Editor’s Note: This is one story in a series highlighting the Ashland County Park District’s 18 parks.
ASHLAND — The Ashland County Park District’s Esbenshade Wetlands Area is home to wildlife like beaver, muskrat and waterfowl.
The 76-acre park, located on Crider Road west of Route 603, is largely marsh-covered. A large beaver dam flooded nearly 20 acres once, creating the buttonbush swamp ideal for much of the park’s wildlife.
“You basically park at the river, so it’s perfect for fishing,” said ACPD director Stephanie Featheringill.
The park borders the Black Fork River. Access to this area is located directly off Crider Road underneath the I-71 bridge.
The park is most popular for hunting and fishing, but it does feature a few dead-end hiking trails. None make a full loop, but hikers can trek out and back in along the same pathway.
The park was named for the Esbenshade family, who donated the land to the ACPD.
