Ariel‑Foundation Park in Mount Vernon will host another engaging community event this spring, adding to its lineup of family‑friendly activities.
On Saturday, May 16, the park and Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation will present Kids to Parks Day, a national celebration of outdoor play held annually on the third Saturday of May. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy youth fishing with poles and bait provided by the Fish & Game Association, archery practice, and scout‑led activities such as water bottle rockets, BB guns, and games. PAK United, 4‑H, and the Mount Vernon Fire Department will offer demonstrations, while the Exchange Club of Mount Vernon will serve free hot dogs and drinks from noon to 2 p.m. Organizers emphasize that the event is free and designed to connect children with nature and their local parks.
Later in the month, on Sunday, May 24, the Knox Community Jazz Orchestra will return to the Schnormeier Event Center for its annual Memorial Day performance. Beginning at 6 p.m., the orchestra will showcase big band jazz ranging from swing and Latin styles to classics by Glenn Miller and Count Basie. The concert is free and open to the public, supported in part by a grant from the Knox County Foundation and the City of Mount Vernon Lodging Excise Tax.
Photo credit: Ariel-Foundation Park
Adding to the season’s offerings, Ariel‑Foundation Park will also partner with Rural Action to host Hellbender Discovery Day. This event, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 5 p.m., invites participants to explore the hidden life of local waterways and meet one of Ohio’s most fascinating residents—the Eastern Hellbender. Known as the “snot otter” or “devil dog,” this giant salamander can grow up to two feet long and serves as an indicator of stream health. The afternoon includes watershed activities and games from 1 to 2 p.m., a film screening and Q&A from 2 to 3 p.m., and a guided exploration of the Kokosing Scenic River with ODNR professionals from 3 to 5 p.m. Registration is encouraged, and outdoor clothing with closed‑toe shoes is recommended. Visit Ariel-Foundation Park's Facebook page for the registration link.
Photo credit: Ariel-Foundation Park
Together, these events highlight Ariel‑Foundation Park’s role as a hub for recreation, education, and culture—bringing families, nature enthusiasts, and music lovers together in Mount Vernon.
