Defiance’s Vintage Parks

Triangle Park

Triangle Park has historically been a part of the Defiance City Schools property donated by the Latty and Holgate families back in the 1860’s.  The park serves as a focal point to the downtown and has always been a popular gathering place.  At one time the local G.A.R. placed a soldier monument in the park as tribute to their fallen friends from the Civil War.  That monument was moved in the 1960’s to Riverside Cemetery to the center of the older veterans’ section there.  The soldier was once flanked by Civil War Era cannons which were moved, also in the 1960’s, to the Fort Grounds next to the Public Library.  Currently the park is home to concerts and picnics and is a popular meet up spot for bicyclists in or passing through the area.  In 2015, Historic Homes of Defiance and the Defiance Development and Tourism Bureau placed an air pump at the east side of the park for bicycle use.  In 2014, Historic Homes of Defiance spearheaded a community effort to build a town clock at the point of the park. 

Independence Dam

Independence State Park features a steel-head dam which does the job of raising water levels upstream. Before the canal was built, in the early 1800’s the river levels were so low that one could walk across them during low water levels. Independence has plenty of picnic tables, a couple of shelter houses, charcoal grills and a kid’s playground. Tent camping is available at the far end. The Buckeye Trail runs through the park following the old canal towpath making it a popular place for walkers, hikers and bicyclists.

Riverside Park

Riverside is a flood-plane for the adjoining Auglaize River and also the home for Defiance’s Youth Soccer Leagues.

Bark ‘N Run Dog Park

In order for dogs to play in The Defiance Bark & Run Dog Park, membership with an annual fee is required. Membership costs $35 for the first dog and $10 for each additional dog. Membership is valid from June to June the following year.

Pontiac Park

Pontiac Park was the birthplace of Indian leader and chief Pontiac. When the French arrived to our “Grand Glaize” they noted Indian fields of corn and squash stretching for miles along the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. This fertile ground later became a camp site for some in Wayne’s Legion. An apple tree planted at the site became the largest French-Indian Era apple-tree on record. The memorial commemorating the tree stands above. One of three Flood Poles sits at Pontiac Park marking the 1913 Flood that devastated Ohio. It also marks major floods since 1913.

Kingsbury Park

Kingsbury Park sits on the east side of the Maumee and Auglaize confluence. It is a lowland floodplain with shelter houses, a baseball diamond and, most importantly, Kingsbury Swimming Pool which features a large waterslide and 1920’s era bathhouse. Concerts and Festivals are often found at Kingsbury Park. One of three Flood Poles sits at Kingsbury Park marking the 1913 Flood that devastated Ohio. It also marks major floods since 1913.

Bronson Park, Defiance

Bronson Park features large shelter houses, a sand volleyball court and sits next to Defiance’s Splash Pad, an interactive water-park designed for kids and adults of all ages.

Holgate Avenue Park

Holgate Park was the site of the Second Ward School until the 1940’s when it was torn down. The park’s playground equipment was replaced in 2019. It also features a Gazebo and tree walk built by the Holgate Avenue Association in 1997, a small shelter house and a small baseball field.

Fort Grounds

The Fort Grounds remain Defiance’s most hollowed spot. The entire area holds its roots at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. General Anthony Wayne chose the strategic site to build Fort Defiance in 1794, just a week before marching on to fight the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee, Ohio. Later, General William Henry Harrison built his supply fort, Fort Winchester, just a block south of the Fort Grounds. Points in the sidewalk memorialize the corners of the fort from the War of 1812. One of three Flood Poles sits at the Fort Grounds marking the 1913 Flood that devastated Ohio. It also marks major floods since 1913.

Latty’s Grove Veteran’s Memorial Park

Donated to the City of Defiance by Judge Alexander Latty, and later renamed Veteran’s Memorial, this park holds a tennis court, a large shelter house, a children’s playground and t-ball fields as well as public restrooms.

Diehl Park

Diehl Park is home to softball leagues and Kid’s Creation Playground, a community effort from 2000 giving Defiance kids a unique playground experience, including a recreated fort, promoting imaginative play and creativity.

UAW Park

The UAW Park on Defiance’s west side off Baltimore Road features a large shelter house, ball diamonds for men’s baseball leagues, and a small playground.