Lake Medina is a hidden oasis in Medina Township nestled between Route 18 to the south and Granger Road to the north, just west of Interstate 71. Hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing are just a few leisure activities visitors can enjoy at this park.
In the early 1960s, the city of Medina was looking for a way to supplement its water supply. A decision to create an upland reservoir was made, and the development of Lake Medina began. Through the creation of a long earthen levy, the valley adjoining the west branch of the Rocky River was flooded with water pumped from the river. Three large capacity pumps located in the concrete pump house on the northern side of the lake pumped water into the lake daily that was used for the city water supply.
In 2002, due to increasing demands for water usage as the city grew, an alternate water supply from Lake Erie was developed, and the lake was no longer used as awater supply for the city. In 2003, Medina County Park District secured a lease agreement with the city of Medina to turn the lake into a county park. Lake Medina is no longer a human water supply, but it is an important water source for wildlife – particularly waterfowl, bald eagles,and osprey. From late February through the end of April each year, Lake Medina serves as a rest stop for migratory waterfowl such as loons, grebes, and a variety of ducks, geese, and swans. Throughout the rest of the year, visitors may spot bald eagles or ospreys that use this area for hunting fish.
The 1.4-mile Greenway Trail is an asphalt path that follows the willows and sycamores along the West Branch of the Rocky River and connects to the city of Medina’s paved trail along Reagan Parkway. The ten-foot-wide trail runs along the bottom of the reservoir’s dam, crosses the river channel twice with bridges and boardwalks, and provides safe crossing of State Route 3 and Reagan Parkway, utilizing crosswalks and a pedestrian signalization system. The Buckeye Trail also runs through Lake Medina.
Shotwell Gardens is the third entrance to Lake Medina made possible thanks to a generous donation of eight acres by the Shotwell family. The Shotwell family is no stranger to the Medina County Park District. In 2018, the family donated an adjacent 17.5 acres to protect the west branch of the Rocky River. Becky Shotwell shared, “We are excited to help preserve and create a new area that will serve not only as an additional access to Lake Medina but also provide an exciting new place where friends can strum their guitars, a grandparent can identify a wildflower with a child, and families can enjoy a tranquil picnic.” Shotwell said Medina County Park District has provided her family with places for hikes, company picnics, meetings, celebrations, education, and more over the years. “We are honored to make this gift and feel fortunate to have a park district with the vision and leadership to preserve land and expand services for future generations,” she added.
Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina opened to the public on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Shotwell Gardens features an accessible paved trail, two ponds (no fishing), small amphitheater, restroom, interactive outdoor musical instruments, swinging benches, and native gardens.
View a detailed map of Shotwell Gardens, click HERE.
For a bird’s eye view of the connection to Lake Medina, click HERE.
Park Headquarters Phone
(330) 722-9364 or (844) 722-9364
Park Police
Emergencies: 911
Non-emergencies: (330) 725-6631
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