Ottawa Police Department - Ohio

07/31/2026

Join Us for National Night Out & Overdose Awareness and Recovery Celebration
The Ottawa Police Department and Pathways Counseling Center invite the community to attend a combined National Night Out and Overdose Awareness & Recovery Celebration on August 4, 2026, at the Ottawa Memorial Pool, 730 N. Locust Street, Ottawa, Ohio.

This family-friendly event will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with free swimming available from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Attendees can enjoy:

Free swimming

Free food

Touch-A-Truck activities

Community resources and information

Opportunities to connect with local first responders, service organizations, and recovery advocates.

This event has become one of Ottawa's most successful community gatherings, bringing together hundreds of children, families, and residents each year. It provides a positive opportunity for community engagement, strengthens relationships between residents and local organizations, and promotes awareness, prevention, recovery, and support services.

To Support This Event:

The continued success of this event is made possible through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members. If you would like to support the event through a donation, sponsorship, or other contribution, please contact: Lt. Skilliter
[email protected]

Your support helps ensure that this free community event remains available for the many children and families who look forward to attending each year.

We hope to see you there!

07/27/2026

E-Bikes Are Becoming More Popular, So Know the Law Before You Ride!

With more electric bicycles hitting the streets and trails, we wanted to take a moment to explain Ohio's e-bike laws so everyone can enjoy them safely.

And before anyone asks... No, adding a battery doesn't magically make every two-wheeled vehicle an e-bike.

Parents, we need your help! E-bikes can be a great way for kids and teens to enjoy the outdoors and get around town, but they also come with responsibilities. Please take a few minutes to make sure your child understands the rules of the road, knows where they can and cannot ride, wears a helmet, and understands the difference between a legal e-bike and an electric dirt bike or motorcycle. A quick conversation today can help prevent an accident, or a citation, tomorrow. Working together, we can keep our streets, parks, and trails safe for everyone.

Ohio Recognizes Three Classes of E-Bikes

Class 1
• Pedal-assist only (the motor only works while you're pedaling)
• Maximum assisted speed of 20 MPH

Class 2
• Equipped with a throttle (can move without pedaling)
• Maximum speed of 20 MPH

Class 3
• Pedal-assist only
• Maximum assisted speed of 28 MPH
• Riders must be at least 16 years old
• Helmets are required for riders under 18 and are strongly recommended for everyone.

Where Can You Ride?

-Streets and roadways where bicycles are permitted.
-Bike lanes.
-Shared-use and multi-use paths, unless restricted by local ordinance or park rules.

When riding on the roadway, an e-bike is treated much like a bicycle. Ride with the flow of traffic, obey all traffic signs and signals, stop at stop signs and red lights, signal your turns, and ride predictably. The rules of the road apply whether your bike has a battery or not.

Safety Tips

-Ride in the same direction as traffic.
-Obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits.
-Yield to pedestrians on shared-use paths.
-Wear a helmet, it could save your life.
-Use lights and reflectors when riding after dark.
-Slow down around pedestrians, children, and pets.

***Let's Clear Up a Common Misconception***

Electric dirt bikes and electric motorcycles are NOT e-bikes under Ohio law.

If your ride looks more like a motocross bike than a bicycle, or it has foot pegs instead of functional pedals, there's a good chance it isn't legally an e-bike.

These vehicles are considered motor vehicles and are subject to different laws.

Electric motorcycles and electric dirt bikes:
• 🛑 Are NOT permitted in Village parks, on walking trails, bike paths, or recreational trails.
• 🛑 Cannot be operated on public streets unless they meet Ohio's equipment requirements and the operator has the proper driver's license, registration, and insurance when required by law.
• 🛑 Riding an unlicensed or unregistered motor vehicle on public roads can result in citations and other legal consequences.

We love seeing people enjoy our parks and trails, but they're meant for walkers, runners, bicyclists, families, and legal e-bikes, not off-road motorcycles.

Just because it's electric doesn't mean the rules don't apply. Reckless operation, operating under the influence, or ignoring traffic laws can still result in citations or criminal charges.

Our goal isn't to ruin anyone's fun, it's to keep everyone safe. We want kids, families, pedestrians, and riders to enjoy our community without unnecessary accidents or conflicts.

So remember:
-Pedals? Great!
-Foot pegs and motocross tires? Save it for places where off-road riding is allowed.

