Aurora is a historic river town that is situated 35 miles west of Cincinnati, Ohio, located in the Southeast corner of Indiana. Aurora was settled in the early 1800's and incorporated in 1845 and has strong historic connections to the Ohio River. Aurora is full of unique and historic buildings that preserve its older rivercity characteristics.
Five-Year Parks Plan
Parks
City of Aurora Parks & Rec
Memorial Tribute Sponsorship Program
The City of Aurora is offering a special Memorial Tribute Sponsorship package for our community members to honor loved ones or services as part of our Master Parks Plan in our city parks. Options include a beautiful Aurora Park Bench with the custom laser print ribbon “Aurora Est. 1819” This is the only bench available as part of our City Parks & Recreation branding strategy. Each bench is approximately $1,125.00 after municipal discount. The City also offers a park bench swing. Price range is $999 to $2,999 for the park bench swing. Location, type of bench/swings upon site specific Master Parks design layout, as well as, tribute material and language are approved thru the City Manager.
To pursue a City of Aurora Memorial Tribute Sponsorship opportunity, please contact City Manager, Derek Walker at dwalker@aurora.in.us or at 812-926-1777 ext. 6 for more information.
Special Events
City of Aurora
PO Box 158
Aurora, Indiana 47001
812-926-1777
Aurora Park Board
The Aurora Park Board is responsible for eight park sites within the city limits of Aurora: Aurora City Park, Waterways Park, Largent Field, Mary Stratton Park, Lesko Park, Ron Nocks Memorial Park, Aurora Sports Complex, and the Aurora Dog Park. Additionally, there is the entrance to the Dearborn Trail. The Aurora Park systems include: 6,000 feet of water frontage (77 acres of space), one swimming pool, three baseball diamonds, two softball diamonds, eight soccer fields, two boat ramps, five playground areas, three enclosed buildings, and many shelters.
All inquiries regarding policy and management should be directed to the Park Board at its regularly scheduled meeting, the first Monday of each month at 5:00 pm in the City of Aurora Administration Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room. Call (812) 926-1777 for more information.
Reservations
Reservations are set on a first come first serve basis. To make a reservation follow the link below or contact Denise Rose, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Aurora, at 812.926.1777 x 9.
Contract & Payment
After Park Rental Request has been approved, a Rental Agreement will be emailed, Renters may pay online, or in person at the Aurora Recreation Community Center, with cash, check or credit. Payment and Rental Agreement must be returned to the Director of Parks and Recreation, either ten days prior to rental, or the date of reservation if it is less ten days out.
Fire & Camping
Open flames are not permitted in the park at any time. All food preparation must be done using the equipment provided by the rented building. Overnight camping is not permitted in the park at any time.
Security & Alcohol
Although alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park during public hours, they are permitted at rented events. Necessary permits are required and renters must meet with the Chief of Police to arrange for security personnel. Payment for security personnel is the responsibility of the renter and the fee and number of personnel needed for any event will be at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
The Parks of Aurora
Aurora City Park
Originally designated as the home for the Dearborn County Agriculture Society, the land for the Aurora City Park was deeded to the City in 1860 by owners Strawder Cheek and Peter Williams. The park is located on 16 acres bordered by Park Avenue, Manchester Street and Hogan Creek. The park is home to the Aurora Public Pool, the Clayton Batchelor Pavilion, the Civic Center, the Round Barn, and the Boy Scout Cabin which makes this park a focal point of community activity.
Nearby Hogan Creek provides boating and fishing opportunities. Playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and two small shelters are available to the public during the park’s open hours from dawn to dusk.
Aurora City Pool
Pool hours are Monday thru Sunday, 12 - 6 p.m. from May 25th until August 4th. Cost of admission is $3.50. Private pool parties can be booked Monday thru Sunday for 3 hours from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for $150. This cost includes 2 Life Guards and 1 Head Guard. Please call the Aurora City Pool at 812-926-0049 for any additional information.
Aurora Dog Park
The Aurora Dog Park is located at 107 Manchester Landing in Aurora (Next to Aurora Dearborn Trail entrance).
Aurora Recreational Community Center
All Aurora Recreational Community Center (ARCC) members have 24/7 access to the first floor fitness area, locker rooms, showers, and gymnasium. Second floor fitness areas are available during staffed hours.
