Junction Park — Attraction in Hamilton Township

Update (7/14/25): As you can see by the previous two reviews, I have been coming here for years. Starting today, the splash pad is no longer open to nonresidents at all. They went to a lot of effort to make the park really nice, and they even have concessions now, but they decided it was too crowded. Now those of us who live just outside of the community are excluded. Having already been this summer, and driving by very frequently, I fail to see the overcrowding, but if that's what they've decided then I suppose they're entitled to do that. I will just think twice before supporting this community with my business. If you were considering going, but aren't a resident, you're out of luck!

This place has been a lifesaver this summer! I'm so grateful they've been open most of the summer for my girls to play. Most years it costs $2/person for non-residents, but it is free this year. It's not huge or fancy, but it works perfectly for my kids. Update: it's free again for non-residents for the 2021 season! They put black wrought iron tables and chairs out nearby as well. You are welcome to bring your own...

Huge missed opportunity to give some mention to the interurban junction that once occupied this spot (it is called Junction Park after all 😎). This is where the Scioto Valley Traction railroad (separate from the N&W line that borders the park), running southeast out of Columbus, split with one line going to Lancaster (via Canal, whose station still stands) and the other to Circleville and Chillicothe. This park is nicely done with a modern and clean design, but I’ve seen other projects like this that took the extra time to work train themed elements into benches, walkways, even the snack shop which could have been designed to resemble a little depot. Just some details that would’ve given it character. But it would have taken the right mind in charge to have wanted that from the beginning. It obviously won’t be something that affects number of visitors but even a sign that had photos and a brief mention of this would be nice. We have our towns and cities because...

Perfect for a hot summer day. My kids and I were freezing in the water even though it was 90 degree day not because of the water temp, but it just happened to be incredibly breezy for that temp and was pretty cold with it. Still, not knocking the splash pad for it. Would be nice if they had a bigger playground to come with it and a mom who was there even said to me it was frustrating that they even had what they had (just some rock climbing structures) as her what looked to be 2 year old was more interested in that than the splash pad. I could see that would be annoying if you take kids there from ages 2-4, little too young for the rock structures but that's what they'd probably be very interested in. As far as the splash pad goes, pretty comparable to grove city's which always seems to be inoperable at the start of summer. If you like that one, you'll...