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Helke Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 462 Google reviews · Running trail in Vandalia, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Helke Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large, well-kept park with tennis and soccer fields as well as a playground.
What runners say about Helke Park
“A really nice Park, well maintained and brand new, the kids are thoroughly entertained”
“Played at playground behind school until it was too hot from the sun, as there was no surrounding trees or shade.”
Played at playground behind school until it was too hot from the sun, as there was no surrounding trees or shade. We couldn't swing because the swings were already too hot. This was 11:30 a.m. early August. The kids loved the paths in the woods most. One took us back to where tern boys were playing Frisbee golf(?)
Great park for a variety of reasons. The playground equipment is top notch. Especially the new area added this summer. Room for dogs to run and a nice walking path. Picnic areas offer multiple tables and shade. There are rest rooms but they weren't open when I was there during the week.
Nice park with a several options for everyone. As mentioned previously, the park lacks shade unless you go onto the frisbee golf course. We also wish there was a walking path at the park as I had my son in his stroller but had no where to push him unless through the grass.
First time there. Nice track. Very nice greens. More hills than I expected. I'm glad I played with a couple of guys who have played there before. Several blind shots. Some of the fairways were pretty tight. Well worth the price they charge.
Trail conditions & character
“Played at playground behind school until it was too hot from the sun, as there was no surrounding trees or shade.”
“Bathrooms are clean and have a changing station if needed.”
Plan your run at Helke Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitevandaliaohio.org
- Phone+1 937-890-7709
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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