Stop in at the front desk and request your 24/7 access card today!
Aurora Sports Complex
The Aurora Sports Complex is the newest of Aurora’s parks. In 2009, the City of Aurora purchased 32 acres of land on Park Avenue for this park. In 2010 and 2011, the City of Aurora and the Aurora Soccer Association prepared the site for eight soccer fields and a gravel parking lot. The Aurora Sports Complex is now the home of the Aurora Soccer Association. In the future additional softball fields, a dog park and walking trail will be added.
Dearborn Trail
Gabbard Riverfront Park
The development of the Gabbard Riverfront Park is a project that has stimulated community spirt and revitalization in the historic downtown business district of Aurora since 2014. Situated on the beautiful Ohio River, the Gabbard Riverfront Park has the capacity from a regional perspective to target tourism growth and economic vitality through a river gateway portal destination. A stage, retaining wall, additional parking, and landscaping have been added with a Pergola Swing Corridor to be built in 2019 in partnership with Main Street Aurora's 20th Anniversary.
Destination landmarks and connectivity play a critical role in tourism, economic vitality and recreational enjoyment southeast Indiana. The City of Aurora Gabbard Riverfront Park development project highlights the critical significance of capturing regional tourism for economic development growth and population retainment with prime recreational outlets.
Largent Field
Largent Field is located at the end of Center Street. The field is used primarily for softball and has a playground, shelter, restroom and creek frontage. The shelter is great for families when their children are using the playground.
Lesko Park
Lesko Park is located on a strip of grassy riverfront property between the Ohio River and US 56. Lesko Park provides a great place to view boat traffic and wildlife on the Ohio River. This park is named after former Aurora Clerk-Treasurer Tony Lesko. The park has a paved walking trail, playground equipment, multiple shelters, and restrooms.
Ron Nocks Memorial Park
The Ron Nocks Memorial Park is located in Westside Aurora. It was dedicated to honor Councilman Nocks who was serving on Aurora City Council at the time of his death. This park has a nice sitting area and flower bed.
Mary Stratton Park
Mary Stratton Park is the only city park located in the Historic District. It is located on Fifth Street and overlooks the Ohio River. The park has a gazebo, playground equipment and several benches. The park was dedicated by the Aurora Women’s Research Club in memory of their first president, Mrs. Mary A. Stratton, a loyal citizen, who gave of herself for the good of the community.
Taylor Ball Fields
Waterways Park
Waterways Park is located at the end of Manchester Street. It is nestled on a peninsula surrounded by Hogan Creek. It is a frequent fishing site and has a shelter and canoe launching ramp. This park has also been used as a soccer field in the past.
Facilities Available For Rent
The Clayton Batchelor Pavilion
The Clayton Batchelor Pavilion is available for rent year-round, on any day of the week from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. It seates a maximum of 200 people and its stage and full-service kitchen make it the perfect venue for wedding receptions, family or class reunions, and other large gatherings.
The Pavilion is heated and air conditioned and there are restroom facilities on-site. Tables and chairs to the room's capacity are available.
The rental fee for the Pavilion is $350.00 for up to eight hours. Payment in full is due at least ten working days prior to the reserved date.
The Civic Center
The Civic Center is available year-round Monday - Friday after 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturday & Sunday. It has a maximum occupancy of sixty people.
The Civic Center is heated and air-conditioned with a full-service kitchen and restroom facilities. Tables and chairs to are available to seat sixty comfortably for a meal or meeting.
Rental fee for the Civic Center is $160.00 for up to eight hours. Payment in full is due ten days prior to the reserved date.
The Round Barn
The Round Barn is available for rent from May 1st through October 31st, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM, seven days a week. Maximum occupancy is sixty people.
More rustic is nature, the Round Barn has a stove and center bandstand. Tables and chairs are available for sixty. The Round Barn may be rented for any length of time during its available hours for $50.00. The rental fee must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
Shelterhouse at Waterways Park
The shelterhouse at Waterways Park may be reserved from May through October for up to 8 hours per event. Fee for renting the shelterhouse is $10.50 and is payable in full at the time of reservation. event
*By law shelterhouses at Lesko Park cannot be rented out. They are available on a first-come basis only.
