Friends of the Park

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Ariel-Foundation Park was developed by volunteers using funds and services donated by generous businesses, foundations and individuals. Following its Grand Opening on July 4, 2015, the park was given to the City of Mount Vernon. The Foundation Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization committed to providing financial support for the park, preserving the park and developing programming for the park.

Tax-deductible contributions may be made to:

Foundation Park Conservancy
PO Box 644
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

VIEW A LIST OF 2025 FRIENDS OF THE PARK

VIEW A LIST OF 2024 FRIENDS OF THE PARK

View Annual Reports

PPG Employee Timecards

Former PPG employees can be honored with a permanent PPG Timecard which will be displayed in the Clock House. The cost is $250. Click below to fill out the form and make online payment.

Donate a PPG Timecard

Become a Lighting Partner

You can become a Lighting Partner and honor someone you love or celebrate a special occasion by "renting" the Rastin Tower lights or the downtown bridge lights for one night or longer. Ariel-Foundation Park will light the tower or bridges (or both) in the color(s) of your choice. Click to learn more...

Memorial and Honorary Gifts

Memorial or honorary gifts can be an especially meaningful way to commemorate a loved one or celebrate a personal milestone while also benefiting Ariel-Foundation Park.

Foundation Park Conservancy is able to accommodate a limited number of memorial and honorary Benches and Sunset Swings in strategic locations within Ariel-Foundation Park. Current costs range from $3000 for benches to $8000 for swings (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation, which will be used to further the Conservancy’s mission to care for and maintain the 250-acre property.

If you would like to recognize someone with a gift of a bench or swing, please contact [email protected] for current costs and availability.  Acknowledgements will be sent for all gifts, both to the donor and to the person or family of the person being memorialized or honored.

To maintain the beauty and mission of the park, all memorial/honorarium requests will be reviewed by the Foundation Park Conservancy Development Committee and are subject to approval.

Sunset Swings

Sunset swings have been a beautiful and appreciated addition to "The Lakes" area of the park. Each powder-coated metal two-seat swing will sit on a concrete pad, offering a place to relax while watching the sunset at the park. These swings will be a wonderful place to unwind at the end of stressful day; to share a special moment among family members; or to take prom, engagement or wedding photos. Each swing will feature a metal sign above with wording of your choice (limited characters). The cost to commemorate a swing is $8,000 (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation. These funds cover creation of the swing, installation, and maintenance, as well as provide for care of the park. To learn more, contact [email protected]

Benches

The Foundation Park Conservancy is in the process of replacing wooden benches that provide a resting spot near the East Lake. They are weathered and aging. The plan is to replace them with more durable and modern iron benches as seen in the photo on the right. The cost to name a permanent bench in honor or memory of someone special is $3,000 (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation to support care for the park. To learn more, contact [email protected]

Book Available

The book, “Ariel-Foundation Park: The Story of an Ohio Town that Preserved its History and Transformed an Abandoned Industrial Site into a World-Class Park” by Aaron Keirns is available for purchase at Paragraphs Bookstore and The Kenyon Bookstore.

Visitor Information

Park Map | Trails/Distance Map

Park Hours
Ariel-Foundation Park is open year-round, 7am-11pm. Restrooms are open seasonally. There are no admission or parking fees, except during special events. The Rastin Observation Tower, lakes, trails, and other park features are free and open to the public. Gates are closed during winter months to prevent turf issues, however park grounds remain open for pedestrian access.

Parking
Designated parking areas and internal roads are open during park hours. The CA&C Depot/Knox County Visitor Center, Schnormeier Event Center, and Urton Clock House parking lots will remain open throughout the winter.

Accessibility
The CA&C Depot/Knox County Visitor Center, Schnormeier Event Center, Knox County Foundation Pavilion, Urton Clock House, restrooms, picnic pavilions, kayak launch, and fishing docks are all accessible.

Park Rules

Schnormeier Event Center
Pets and smoking are prohibited. No bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades (please walk them through). Only alcohol purchased at park functions is allowed in the event center (must be kept within the fenced in area).

Pets
Friendly pets are allowed in the park if kept on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not allowed in the Event Center during concerts/events.

Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the stocked West, Central and East lakes only. A current Ohio fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

Boating
Boating is permitted in the three main lakes only, with the following restrictions: crafts must be hand launched, no gasoline engines, no sailboats (catamarans are allowed). All State of Ohio, Division of Watercraft laws must be observed.

Swimming
Swimming and wading are NOT permitted in the park's lakes or reflecting pools.

Paddle Boarding                                                                                                                        
Paddle boarding is NOT permitted in the park's lakes or reflecting pools.

Camping
There is no camping allowed in the park. Special circumstances may be considered but will go through a consideration process with the City of Mount Vernon and the Foundation Park Conservancy Board. Call the park office for more information.

Alcoholic Beverages
Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is NOT permitted within Ariel-Foundation Park. (Call the park office to inquire about licensed alcoholic beverage service at special events sponsored by the Foundation Park Conservancy, or for private events in one of the park's rental Venues.)

For Your Safety
Do not climb on the park's steel sculptures, building ruins, or the River of Glass.

Please Keep Our Park Clean
Place all trash in the trash receptacles provided. Leave pavilions and picnic tables clean for the next visitor. If you have questions or concerns, please call the park office.

Lanterns/Balloons
Sky lanterns are illegal in the state of Ohio. Balloon releases, while not yet illegal, are not allowed at the park. They are hazardous to area wildlife and create litter. If you are having a memorial event at the park, consider an environmentally friendly alternative like planting a memorial tree.