Ride smart. Ride safe. And let's keep Ottawa's streets, parks, and trails enjoyable for everyone!

07/17/2026

Pool & Splash Pad Update

Well... Canada brought the smoke, and unfortunately the smoke won today.

Due to the poor air quality, the Ottawa Splash Pad and Municipal Pool will be CLOSED today.

We know this is disappointing, especially on a hot summer day, but we'd rather have everyone complaining about being stuck inside than dealing with headaches or breathing problems. Today's forecast calls for a 100% chance of "Nope."

Today's game plan:
-Stay home if possible.
-Stay hydrated.
-Find the nearest fan or air conditioner and become best friends.
-Save the cannonballs, belly flops, and splash fights for another day.

The safety of our residents, visitors, and staff is always our top priority. Hopefully Mother Nature sends the smoke packing soon so we can get everyone back where they belong... in the water instead of looking at it.

Stay safe, Ottawa! We'll keep you updated.

07/16/2026

Mother Nature has decided to throw us another curveball today... and unfortunately, this one isn't a fastball we can hit.

The good news: The Splash Pad has been temporarily repaired and is back up and running!

The not-so-good news: Due to the very poor air quality, the Ottawa Pool will be closing early today to help protect the health and safety of our residents and staff. Even though the Splash Pad is working again, we do not recommend spending time outdoors right now. We have already heard reports of headaches, irritated eyes, and breathing difficulties related to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

We hope many of you were able to enjoy the pool earlier today, but the safety of our community will always come first.

If you do head outside, please limit your time, especially if you have asthma, heart or lung conditions, are older, or have young children.

Stay safe, stay cool, and let's hope Mother Nature sends us some cleaner air soon!

07/16/2026

****Please check out our next post for updates****

SPLASH PAD UPDATE... Our Splash Pad Decided It Needed a Sick Day.

Apparently the splash pad looked at today's forecast, saw the temperature, and said, "Yeah... I'm out."

Unfortunately, the splash pad is temporarily closed due to mechanical issues while our crews work to get it back up and running.

BUT... because Mother Nature forgot to turn the oven off today, the Village of Ottawa will be covering the cost of admission to the Ottawa Municipal Pool while the splash pad is down and being repaired! So grab the kids, your swimsuit, and head to the pool on us!

One more thing... if you looked outside this morning and thought, "Wow, that's some weird fog," it's actually smoke from the Canadian wildfires, which has caused very poor air quality across our area.

Today's survival tips:
Drink lots of water.
Cool off at the pool.
Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with breathing issues.

Check on your neighbors and don't forget your pets,they're feeling the heat too!

We'll let everyone know as soon as the splash pad is back in action. Until then, stay cool, stay safe, and let's all hope the splash pad's mechanic works faster than your phone updates!

07/13/2026

Ward Construction is scheduled to begin asphalt work on Thursday, July 16, and they'll be busy making several Ottawa streets smoother and safer! Smiths Paving and Excavation will also be in this week working on the intersection at US RT 224 and ST RT 65 so the intersection will close.

What you need to know:
• Please use caution while traveling around town.
• Some roads and intersections will be temporarily closed, so plan ahead and allow yourself a little extra time.
• Please do not park on the street in the work areas so crews can safely complete the project.
• Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and remember, they're working hard to make our roads better for everyone!

Streets Scheduled for Paving:
• Hawthorn Street
• 4th Street (CSX Tracks to Grant Street)
• Hickory Street (Main Street to 3rd Street)
• Pratt Street (north of 11th Street)
• 10th Street
• Park Lane (following completion of a waterline and bridge repair)
• 3rd & Walnut Street – Full intersection reconstruction (intersection will be closed)
• 3rd & Perry Street – Full intersection reconstruction (intersection will be closed)
• 3rd & Maple Street – Full intersection reconstruction (intersection will be closed)

Patch Work Locations:
• Agner Street near the Fairgrounds
• Pratt & 4th Street
• Pratt & 5th Street
• Near 851 S. Oak Street
• Railroad Street behind the Thrift Store
• Pizza Hut area
• Ottawa VFW
• Leap Meats

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue investing in Ottawa's streets. We know construction isn't anyone's favorite season, but smooth roads are worth the temporary inconvenience! As always, please be patient, obey all traffic control devices, and give our road crews plenty of room to work safely.

