Ault Park Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
Come to Ault Park's "Big Birthday Bash" on August 18, 2011. The event is designed for everyone in conjunction with the Ault Park Advisory Council's third Summer Dance in the Pavilion. There will be live music, birthday cake, centennial festivities and refreshments for sale.
The initial 142-acre tract for the park was gifted to the city in 1911 by Ida Mary and Levi Addison Ault. Later other family members and donors contributed additional land. The Italianate Pavilion where many events start was dedicated in 1930. From the top of the Pavilion, you have a 360-degree view of the area...out over the Little Miami River and its marshes, over Lunken Area and all the way to UC.
Ault Park is known for its variety of areas for activities. Go here for a site map. The formal gardens have areas for locals to plant their favorites...from a shade garden, to all bulbs, to perennials or lots of annual color. You can see lots of pictures of the gardens of the people who share their time and talents with us all and a map of the designated areas here. Great fun to walk through. Formal activities may include weddings or special events.
Bike riders love it. There are 6 races in May and June. The circle around the Pavilion is wide and smooth with a gentle climb followed by a fast descent on each lap. the roads are totally closed to traffic. Each night there are both 20 K and 40 K races in each category. There are even categories for women and Juniors. There are both nightly and yearly prizes. The competition is certified by USA Cyclery.
Nature lovers also enjoy the trails. Ideas to pursue include:
- Follow the Tree Trail
- Take the Kids on the special Tree Trail for Children or combine the two for a longer hike.
- Hike one of the other Ault Park trails.
- Take in the geology of the area off the Tree Trail.
The 34th annual Concours d'Elegance was held in June. This world class car exhibit benefits the Arthritis Foundation and Children with Juvenile Arthritis. Yearly, they accept approximately 200 cars for display and to compete for prizes in Classic, Vintage and Exotic categories.
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Council sponsored the Fourth of July celebration. It did it all, from a parade to food to music and culminated with celebratory fireworks.
The yearly Reggae Run is held in October each year. October 1, 2011 at 6 pm is the official start time this year. This is one of the largest runs in the area, attracting over 8,000 runners last year. It follows a course that takes it around the park and down to Delta Avenue and back up Observatory to the finish line. After the race, the PARTY starts, featuring the Ark Band, a local Reggae favorite. Proceeds from the run and party go to the Make a Wish Foundation. Over the years, the race has raised nearly a million dollars for charity.
Culminating the monthly Summer Dances will be the Big Band and Bigger Beer party. It will be held on Thursday, September 1 from 6:30-10:30 pm.
The final event of the Centennial Anniversary is the themed Masked Gala on Saturday, October 22 in the Pavilion. This event will have an admission charge for dinner, dancing and ceremonies.
If nothing else, look through the list of 100 Activities to do in Ault Park. while some ate unique to the Park, many can be done in any of our wonderful parks around the Southwest Ohio area.
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