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.
| Rental/Food/Alcohol/Park Policies |
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.