Send a message to learn more

07/02/2026

DID YOU KNOW OTTAWA HAS MORE NATURE TRAILS THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN PUTNAM COUNTY?

One of those hidden gems is now open and waiting to be explored...

The Ottawa Diversion Channel Trail!

Here's how to find it:
➡️ Turn onto the stone road between Putnam County Job & Family Services and the Ottawa-Glandorf Sports Complex on OG Road.
➡️ Follow the stone road back and take a right just before the power substation.
➡️ Continue down the winding road until you reach the Diversion Channel.

What's the Diversion Channel?

The Ottawa Diversion Channel was built to help protect our community from flooding by providing an alternate route for excess water from the Blanchard River during heavy rain events. It quietly does an important job while surrounding visitors with some of Ottawa's most beautiful scenery.

As you arrive, the adventure begins!

-Just past the storage shed road, look immediately to your right for a peaceful path through a meadow along the river.

-On your left, you'll find two trails winding through beautiful wildflowers that are in full bloom.

Ready for even more?

Continue to the Diversion Channel where you'll find a concrete crossing that takes you down into and across the channel. Please use caution and cross at your own risk. The concrete can be slippery and is steep so watch your footing.

Once across, you'll discover a 2+ mile nature trail winding through a wetland preserve designed to naturally filter stormwater before it returns to the river.

Along the trail you may see:
-Deer
-Hawks
-Bald Eagles
-Countless species of birds
-Fantastic fishing spots
-Beautiful views of the Blanchard River

Don't forget:
-Water
-Bug spray
-Your camera

Did You Know?

Ottawa is home to nearly 10 miles of trails spread throughout five incredible trail systems:

-Diversion Channel Trail
-Closson's Bottom Nature Trail
-Arrowhead Park Trail
-Memorial Park Walking Path
-Reservoir Trail

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a challenging hike, wildlife photography, birdwatching, fishing, or simply a place to unwind, there's a trail waiting for you right here in Ottawa.

So get outside, explore your community, and discover why Ottawa is one of Northwest Ohio's best places to live.

Just remember...
✔️ Stay on the trails.
✔️ Leave only footprints.
✔️ Pack out what you pack in.
✔️ And if you run into Bigfoot... tell him Ottawa has nearly 10 miles of trails now, so he has plenty of places to hide

07/02/2026

WE CAN'T CONTAIN OUR EXCITEMENT ANY LONGER!

THE WAIT IS OVER... WEST END PARK IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!

It didn't take long for the fun to begin. As soon as the caution tape came down, the park had its first visitors!

-Ottawa Police officers were allegedly racing each other on the zip line. (No citations were issued... although bragging rights may have been.)
-Firefighters were testing out the rope climbing tower. We can't confirm if they were "inspecting" it or just having a blast.
-City crews were caught swinging on the swings. Strictly for quality control purposes, of course.

And after seeing it ourselves... this playground is AMAZING!

This brand-new playground replaces equipment that had faithfully served generations of Ottawa kids and was believed to date back to the 1960s (or even older!). While we're thankful for all the memories made on the old playground, we think this new one is going to create memories for generations to come!

West End Park is located by the water tower on Ottawa's west end, between 3rd & 4th Streets and Perry Street & Sugar Street.

Here's what you'll find:
-Dual zip lines
-Giant rope climbing tower
-Merry-go-round
-Ride-on spring toys
-Swings for all ages and abilities
-Plenty of room to run, laugh, climb, and burn off enough energy that bedtime might actually be easy for once!

-While you're there, stop by Ali's Dog Park and let your four-legged family members have some fun too!

-Looking for even more adventure? Just across the road at the stone parking lot, you'll find the entrance to the Closson's Bottom Nature Trails. Take a peaceful walk through one of Ottawa's hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of nature after the kids have conquered the playground.

-Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water... because once the kids get here, they are NOT going to want to leave!

***We only have two simple requests:
-Please stay off the straw while we grow our new grass.
-Have fun! That's what this park is all about.

We can't wait to see families making memories here for years to come. Get outside, enjoy your parks, and welcome the newest playground in the Village of Ottawa!

07/01/2026

Main Street is closed between Thomas St and Locust St while crews battle a house fire. Hoses are strung across side roads. DO NOT drive over fire hoses! Please avoid the area.