Ottawa, Toledo, Ohio facts for kids

Ottawa is a cool neighborhood in west central Toledo, Ohio. It's surrounded by Secor Road, Dorr Street, Central Avenue, and Upton and Monroe streets. The name "Ottawa" comes from the Ottawa Indians who lived here a long time ago. It's also named after Ottawa Park, a big park in the area.

Ottawa is home to historic neighborhoods like Old Orchard, Indian Hills, and Westmoreland. Old Orchard and Indian Hills are next to the Village of Ottawa Hills. They have similar styles of homes, often with many levels. Westmoreland is known for its unique streets and small open parks. Its houses show different styles, from Colonial to French.

History of Ottawa

Early Plans for Ottawa Park

Back in 1918, there were big plans for the Toledo Zoo. People wanted to move it to Ottawa Park. The idea was to make it one of the best and largest zoos in the United States. However, these plans never happened.

Growing as a Neighborhood

People started moving to Ottawa in the 1920s and 1930s. Wealthy families began to build homes outside the city center. A big change happened in 1931. The University of Toledo moved to its current spot on Bancroft Street. This move helped make Ottawa a place known for learning and fun.

Changes in the 1960s

In the early 1960s, more people began to move into the Ottawa area. This was a time of important social changes. It brought new job chances for everyone. Some parts of Ottawa, like BUMA and Auburn-Delaware, became home to many different families.

Fun and Recreation in Ottawa

Ottawa Park Adventures

Ottawa Park is a huge green space. It covers about 305 acres (1.23 square kilometers). You can find lots of fun things to do here. There's a bike trail for cycling. You can play golf on an 18-hole course. There are also tennis courts and an outdoor ice rink. If you like disc golf, there's a 19-hole course. The park also has picnic spots, jogging paths, and playgrounds. The Ottawa Park Ice Rink is home to a major inline hockey league.

Jermain Park's Tennis Courts

Right across Monroe Street is Jermain Park. It's named after Sylvanus Pierre Jermain. He was known as "the father of public golf in Toledo." Jermain Park is smaller than Ottawa Park. It's famous for its tennis courts. High school tennis matches are often held here every year.

University of Toledo Activities

Living in Ottawa means you're close to the University of Toledo. This is great for recreation! The university has a huge Student Recreation Center. It was built in 1994. Inside, you'll find swimming pools and basketball courts. There are also tracks and racquetball courts. It was even the first college recreation center to have a water slide!

The university's football stadium is called the Glass Bowl. It's where the school's team, the Toledo Rockets, play their football games. High school teams also get to play there sometimes.

Schools in Ottawa

Ottawa has several great schools for students:

• Grove Patterson Academy
• McKinley Elementary
• Old Orchard Elementary School
• Robinson Elementary School
• St. Francis de Sales High School (Toledo, Ohio)
• Gesu School