Lake Park Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The 93-acre Lake Park Wildlife Area is located one mile east of the city of Alliance on Lake Park Boulevard. The area may be reached by following U. S. Route 62 east from Alliance and turning north on Oyster Road which is just east of the Alliance city limits. Proceed north on Oyster Road to Lake Park Boulevard turning east to the parking area at Lake Park Wildlife Area.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Lake Park Lake was constructed about 1900 by the old Stark Electric Company to furnish electric power for the trolleys in use at that time. Lake Park developed into an amusement area with a dance hall and bathhouse. A ball field was located south of the launching ramp. Lake Park was abandoned as an amusement area in 1951. Ohio Edison was the last owner prior to sale to the Ohio Division of Wildlife in 1956.

From 1956 through 2001 the primary activities at Lake Park focused around fishing. In 2001, the dam was deemed to be in need of repair and it was decided then to allow the spillway to remain open permanently. The land around Lake Park was then allowed to revert for increased opportunity for terrestrial and marshland hunting and trapping activities.

WILDLIFE
There are many game animals found on the area including fox squirrel, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbits. Furbearers such as mink, skunk, and opossum are also present. Many species of nesting and migrating birds also use this area at different times of the year.

HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING
Although the spillway remains open, Lake Park does seasonally flood, providing excellent shallow water habitat for migrating waterfowl. Approximately 75 acres of woodlands provide opportunity for hunting especially for squirrel, rabbit, and white-tailed deer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Berlin Lake Wildlife Area, 1806 Bonner Road, Deerfield, Ohio 44411; telephone (330) 654-2392 or from the Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio  44319; telephone (330) 644-2293.