city also purchases fish to supplement state stockings at Ariel-Foundation Park.
“The city partners with the park to purchase fish, which are stocked in mid-to-late May to increase fish availability for fishermen,” Derr told the Mount Vernon News. “We have been doing this for several years.”
Parks and Recreation Events
Plenty of other family-friendly outdoor activities are on tap for Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation over the spring and summer.
• Saturday, March 28 – 9:30 a.m.: Jerry & Joy's Easter Egg Hunt, Hiawatha Park
Staggered egg hunts by age, food trucks, face painting, and photos with the Easter Bunny.
“Several thousand eggs will be available,” Derr said. “Additional activities include support from Pac United, a touch-a-cruiser event, a touch-a-truck event with the fire department, a food truck offering donuts and coffee, and a possible appearance by the Easter Bunny.”
• Saturday, May 16 – 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Kids to Parks Day, Ariel-Foundation Park
Derr highlighted the "Kids to Park Day" program, which is designed to get children and families outdoors.
“Kids to Parks is a national initiative encouraging kids and families to get outside, experience parks, and utilize community green spaces,” Derr said. “We offer various activities. Last year, we partnered with community organizations such as Head Start, local Scouting America groups, and the Local Exchange Club. Together, we organized activities and provided food.”
• June 2–August 16: Hiawatha Water Park
The Hiawatha Water Park offers lap swim Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., and public swim Sunday–Saturday, 12–7:45 p.m.
“Attendance is strong each year,” Derr said. “We offer family, senior, individual, and children memberships.”
• Saturday, July 4 – 10 a.m.: America 250 Vintage Baseball, MVNU Community Athletic Fields
• Sunday, August 2 – 1 p.m.: Safety Town Bicycle Event, Ariel-Foundation Park
• Sunday, August 16: “Pooch Plunge” Dog Swim, Hiawatha Water Park
“The dog swim event is on the last day of the pool season, Sunday, August 16th,” Derr said. “Pool entry passes are available for attendees who want to bring their dogs.”
In addition to events organized by Parks and Recreation, the Ariel Foundation Park also hosts its own recreational opportunities.
“Ariel Foundation Park offers a spring and summer lineup of activities, events, and concerts. Their calendar of events is available online,” Derr said.
As the season progresses, more events will be added to the Parks and Recreation calendar.
“We have not yet published our full summer events list,” Derr said. “Typically, we offer weekly activities, including Christmas in July and a Fourth of July celebration. Once finalized, this information will be shared.”
Geocaching
Geocaching, a family-friendly GPS treasure hunt that promotes outdoor activity, has become a popular city program, encouraging residents to explore parks and fostering community engagement.
“Last year, we created a geocaching course with about 10 locations in various city parks. It is a free, easy, and fun activity to encourage outdoor activity and park use,” Derr said. “Geocaching is a smartphone-based GPS treasure hunt. The free Geocaching app allows users to create a profile, search areas, cities, and parks, and follow GPS coordinates to find containers or prize boxes.”
Using GPS clues, participants search for hidden caches while developing skills like navigation, problem-solving, and observation.
Accessible to all ages, the program encourages outdoor activity, community connection, and environmental appreciation.
Testimonials posted on the Parks and Recreation website have praised the geocaching program for introducing them to local parks they hadn’t visited before, calling the program “fun” and noting “this series of caches is great.”
For more information, visit Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation and Outdoor Recreation.
Mount Vernon’s geocaching program lets families and visitors hunt hidden caches across city parks, promoting outdoor fun, navigation skills, and community exploration. (Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation)
