Leisure and recreation are important to the residents of Wapakoneta. The Wapakoneta Family YMCA has been a staple in the area’s recreational landscape since its opening. Located at 1100 Defiance St., the Y’s facility comes complete with a full-size gymnasium, a six-lane swimming pool, a walking/running track, a 6,400-square-foot wellness center, the Active Older Adult/Youth Center and much more. The YMCA’s program list is just as extensive as its amenities and includes such offerings as aquatics, various athletics, babysitting and childcare classes, summer camps, a number of different group exercise classes and a full range of family events and activities.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees several parks and facilities throughout Wapakoneta, including Belcher Park, Harmon Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Ferald Ritchie Nature Center and the Riverwalk, which traverses the northern bank of the Auglaize River. These sites are packed with amenities, including tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths and skateboard ramps. Plus, Harmon Park is home to the summertime hotspot at the newly constructed Wapakoneta Water Park. The park has two pools with water toys, large slides, zero entrance, competition pool, diving boards and plenty of lounge chairs.
Wapakoneta residents also have access to several nearby state parks and major trail systems. Just up the road is Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, which is a great destination for boaters, fishers and swimmers. The park also offers plenty of space for camping, picnicking and birdwatching, as it sits along one of the country’s major migration routes. Grand Lake is also home to a pair of nesting American Bald Eagles. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of such activities as these at Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview and Lake Loramie State Park in Minister. Additionally, hikers can access the 47-mile Miami-Erie Trail, part of the statewide Buckeye Trail, at Lake Loramie.
Golfers enjoy hitting the links at Wapakoneta Country Club, a private nine-hole course that stretches over 3,055 yards of play. The short layout of this course is perfect for both beginners and more skilled players who are looking for a laid-back and fun game of golf. The surrounding area is also filled with other well-maintained golf courses, offering Wapakoneta golfers even more of a choice without having to travel far from home.