Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area Overview
- Capacity: 150 people (Parking holds 125)
- Amenities: Large Playground, Drinking Fountain, Restrooms, Grills, Picnic Tables (20, 8-foot tables), Parking, Electricity, Trail Access
- Activities: Picnicking, Events, Kids Activities
- Reservable: No, First Come-First Serve
- Fees: Free
Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area Guide
Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area
Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area is one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular picnic areas in the heart of the Brecksville Reservation. It is the second-largest picnic area in the park, holding almost 20 picnic tables, making it perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, summer camps, family gatherings, yoga sessions, and so much more.
In addition to a large shelter that can hold almost 150 individuals, it has the largest open space adjacent to it for park visitors. Within 50 feet of the picnic area are an additional 20 picnic tables, approximately ten charcoal grills, a water fountain for humans and pets, electricity, a plethora of parking, and unisex bathrooms.
What stands out most about this shelter, though, is the Andrew Nature Play Area. Here, you’ll find a fantastic slide, a swingset for all ages, a small rock climbing wall, and obstacles that all kids will enjoy.
Another critical aspect is that this is the cleanest picnic area shelter in the entire park. While other picnic areas may have crumbs, bird nests, etc., this shelter is prestigious.
Finally, you can easily access Hemlock Trail and Gorge Loop Trail behind the shelter and the Wildflower Loop across the street.
Alternative Option
The Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area is an incredible shelter perfect for anyone who wants a first come-first serve option. But this is not ideal for all visitors and doesn’t guarantee you are a pavilion.
If you want a picnic area with all the same amenities but can reserve months in advance, look no further than the Oak Grove Picnic Area. This shelter is slightly larger, comes with four wood-burning fireplaces, and has almost all the same amenities. What it lacks in a large playground makes up with its beautiful open field and much less populated area.
For those who seek quick and easy trail access, it is the epicenter of the My Mountain Trail and White Oak Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this Picnic Area can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is located directly next to the shelter, which is handicap accessible, and the open field is easily accessible.
The Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area is in the Brecksville Reservation, across from the Brecksville Nature Center parking lot.
There are 20 picnic tables, four charcoal grills, unisex restrooms, electricity, running water, a large playground, hiking trails, access to the all-purpose trial, and a larger space with more picnic tables and grills.
No, it is first-come, first-serve. In the spring, fall, and winter, you usually arrive an hour before your event and have the pavilion to yourself. In the summer, arriving at least 2-3 hours before your event is recommended to ensure proper space.
This picnic area accommodates 150 individuals, and a parking lot can hold over 100 vehicles.
There are no restrictions. Dogs and other animals are allowed in the picnic area.
You are required to bring your food and beverage. You may use any food vendor you would like. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
It is operational all year, from 6 am – 10 pm.
No, this is free for the public to use.
The facility has a dozen trash cans.
Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Direction)
The easiest way to get to Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area (parking lot) is to put it into your phone and gps the Brecksville Nature Center.
- If arriving from the North, take Royalton Road to Chippewa Creek Road. In 1/4 of a mile, you’ll arrive at the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area/Brecksville Nature Center parking lot on the right and left-hand sides of the road.
- If arriving from Riverview Road or Valley Parkway (off of Brecksville Road), you’ll continue on Chippewa Creek Road West until you reach the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area/Brecksville Nature Center parking lot (approximately 1 to 1.5 miles away, depending on which entrance you are driving into).
Learn More About the Brecksville Reservation
While the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area is the most centrally located picnic shelter in the Brecksville Reservation, five other shelters can provide a similar experience with almost all of the same amenities and activities.
- Meadows Picnic Area
- Chippewa Creek Picnic Area
- Ottawa Points Picnic Area
- Plateau Picnic Area
- Oak Grove Picnic Area
