McLean Teddy
Bear Park was created in 1972 and is Allen County's very first
Metropolitan Park. The park was established when the Allen County
Commissioners granted Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District a
99 year renewable lease on the 42 acres of land in Bath
Township.
Because of the great effort and time the Lima Area Jaycees put
into the park, the Board of Park Commissioners gave the Jaycees the
honor of naming the park. The Jaycees named the park after Mr.
McLean, for the teddy bears he provided every child who spent the
night in an area hospital.
McLean Teddy Bear Park offers a variety of natural areas for
people of all ages to enjoy. The Koch Nature trail and the Braille
Discovery trail wind through the woods at the park. The East Trail
meanders through a meadow and along the east pond. Fishing is
permitted at both ponds without a fishing license, and the open
fields are a great place to run and play.
LOCATION
McLean Teddy Bear Park is located at 2004 N. Dixie Highway in
Bath Township, 1 mile northeast of St. Rt. 81. Teddy Bear Park
Map.pdf
FEATURES
- 133.9 acres
- 2 reservable shelters
- Large picnic area (tables, grills)
- Sand volleyball court
- Horseshoe courts
- 2 ponds (fishing)
- Play equipment
- 3.5 miles hiking trails
- 1/2 mile Braille Discovery Trail
- Water, restroom facilities
