Duranceaux Park

Duranceau holds treasures and fun for both children and adults. Though at first it seems like nothing special.
Its entrance off Fishinger shares a drive with a gated community, which may be missed if the sign isn’t noticed. A quick left on the drive takes you to the park. At first it seems like just a long path between the river and the mansions. A Robert Frost like cobblestone wall and some rustic gates are all that is there other than the eye candy of the multi-​dollar superstructure rising above.
The path leads to a widening were a clean boathouse is found, as well as parking. To the back are picnic tables under trees, a playground, restrooms, and jogging paths. A typical neighborhood park besides the Scioto or so it seems. But take a side trail to the south, go passed a boating club, and it gets more interesting.
Indian Village is there. A part of Duranceau and opened when not holding events, it is more camp grounds then park, and has been here since the 1930s according to a plaque. Holding events such as summer day camps, educational fairs, scouting, and birthday rentals, Indian Village seems like a fun summertime place for children.
They have a full scale replica of a tee-​pee standing mid grass. Behind are scattered bird feeders. A lovely circular stone fire pit sits to the left, there to entertain and educate kids; the fire evidently fed by kindling from a rustic wooden shed. All this is out front an educational center. Check online for events.
Exploring further, over an antique bridge, pass an ancient crumbing house, leads to a nature hike. One of the most pristine public places inside I270, this trail is rough. One must be in decent health to walk it. It is jagged, with roots ripping up, hills, bumps, and drops. The kind of ruggedness that will drawl burrs on socks, poison ivy on arms, and ticks in necks. The kind of place one searches for morels in the spring and raspberries in the summer. I was not quiet dress for a nature hike, so I didn’t venture too far down it, but those I meet on the path said there were cave and caverns nearby. I am not sure where, but certainly will search in the future, as that would be a nice find!
It is a nice surprise, and seems like a primo place for parents to bring their young ones.

This park is a hidden gem as I have driven by this place a ton of times and never noticed it. I drove by tonight and thought to give it a shot. My toddler was in the car so I thought it might be fun.
The kids playground is decent with 4 big swings and two toddler swings. It has some shady parts to it that would help on a sunny day. The pavilion and bathrooms are close by so it would be a decent spot for a picnic or get together with kids. I noticed a few dog walkers but that is about it. Then I headed over to Indian Village and was blown away. They have a tepee, archery barn, a stone circle area, and a few other things. I believe they do outdoor education here as there is a building as well but I didn’t get close enough to check it out. The Scioto Boat club is located here as well.
The one downside is if you are driving in the lane as the same time as someone with a boat. The lane is narrow and you probably need to pull to the side and let it pass. There are number of houses along the lane which would b a nice place to live as long as the boat traffic wasn’t too much. I am planning to head back again and walk around a little more.

A hidden park along the olentangy river that I think many stumble upon by accident. It offers a playground, pavilions, plenty of greenspace and beautiful walking path/​driveway along the river. There is a section to the south that I didn’t get a chance to look at, but overall it’s a great little gem of a park in the middle of Upper Arlington.