Clague Park: Westlake, Ohio's Oldest Park

Westlake, Ohio is a family-oriented suburb fifteen miles west of Cleveland. Clague Park is the oldest of the five parks in Westlake. It is located at the corner of Clague Road and Hilliard Boulevard in the eastern part of the city. Its 75 acres encompasses a wide variety of activities and facilities. A walking path, picnic areas, playgrounds and a swimming pool are just a few of the attractions Clague Park has to offer.

A Bit of History

Walter Clague had long dreamed of creating a park on his family's property. On October 9, 1926, Dover Village accepted his donation of 78 acres on Clague Road, and Clague Park was born. Mr. Clague began construction of the pond shortly thereafter. Clague Cabin, a small cabin on the property, received a $6,000 addition in 1958. The city's first swimming pools were built in Clague Park by Westlake Swimming Pool, Inc, a group of citizens promoting the pools' construction. The Peterson swimming pool and kiddie pool opened on June 17, 1967. In the 1970's, the barn on the Clague family property became the Clague Playhouse, a community theater and now home to Clague & Company.

The Park Today

What do people picture when they think of local park? A swing set, a slide, monkey bars, and maybe a field. Clague Park has that and much more. It has just about anything the average person, family or social group could want. Click here to view the slideshow "Clague Park's Places to Play."

For the sports enthusiasts, the park features seven baseball diamonds, as well as tennis courts and horseshoe courts. The large open area of the baseball diamonds' outfields could serve as an impromptu playing field for a friendly game of football, soccer or catch with the kids. The aquatic types will not be disappointed by Peterson Pool. Open generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it has many opportunities for fun. It has a large swimming pool, a 12-foot deep diving pool, a kiddie pool and best of all, two very tall waterslides fit for a water park! Swimming lessons for all ages and water aerobics classes are offered. Peterson Pool even boasts its own swim team. Poolside birthday parties are always a hit. And once a year the pool goes to the dogs, literally. Every dog has his day, and this day is his day to swim in the pool. Hours vary by day and by month. Rates vary by age, residency status and time of day.

Clague Park has playground equipment for kids of all ages. There are separate swing sets for babies, preschoolers and older children. The largest playground, designed for kids 5 and up, is made from recycled materials. As the sign reads, it is made from the equivalent of 20,602 plastic containers, 24,621 aluminum cans and 11,673 soup cans! Kids age 2 to 5 have two of their own playgrounds made especially for little ones; a small train for climbing and sliding, and a larger, more elaborate playground. There is a playground of sorts for adults as well. A collection of calisthenics equipment like pull up bars and sit-up benches is found near the other playground equipment.

For those looking for some relaxation, Clague Park has plenty of opportunities for a good time. It hosts a fireworks display on July 4th that is spectacular. The covered picnic shelter is a great place for birthday parties, church social gatherings or family reunions. The adjacent area has many picnic tables mixed in amongst the tall trees so it's always a shady spot to escape the sun. There are several grills scattered around the area perfect for grilling burgers and hot dogs. The picnic area is close enough to the swing sets that the kids can go off to have fun yet still be within earshot. If a group needs a more formal place to meet, Clague Cabin is that place. It can accommodate 80 people. It has a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove so more elaborate meals can be cooked and served. Residents and non-residents can reserve the cabin. Prices vary by the day of the week, by the time of day and by residency status. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in Clague Park.

Across the main road from the baseball diamonds is the large Clague Park duck pond home to many ducks and geese, and the occasional koi. A large deck overlooks the pond and it is a beautiful setting for group photographs. A shaded gazebo is just off the parking lot and it is a wonderful place to take a break. The pond is encircled by a paved walking path suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. A picnic table near the water's edge gives visitors a chance to get close to the very tame ducks and geese. Visitors are asked to refrain from feeding the birds. Fishing is no longer allowed in the pond. There is also no swimming, boating or ice skating allowed. Click here to view the slideshow "The Clague Park Duck Pond" and click here to view the slideshow "The Ducks of Clague Park."

Westlake, Ohio has a true treasure in Clague Park. There are other, more modern parks with more opportunities for fun, but Clague holds a special place in Westlake's history and in the hearts of its residents. The generous donation of land by Walter Clague in 1926 was a tremendous gift to the city. A visit to Westlake is not complete without spending a day enjoying Clague Park.

Sources:
The City of Westlake, Ohio, "Westlake's Clague Park." City of Westlake website.
Westlake Library, "Westlake, Ohio History Collection :: Search Results." Westlake Library website.
Stone memorial in Clague Park.