Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lake/Central Park
(Bettinger Park)
Lakeside Heritage Trail
| | Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 | |
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025
1. Lake/Central Park Marker
Since 1873, this park has been a community gathering place for recreation, music and reflection.
Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 41° 32.736′ N, 82° 44.961′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It can be reached from the intersection of Walnut Avenue and Kenton Row, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 Walnut Ave, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bettinger Park Basketball Courts (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakefront Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); This Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Green Gables (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.
Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakesides timeless mission
To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025
2. Lake/Central Park Marker
With the new year, we welcome Lakesides 150th Anniversary a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
2. 7. Lake/ Central Park. Then
First known as Lake Park, and later Central Park, this lakefront spot has been a destination for reflection and recreation since the founding of Lakeside in 1873. In Lakesides formative years, the Lakeside Camp Meeting Association held camp meetings in the park. The camp meetings were later moved to the current locations of Hoover Auditorium and South Auditorium.
The park slowly changed to an area dedicated to recreation, entertainment and family picnics. The old speaker and band platform was replaced by a more sophisticated gazebo, which from 1916 to 1962, hosted daily concerts. As the park continued to evolve, the bandstand was removed, but music again returned with the construction of the Steele Memorial Bandstand in 1979.
Croquet was the first sport played in Central Park. Roque was added in 1909 and Lakeside later won a National Roque Championship in 1939. Over the years, the popularity of various sports rose and waned. The sounds of basketballs and horseshoes replaced the clack of croquet and Roque balls. Swing sets and slides as well and a fenced childrens play area were erected as part of a community commitment to outdoor unstructured play. A miniature golf course was added in 1963. Shuffleboard, first built in 1927, has been an enduring activity for generations of Lakesiders and guests from near and far. The 26 courts are among the best in the world, having hosted local, state, national and international championship tournaments.
Now
Lakesides commitment to wellness and recreation has continued to grow over the decades with the addition of several other community park areas, a sailing and paddle board center, the Williams Tennis Campus, the Grindley Aquatic and Wellness Center and the Hubbard Pickle Ball Center.
As growth continues, the shining jewel of family fun remains this central waterfront park. The outdoor grills and picnic tables are in constant use. The bandstand hosts a widening variety of events throughout the week; from vespers and concerts to wild life lectures and weddings. The childrens playground has been redesigned and updated with a gift from the Grindley family. In 2018, Central Park was renamed Bettinger Park in memory of long time Lakesiders, Donald and Coralen Bettinger. The basketball courts have been upgraded, and a sand volleyball court adds to the mix of the many park activities. Annual events that include the Plein Air wet paint sale and pond boat building are also held here. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
