Griggs Reservoir Park — Attraction in Columbus

Very nice looking and well kept park. I didn't personally have good luck fishing here but I've heard some folks do well here catching hybrid bass and some other species. Great place for picnics and family gatherings I would say. Very large park with a ton of parking along the length of the place. Park extends before and after the spillway with a road connecting the upper and lower sections. I had a fun time there but I didn't really see too many other people there while I visited. The river that runs through the park is the Scioto river and it carries in depth and bottom surface material from rock to mud with light bottom vegetation. There are places to eat nearby and it is easily accessable for people of all ages and conditions. I believe there are boat launches here and nearby where you could put in a boat or canoe or kayak. I saw structures with picnic tables underneath and trashcans although I have not seen any restrooms there. I assume with the size of the park that there would be restrooms there though. It is located on 257 which also goes by the name of Riverside Drive. If this spot is for fishing, there are other spots along the river both north and south if you do not do well here. I would suggest at this location since the water is always moving and chalky with low visibility using a chartreuse colored twister tail grub or swimbait. I also have notice a lot of people use live bait and cut bait here. There are always shad here easily available to use...

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Griggs Reservoir Park runs from the dam to the North down to Lane Road on the East side of reservoir. The park offers both bike and driving trails (about 2.25 miles) along the river. The boat launch area is just South of Fishinger Rd. bridge. While Griggs Reservoir Park contains nature preserves, boating, and a disc golf course , this park is ideal for sunbathers, hikers, athletes, picnickers and children. Parking areas and picnic tables are located throughout park with several access points from Riverside Drive.

The dam was dedicated in 1905, named in honor of Julian Griggs, who was chief engineer for the City of Columbus for many years. Mr. Griggs died in 1922.

Griggs Reservoir Boating Limitations

Unlimited Horsepower Permitted

40 MPH Zone

Minimum Boat Length - 8 Ft.

Maximum Boat Length - 22 Ft.

No Personal Watercraft or Tubing Permitted

No Sailing

Features

Acres

186 Land  Acres

363 Water  Acres

Northwest  Location

Facilities

Boating

Greenway Trail Access

Parking Lot

Picnicking

Playground

Shelterhouse

Not Enclosed

Not Reservable

Walking Trail

Lighted

Woods & Wildlife...

During my childhood and teenage years [mostly during the 1950s and the 1960s], my parents, my sister, and I would periodically visit the Griggs Reservoir Park at 2933 Riverside Dr., near the Scioto River and across the street from Upper Arlington.

My parents would bring food and drink and a tablecloth and other items so that the four of us would be able to have a picnic while sitting at one of the concrete picnic tables at that park, which is 1½ miles from our first house and ½ mile from our second house.

Usually, the two children who had attended each picnic would play at that park for a while before we all returned home.

On 11-11-2023, after an absence of many years, my sister and I briefly visited the Griggs Reservoir Park so that I would be able to take a few photographs.

Those concrete picnic tables -- that I am certain are the exact same concrete picnic tables that I remember from many years ago -- are...