Lakeview Park - Linda Higgins

Lakeview Park, on Perry Street, has much to offer us: beach access, lawn and shade, garden areas, and the amenities—a pavilion, basketball court, picnic areas, a bathhouse/restroom, and the county’s first Flagship Collaborative Play Place—are used by residents and tourists whenever the weather cooperates here on the lake. Private events, such as reunions and birthday parties, are held there, as well as are public events, such as Arts in the Park, held in August every year, and the annual Lake Erie Herb Guild’s plant sale in May. Lakeview is also near downtown and Waterworks Park, with all they offer. The city, community groups, businesses, and community volunteers have maintained and supported the park throughout its history.

In its early years, Lakeview’s acreage belonged to the True family and was known as True’s Woods. It was a woodland through which townspeople took shortcuts from Second Street to the lake, and where children gathered hickory nuts. In 1904, George A. and Agnes True deeded the land to The Port Clinton Improvement Company, which platted the acreage, including space for a park, to the village of Port Clinton. The Trues placed a number of restrictions upon the park’s new owners, such as the planting of at least 800 maples within two years, the clearing of stumps, logs, etc., immediately, and cementing the sidewalk on the south side within six months and on the east and west sides within six years. Other requirements included no collection of admission fees and no gambling. Failure to comply with any limits for a period of six months would cause the land to revert to the original owner.

Many of the stipulations in the quit claim deed were not followed, but there were questions raised regarding whether objections were made by the family, and the quit claim ultimately was considered null and void. The family and others, with legal counsel, objected to that decision, claiming they had never been contacted regarding any issues. Throughout the development of the park (originally City Park), neighbors and community groups had concerns (valid and otherwise) about parking, buildings and their viability, noise, and other matters. Eventually, problems were solved, but not without periodic controversies—to be expected with a project of this size and impact.

Lakeview has had its turbulent times, as reported in news articles in the 80s, for instance, when “hoodlums” ran wild in the park: cars were driven at high speeds through the property; drinking and loud music were common, as were fights and other abusive behavior and language. One report was of a child being shot, but the “culprit” being released. As a result, barricades were erected, signs forbidding alcohol were posted, and other measures, stopgap and permanent, were taken.

At one time, a park campground attracted locals and tourists alike. A newspaper account from August of 1936 describes one group of trailer-camp visitors to the park: the Tin Can Tourists, a national camping group (who ate many of their meals out of tin cans, of course!). They laid out their camp like a small city, and had officers, including a Royal Chief. The Walkers Rhythm Band, and dancing, sports, and shows were regular features of all their stops throughout the country. There were over 500 campers in attendance at this particular session at Lakeview Park. Their motto was “No Fees! No Dues! No Graft!” and they believed in “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” TCT made a point of taking care of the campground as well as the other campers and townspeople.

Locals no doubt have more stories, both positive and negative, regarding this vital piece of our town. And, currently, this local park seems to be fulfilling the wish of its original owners, who gifted us a lovely community spot with a view of the lake, for all to enjoy safely.