James Dunphy Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

James Dunphy Park is a popular destination located in the city of Avon Lake, Ohio.


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Summary

The park covers an area of 20 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. There are many good reasons to visit James Dunphy Park, including its beautiful natural surroundings, well-maintained facilities, and numerous amenities.

One of the main attractions of the park is its picturesque lake, which is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails that wind through the scenic woodlands and wetlands of the park. Other popular activities include picnicking, playing on the playground, and playing sports on the fields and courts available.

There are several specific points of interest that are worth seeing in James Dunphy Park. The park features a large amphitheater that hosts concerts, plays, and other events throughout the year. There is also a pavilion that can be rented for parties and other gatherings. Additionally, the park has a dog park, which is a great place for pet owners to let their dogs run and play.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former landfill site that was transformed into a beautiful park. The park also has an extensive recycling program and is committed to sustainable practices. Visitors can learn more about the park's history and environmental initiatives through interpretive signs and displays.

The best time of year to visit James Dunphy Park depends on the visitor's preferences. The park is open year-round, but the busiest times are during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring and fall are also popular times to visit when the leaves change colors or flowers are in bloom. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice skating on the lake, weather permitting. Overall, James Dunphy Park offers a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in Ohio.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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