Parks

Facility Hours of Operation

Parks are open from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.

Park Watch

The Vandalia Parks and Recreation Department is again this year asking citizens to help its mission to keep the City's parks and facilities looking their best. The Department is emphasizing its Park Watch program, which asks park users and nearby neighbors of City facilities to keep an eye out for vandalism, broken equipment, and crime. Although City Staff and Vandalia Police patrol the parks on a regular basis, they may not see everything that you see, said Steve Clark, Parks and Recreation Director. To participate in Park Watch, we simply ask you to report suspicious and illegal activity to the Police - and vandalism, maintenance, or other issues to park maintenance.

Vandalia has 11 parks located throughout the City. These parks are open to the public from sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. No one should be entering or remain in a park when it is not open to the public. The program is geared to allow neighbors and interested citizens to keep an eye out for possible problems. Those who wish to participate should never attempt to confront an individual or intercede in an incident. Depending on the incident or issue you are reporting, you have three options to alert authorities.

Reporting

• To report a fire, medical emergency, or a crime in progress, call 911.
• To report a suspicious person, vehicle, or activity that concerns you, or to report a crime that has already been committed, call the Vandalia Division of Police on their non-emergency line, 937-898-5868.
• To report maintenance issues, equipment failure, facility vandalism, broken or unsafe equipment, call Facilities Maintenance, 937-415-2353. During weekend hours, call the Vandalia Recreation Center Front Desk, 937-415-2340.

Park Rules

City of Vandalia Park Rules (PDF)

Pet Rules

The Park Rules state that no person shall bring, permit, have, or keep in the Park any dog, cat, household pet, or other animals destructive to birds and other wildlife, except that dogs and cats are permitted if they are controlled at all times and secured to a leash not more than eight feet long. No pets or other animals shall be allowed to become obnoxious or disturbing to the other users of Park facilities. Any person bringing a pet or animal into a Park shall be required to remove animal waste. See Park Rules for further rules regarding animals.

Park Restrooms

The baseball concession stands restrooms are kept open as much as possible. Other restrooms are open during games and events. During cold months all Sports Complex restrooms are winterized and cannot be used. Please keep in mind the Recreation Center restrooms are available during operational hours.

Shelter and Gazebo Reservations

The Vandalia Parks and Recreation Department has two picnic shelters available at Helke Park on Randler Avenue, which may be reserved by City of Vandalia residents only, at no cost, from April 1 through October 31. Vandalia residents may reserve the shelters starting the first business day in January for the same calendar year. Shelters not reserved may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Gazebo at Seger Park, located on Tionda Drive South, is also available to Vandalia residents to reserve for any special event. A popular site for short outdoor wedding ceremonies, the Gazebo, and surrounding park, can be reserved from April 1 through October 31 starting the first business day in January for the same calendar year. 

Availability for the shelters or gazebo can be checked by calling 937-415-2353.  You may download the Shelter and Gazebo Reservation Request Form (PDF), and turn it in at the Vandalia Recreation Center Front Desk, or by email, or you may complete an online Shelter and Gazebo Reservation Request Form. 

Art Park Amphitheater Reservations

The Vandalia Parks and Recreation Department Art Park Amphitheater may be reserved by City of Vandalia residents, at no cost, from April 1 through October 31. Vandalia residents may reserve the Art Park Amphitheater starting the first business day in January for the same calendar year.

Art Park Amphitheater reservations can be done by completing the online Art Park Amphitheater Reservation Request Form. View the Art Park Amphitheater Guidelines and Terms and Conditions (PDF).  

Commemorative Tree Program

The Commemorative Tree Program provides you with the opportunity to enhance the City with trees that commemorate your loved ones, an organization, or event. Trees serve as a living link to our past, a wonderful asset in the present, and a wise investment in our future.

The City of Vandalia cares for all City-owned trees. Commemorative Trees planted on City property are included in the City's tree maintenance program, which includes pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. Trees will be watered at the time of planting and during drought stress conditions during the first year of establishment. The City will transplant or replace any Commemorative Tree threatened by land use or site changes during the lifetime of the tree.

All participants receive a Commemorative Tree Recognition Certificate, and the donation will be recognized on a brass nameplate which will be attached to an attractive indoor plaque located at the Municipal Building or Vandalia Recreation Center (your choice).  To place recognition at the tree, the City of Vandalia offers the additional options of either a Commemorative Tree Charm, or a Commemorative Plaque.  

For more information, view the Commemorative Tree Order Form (PDF). Please contact Sherry McConnaughey with questions.

Commemorative Bench Program

The Commemorative Bench Program provides individuals, groups, clubs, and organizations the opportunity to enhance the City with a high-quality bench to honor a person, idea, or special event. A Commemorative Bench is a long-lasting and thoughtful option to commemorate a special person or event that has occurred.  

The Commemorative Bench is available in black, in either 6 foot or 8 foot in length, and can be placed in 18 different locations around the City. A personalized plaque will be placed in the Commemorative Bench. 

For more information, view the Commemorative Bench Application (PDF). Please contact Sherry McConnaughey with inquires regarding the Commemorative Bench Program.

Park Map