Countryside Park Master Plan

The Countryside Park Master Plan provides a cohesive and comprehensive design for the 21.2-acre park, located behind the Washington Township RecPlex on Miamisburg-Centerville Road. It revitalizes the parkland entrusted to the Township by Tom Stolz in 1990, reenvisions its purpose and composition, and protects the natural resource for future generations.

Implementation of the Master Plan will occur in several phases.

The Washington Township RecPlex was awarded two grants totaling $1,339,289 from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for the Turtle and Heron Pond portion of the revitalization project in Countryside Park. The grants cover 75% of the cost to address the declining water quality and aquatic life in both ponds, as well as the expressed interest by residents for more water-based recreational activities and facilities. The Noon Optimist Club committed $20,000 toward the installation of a fishing pier/boardwalk on Turtle Pond.

Phase one began with the revitalization of Turtle and Heron Ponds. Improvements included dredging, siltation prevention, bank stabilization, wetland restoration, and bridge replacement.

June 18, 2024 Progress Report:

• Dredged 7,000 cubic yards of siltation from both ponds

• Trucked in and strategically placed 2,000 cubic yards of stone to stabilize the banks

• Created one half-acre of natural wetlands

• Constructed seven fishing access platforms

• Installed a barrier berm along the east side of the park boundary

• Created a natural forebay to reduce future pond siltation

• Controlled impact on aquatic life and reduced invasive species of water plants and fish

December 31, 2024 Progress Report:

• Installed a new pedestrian bridge over Heron Pond.

• Ponds are naturally refilling and reestablishing ecosystems

December 31, 2025 Progress Report:

• Installed boardwalk/fishing pier that extends out into Turtle Pond and leads to the A-Frame

• Installed split-rail fencing along Heron Pond gravel walkway leading to Turtle Pond

• Landscaped pond banks for aesthetics and stabilization

• Pond revitalization completed along with amenity installations

After more than 30 years of active use, the structures surrounding Bass Lake deteriorated and the water needed attention. A Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $126,522.27 provided 50% of the cost of amenity replacement and pond aeration; the Centerville-Washington Foundation awarded a $10,000 Community Impact grant for the project; and the Montgomery County Solid Waste Management District awarded grants totaling $43,305 to purchase furniture, trash receptacles, and benches for the shelter and surrounding area. The project ensures and expands the safety, access, and comfort of patrons and protects the lake.

December 31, 2024 Progress Report:

• Installed ramp into historic cabin for accessibility using $2,000 Centerville Rotary Grant

• Installed accessible dock/kayak launch in time for summer camp, which started in June 2024

• Put multi-colored, lighted fountain and aerators in lake for aesthetics and functionality

• Built accessible lakeside shelter

December 31, 2025 Progress Report:

• Lake projects completed

A third grant of $1,035,126 from the Clean Ohio Conservation allows for the purchase and demolition of property on Paragon Road to create a northeast entrance to the park. The Levin Foundation ($2,500) and Yukta Garg Foundation ($10,000) directed grant funding for the project. The project creates a pedestrian and vehicle entrance to Countryside Park surrounded by natural green space. The entrance provides secondary access to the park and serves as a connector to the growing bike corridor along Paragon Road.

In the second stage of Phase II, work will begin on a Paragon Road entrance to Countryside Park, made possible by the Township’s purchase of a one-acre property on the park’s east boundary using Clean Ohio funding.

Both vehicular and pedestrian access will be added at this location and continue through the park, connecting with the new Gateway Plaza, effectively creating a green corridor through the park from Paragon to McEwen Road. Additional improvements include a new park maintenance facility and enhanced parking and trail connectivity. Work on this phase of the project should be completed in 2026.

December 31, 2024 Progress Report:

• Purchased property at 7865 Paragon Road on December 4, 2024

December 31, 2025 Progress Report:

• Demolished existing office building in spring 2025

• Construction on this entrance to Countryside Park is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026

Work is now underway for the development of Phase II of the planned improvements.

The first portion of construction will focus on the creation of a community gathering point between the RecPlex East and West buildings. This plaza will connect the recreation campus through covered sidewalks and new outdoor programming spaces while providing a centered gateway leading into Countryside Park.

Key amenities for this area include an interactive spray fountain, outdoor performance area, public restrooms, and shaded picnic areas.

• Mound between RecPlex East and RecPlex West removed

• A-Frame roof replaced and skylight installed

• Drainage at A-Frame addressed

• Playgrounds resurfaced for safety and accessibility in 2022 using $58,251.90 MCSWMO grant

Plans include the construction of a four-season shelter to provide additional indoor programming space for day camps, fitness classes, and enrichment programs, while also serving as a community meeting and event rental space. Improvements to parking, sports fields, and the construction of an additional picnic shelter are also being considered.

View all the documents related to the Countryside Park project, including schematics, request for proposals, and more.

• Countryside Park Master Plan (pdf, 15MB)

• Countryside Park Master Plan Appendix (pdf, 41MB)

• Countryside Park Renderings (pdf, 24MB)

Phase I & II Projects

• Request for Proposal for Phase I & II (2023) (pdf, 703KB)

Phase I includes the design and engineering services for the new Hillside Shelter. Phase II includes the design and engineering services for Gateway Plaza, loop road, and parking.

Turtle & Heron Pond Projects

• Turtle & Heron Pond Revitalization Plan (pdf, 21MB)

• Request for Proposal for Turtle & Heron Ponds (2023) (pdf, 1MB)

• Letter Mailed to Park Neighbors (pdf, 489KB)

Turtle and Heron Ponds were both identified as needing significant revitalization and improvements, including dredging and restoration. An environmental impact study was conducted and a long-range plan established to ensure the success of both of these ponds.

NPS-IS Plan

• Holes Creek NPS-IS Plan (pdf, 5MB)

The Holes Creek Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) plan received state endorsement from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which means that additional state and federal funding is now available for projects related to revitalization of the Holes Creek watershed.  

Washington Township RecPlex Strategic Plan

• Strategic Plan (pdf, 3MB)

In September 2019, the Recreation Department worked with consultant BerryDunn to help provide strategic direction for the following three to five years.