Oak Grove Picnic Area Overview
- Capacity: 190 people (Parking holds 140)
- Amenities: Ball Field, Drinking Fountain, Restrooms, Swingset, Fireplace, Grills, Picnic Tables (27, 8-foot tables), Parking, Electricity, Trail Access
- Activities: Picnicking, Baseball, Camp
- Reservable: Yes – May through October (daily)
- Fees: $225 Monday – Friday, $300 Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
Oak Grove Picnic Area Guide
Oak Grove Picnic Area
Oak Grove Picnic Area is the most well-known and popular picnic area in the Brecksville Reservation. It is the largest shelter in the park, holding almost 30 picnic tables, making it perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, summer camps, trail races, and so much more.
In addition to an ample enclosed shelter space that can hold 190 individuals, four wood-burning fireplaces make it usable all year. You’ll also notice almost a half dozen charcoal grills (not wood-burning) that can be used to cook food, a water fountain, and electricity for any party needs you may have. And within 50 feet of the picnic area are two unisex restrooms.
Families and kids will also love the vast open field space, perfect for baseball, football, and any other game. There is also a tiny swingset that can entertain two children at a time. Not only this but there is also a little trail surrounding the shelter where kids can bike and run safely. A more extended (1/3 mile) all-purpose trail makes a giant loop around the shelter.
Finally, this is a centralized location for the White Oak Trail and My Mountain Trail. In the spring, this area is also perfect to observe the Brecksville Salamander Migration.
Alternative Option
The Oak Grove Picnic Area can be an incredibly popular picnic shelter in the summer and fall months and may already be in use. Not only that, but it has to be reserved sometimes weeks in advance and costs a substantial amount of money.
If you want a picnic area with all the same amenities, look no further than the Harriett Keeler Picnic Area. This shelter is almost the same size as the Oak Grove Picnic Area, is a first-come, first-reserve, and has no associated fee.
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
The Oak Grove Picnic Area is located in the Brecksville Reservation. It is 1.5 miles north on Valley Parkway (off of Brecksville Road) or 1/2 mile south on Valley Parkway from Chippewa Creek Road.
Yes, this Picnic Area can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is located directly next to the shelter. The shelter is handicap accessible, but the open field may make it difficult for those with wheelchairs.
You should book this picnic area 3-4 months before summer and early fall reservations. For spring and winter needs, it is first-come, first-served (you can walk up on the day of your need).
There are 30 picnic tables, six charcoal grills, four wood-burning fireplaces, two unisex restrooms, electricity, running water, a small swingset, an open ball field, and an all-purpose trail perfect for walking, biking, and scootering.
This picnic area accommodates 190 individuals, and a parking lot can hold over 50 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.
Yes, Monday – Friday is $225 for the day. Friday – Sunday and holidays are $300 for the day.
It is operational all year, from 6 am – 10 pm.
The facility has six trash bins, several recycling bins, and a large dumpster.
Oak Grove Picnic Area Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Direction)
The easiest way to get to Oak Grove Picnic Area (parking lot) is to put it into your phone and gps.
- If arriving from south of Brecksville, take Brecksville Road to Valley Parkway. Once on Valley Parkway, drive down the road approximately 1.5 miles until you reach the Oak Grove Picnic Area on the right-hand side.
If arriving from north of Brecksville, take route 82 (Royalton Road) into the Brecksville Reservation on the Chippewa Creek Road. Follow the road approximately 1.5 miles east and then take the Valley Parkway road on the right up 1/2 mile until you see the Oak Grove Picnic Area on the left-hand side.
Learn More About the Brecksville Reservation
While Oak Grove Picnic Area is the most well-known and largest 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
- Harriet Keeler Picnic Area
