Portage Park District

05/28/2026

What better way to start the weekend than by tuning in and calming down with a mindfulness walk offered by the Portage County Health District. We’ll walk the Meadow Trail before doing some gentle stretching at the pergola.

Morgan Park has a crushed limestone trail.

Please register to let us know you’re coming!



[Video: a monarch butterfly, orange and black, perches on the leaf of a wildflower and gently folds and unfolds its wings. Text reads, “Mindfulness Walk. Friday, May 29th. 5:30pm. Morgan Park. Portage Park District”]

05/26/2026

You're invited to meet some marvelous macroinvertebrates tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27th, from 6pm to 7pm at Seneca Ponds Park.
Our friends from Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners will join us as we dip into Seneca Ponds for macroinvertebrates. We’ll look for and discuss the life histories of dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, and so many more!
Please sign up to explore with us: https://bit.ly/3Q4aEsD

Ponds

[Image: A cluster of small images showcase small, aquatic organisms on white background. One photo features a dragonfly larva, and another displays children exploring the edge of a pond with an adult. Text reads, "Portage Park District. Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners. Rediscover. Respect. Revitalize. Macroinvertebrate Mayhem. Wednesday, May 27. 6pm to 7pm."]

05/26/2026

We have just received word from our contractor that Towner's Woods Park is to be closed TODAY, May 26th, 2026. We will update you with a timeline as we know more.

Towner's Woods Park is going to receive some incredible updates to enhance safety and usability. From flush restrooms to a safer path for bikes in relation to the parking lot, we can't wait to see this *glow up* for Towner's as it turns 50 years old!

Due to the nature of the work and timeline for these projects, Towner's Woods and the section of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail that runs through the park is expected to be closed beginning today and through most of the summer or longer.
**You will be able to ride from Ravenna to just BEFORE Towner’s Woods Park where the trail will be closed. If you need to get to Kent from Ravenna, you’ll need to plan a road route from the trail intersection at Redbrush Road to Ravenna Road or Lake Rockwell Road. We have requested that the contractor attempt to minimize the time that the trail is closed. As soon as we have more information, we will share it!

Please check our Park Alerts page for updates: https://bit.ly/2XC4DVj

Please respect park and trail closure signs for safety and to avoid delaying projects.

During this closure we encourage you to visit other great Portage Park District parks and trails! Looking for a wooded habitat to hike? Try:
- Shaw Woods for natural surface trails, riparian habitats, and lots and lots of green!
- Dix Park for meadow and wooded trails, a Story Trail and Nature Play Space, and ephemeral wildflowers.
- Trail Lake Park for paved trails that offer stunning views of native plants and water.
Curious about where to bike? Try:
- The Headwaters Trail features multiple trailheads for parking, immersive woodland feel, and 8.5 miles of crushed limestone trail to explore.
- Berlin Lake Trail is the hottest spot for birding in Portage County! This 2.2 miles of limestone paved trail makes a great place for an out and back ride.

[Image: Three orange graphics with yellow and black construction banner. Text reads, "Under Construction. Towner's Woods is closed effective immediately. Please remember: Respect Park and Trail closure signs for your safety and to allow construction progress. We love Towner’s Woods too and can’t wait to see the updates. We have several other parks and trails where you can hike, bike, and enjoy nature!"]

05/24/2026

This week in YOUR parks! Join us for adventures to explore the natural resources that make Portage Park District so special. We will hike, meet macroinvertebrates while pond dipping, discover with our youngest learners, and more!
Register to save your spot by visiting our Things To Do page.



[Image: A vibrant green forest is in view over a park bench on a serene overlook. Text reads, "Portage Park District. Upcoming Programs: 5/27 Macroinvertebrate Mayhem, 5/28 Senior Hike, 5/28 EcoNight: Bat Facts, 5/29 Mindfulness Walk, 5/30 Junior Ranger Hike, 5/30 Eagle Creek Greenway Preserve Peek."]

05/23/2026

Families!
🍃Are you looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with friends this summer? Curious about the animals and plants that live in Portage County? You should join our Junior Ranger program for summer fun!
🍃Join us Thursday, June 11th at 6pm for our Junior Ranger Kickoff at Dix Park. Take the pledge to protect and conserve Portage Park District's natural areas then learn about the activities you can complete in your booklet all summer long.
🍃Completing the Junior Ranger program can be done independently or by attending park programs throughout the summer. Junior Rangers who complete their booklet may attend the pinning ceremony at the end of the summer to receive a badge!
🍃Have you completed the Junior Ranger program before? We have three years of booklets for you to try again and again. Junior Rangers who have already earned their badge may earn a t-shirt!
🍃Geared for ages 5-12 but fun for any age. Junior Ranger programs are family inclusive; siblings and parents are always part of the fun!
🍃Sign up to be a Junior Ranger here: https://bit.ly/4wyjDmp



[Image: A green and orange graphic displays a smiling group of kiddos posing with a mascot owl. The graphic has an image of a wooden Junior Ranger badge in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Junior Ranger Kickoff! Thursday, June 11th 6pm to 7pm at Dix Park. Junior Rangers have all summer to complete their booklet to earn their badge! Geared for ages 5-12 but fun for any age."]

05/19/2026

Please join us for our first Remembrance Hike at Morgan Park on Thursday, May 21st at 8:00pm. In anticipation of Memorial Day, this hike honors loved ones who are no longer with us. Participants of all ages are invited to hike at twilight in memory of a veteran or any person near to your heart.
Morgan Park has crushed limestone and natural surface trails. Please register to attend this event: https://bit.ly/3R8BZKz



[Image: A subdued image of an American flag fills the background of this graphic. Text reads, "Remembrance Hike. Thursday, May 21st. 8:00pm to 9:00pm. Morgan Park. Portage Park District."]

05/17/2026

Join us this week for great hikes and opportunities to learn more about the goodness in our own backyards!
Registering for park programs allows you to receive an informational email with program information, times, parking updates, and weather changes (if needed). Be sure to sign up!
https://bit.ly/42zOShG



[Image: fuzzy, green moss with subtle reddish-orange offshoots clings to a log. Text reads, "Upcoming Programs: 5/18 History of Towner’s Woods Webinar, 5/19 Hike with an Expert: Cardiac Health, 5/20 Wild Hikes Wednesday, 5/21 Rememberance Hike. Photo: Ian Marshall."]

05/16/2026

The Headwaters Adventure Race is June 6th!!
Participate as a relay or individual while supporting the Portage Park District Foundation and enjoying the beauty of Portage County’s natural resources. 🏃‍♀️🚴🛶

https://ppdf.givecloud.co/adventure

05/15/2026

Join us Tuesday, May 19th to hike with a UH Cardiovascular Specialist at Morgan Park! We will discuss heart health as we enjoy the meadow habitat along this trail. Bring your questions and a friend!
Please register for this hike: https://bit.ly/43dtWyw

[Image: A group of adults walks along a crushed limestone trail flanked by early meadow grasses and flowers. Text reads, "Hike with an Expert: Cardiac Health. Tuesday, May 19. 5pm to 6pm. Morgan Park. Portage Park District."]