Facilities

Directions

Take exit 92 off of I-75 and go east on St. Route 47 about 2 miles through downtown to Tawawa Park. Turn right into Tawawa Park entrance (past pool) ¼ mile then to the left.

About

This park is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible with concession stand, picnic area with shelter, playground equipment, restroom and port-a-john (seasonal), soccer fields and trails.

Park Features

• Drinking Water/Concession
• Modular Play Structure and Swings
• Open Green Space
• Restrooms and port-a-john
• Shelter
• Soccer Fields
• Walkway/Bikeway

History

Research completed by Cheryl Michaels and Janet Ross 2009.

The City purchased a 29-acre tract of land for $16,000 on July 3, 1973, from the Baumgardner family. This land was adjacent to Tawawa Park. The land was named (1975) in honor of the late Walter E Baumgardner at the request of the Baumgardner family. On February 24, 1975, the Sidney Recreation Commission recommended naming this area “Baumgardner Recreational Basin.”

Lodge Soccer Field

Additional research contribution from Shelby County Historical Society.

The Lodge Soccer Fields are located in Baumgardner Basin, 828 Tawawa Drive. The soccer fields were named in honor of former City Council member David Lodge, who was known as “Mr. Soccer”. A native of England, Lodge was discouraged to learn soccer was not an established sport in Sidney. Because of this, he established the first soccer programs in Sidney. Although the growth of soccer has been phenomenal in recent years, Mr. Lodge fought a long and hard battle to get the program established. Mr. Lodge was nominated by the former mayor, James Humphrey, for the naming honor.