Community Calendar

Greene County Parks & Trails welcomes all players to Great Ohio Games

Games and activities in Greene County have changed a lot over the past 8,000 years and Greene County Parks & Trails invites you to play through the ages. GCP&T is hosting Great Ohio Games at Indian Mound Reserve Williamson Mound on Saturday, September 7. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. at 2750 U.S. Route 42E, Cedarville.

Great Ohio Games is a family friendly event packed with a variety of physical activities and table-top games. Participants can try their hand using an atlatl – an ancient spear-throwing device used for hunting by indigenous Archaic tribes. Visitors of all ages will be able to relive pioneer times with activities like the ring toss, stilt walk, hoop rolling and ball and cup, then enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider at the early 1800s log house. If more modern entertainment is preferred, participants can try their hand at an original board game called "Earthwork," or a new dice game. And finally, for the adventure-minded who like to combine nature and high tech, there is a challenge-filled geocaching treasure hunt that takes players throughout the park. Those wishing to geocache must have a mobile electronic OPS-enabled device. Players will receive a chance to win door prizes with each game, and children can make their own whirligig – a 19th century spinning toy sometimes called a whizzer.

There is no charge to attend Great Ohio Games and reservations are not required.

In crafting Great Ohio Games, Merriman says, "I wanted to create an event that celebrates historic life and culture in Greene County. The area in and around Indian Mound Reserve is full of history, from its Native American settlements to its time as a part of the Underground Railroad and the location of early 20th century industries." In the end, Merriman explains, "It's a unique way for the public to engage with our parks, and ultimately, to have a lot of fun."

Greene County Parks & Trails is looking for volunteers to assist with the various games and activities throughout the day. To volunteer for Great Ohio Games, call 937-562-6440 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Indian Mound Reserve
Located just outside of Cedarville, Ohio, the 169-acre Indian Mound Reserve is actually three parks in one – Peterson Park on the west end, Williamson Mound at the north point and Cedar Cliff Falls on the east side. Each is a unique experience, and all are connected by a robust network of hiking trails. Filled with several centuries of rich cultural history, Indian Mound Reserve is home to a number of attractions including: the 30-foot high Williamson Mound, built by the Adena Indians between 500 BCE and 100 AD; the Pollock Works, an earthen enclosure constructed by the Hopewell Indians between 100 BCE and 500 AD; Massie Creek Gorge, carved out by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 years ago; a restored pre-1825 two-story log house; and Cedar Cliff Falls, a man-made stone arch dam built across Massie Creek to harness power for the Harbison Mill, which operated until approximately 1917. Greene County Parks & Trails recently completed extensive renovations to the reserve, including new waterfall overlooks, new and rehabbed bridges, a concrete walkway for ADA access and upgraded trails and park amenities, all made possible by funds raised by the 2015 Greene County Parks & Trails levy.

For more information about GCP&T, Great Ohio Games or Indian Mound Reserve, contact Robin Gregory at 937-562-6440 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.gcparkstrails.com.

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