Meadows Picnic Area Overview
- Capacity: 75 people (Parking lot holds 40 cars)
- Amenities: Open Field, Drinking Fountain, Restrooms, Swingset, Fireplace, Grills, 2 Shelters, Picnic Tables (15, 8-foot tables), Parking, Horseshoe Pit, Trail Access
- Activities: Picnicking, Family Gatherings, Work Events, Camp
- Reservable: No, First Come – First Serve
- Fees: Free
Meadows Picnic Area Guide
Meadows Picnic Area
Meadows Picnic Area is a few hundred feet behind the Brecksville Nature Center in the Brecksville Reservation. This picnic area has the most shelters in the entire park. One large shelter can seat 25 – 30 individuals, and a smaller cooking shelter can seat 5 – 10 individuals. What sets this picnic area apart is that there are another dozen picnic tables at any given time that will seat another 40 – 50 more individuals.
In addition, there are over a dozen charcoal grills (not wood-burning) to cook food, a water fountain, and two unisex bathrooms, making it the perfect area for weekend gatherings, Boy Scout outings, or last-minute get-togethers. What separates this picnic area from any other in the park, though, is the giant fire pit on the far east side that is frequently used and makes for pleasant evenings.
Families and kids will love the small swingset, horseshoe pit, and park’s only functioning baseball field. An all-purpose trail runs through the picnic area and is perfect for kids as it is safely away from the road.
The most unique feature of the Meadows Picnic Area is that it is the only picnic area with a hitchrack for horseback riding from the Brecksville Reservation Stables.
Finally, this picnic area provides quick access to the Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail and Wildflower Loop Trail.
Alternative Option
Because the Meadows Picnic Area is one of the park’s most unique and scenic areas, picnic tables and the shelter may be occupied during summer and on weekends.
If you want another free choice with similar amenities and capacity that won’t require a long distance to travel, check out Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area.
This picnic area has a larger shelter that is also first come—first served. You can expect just as many, if not more, outdoor picnic tables and charcoal grills, making it perfect during the busy summer months. A swing set and a playground will entertain children for hours, and there is almost as much open space as the Meadows Picnic Area.
It is also central to the main park activities, including the Brecksville Nature Center, the largest playground in the park, and the Hemlock Trail and the Gorge Loop Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is free for the entire year.
No, it is first-come, first-served (you can walk up on the day of your need). It should be noted summers can be filled with local sports teams or family gatherings.
The Meadows Picnic Area is located in the Brecksville Reservation. It is 1.0 miles from Royalton Road and directly off Meadows Parkway.
Yes, this Picnic Area can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is directly next to the shelter and all picnic tables. The shelter is handicap accessible, but the open field may make it difficult for those with wheelchairs.
There are 15 picnic tables, a dozen charcoal grills, two shelters (one of which is a cooking shelter), two unisex restrooms, running water, a small swingset, a baseball field, and an all-purpose trail perfect for walking, biking, and scootering.
This picnic area accommodates 75 individuals, and a parking lot can hold over 40 vehicles.
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.
There are no restrictions. Dogs and other animals are allowed in the picnic area.
It is operational all year, from 6 am – 10 pm.
The facility has six trash bins and several recycling bins
Meadows Picnic Area Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Direction)
The easiest way to get to the Meadows Picnic area (parking lot) is to put it into your phone and GPS.
- Due to road closures during late fall, winter, and early spring, it is recommended that you enter from Royalton Road onto Chippewa Creek Road. Within 1/8 of a mile, take a right onto Meadows Drive. Take this road for 1/2 mile and then take a left into the Meadows Picnic parking lot.
Learn More About the Brecksville Reservation
While Meadows Picnic Area is the most unique and scenic picnic area in the Brecksville Reservation, five other shelters can provide a similar experience with almost all of the same amenities and activities.
- Chippewa Creek Picnic Area
- Ottawa Points Picnic Area
- Plateau Picnic Area
- Harriet Keeler Picnic Area
- Oak Grove Picnic Area
