Hoover Reservoir Parkland

Overview

Hoover Reservoir Parkland is a 2,052.965-acre reservoir in Westerville. Nearby, you can enjoy Hoover Prairie Nature Preserve, Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve and Hoover Nature Preserve.

Rules and Regulations

• Maximum Length: 22 feet for all vessels except sailboats, which may be up to 25 feet
• Maximum Horsepower: 9.9 horsepower
• Maximum Speed: 10 mph
• Skiing and wakeboarding are not permitted.
• Prohibited: Jet skis, tubing and swimming are not permitted in any City of Columbus reservoir.
• Watercraft: Don’t have a craft of your own? Check out our rental vendors!

Reservoir Information

Hoover Reservoir offers acres peaceful and serene landscape just north of Columbus. The park and lake provide guests with a range of recreational activities from picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the park offers a wide variety of bird types ranging from common to rare. This includes frequent sightings of the American bald eagle throughout the year. The reservoir is an important feature for tourism, but also for the water it provides to the City of Columbus.

History

Hoover Reservoir was constructed as a water supply facility by the city of Columbus in 1955.

Additional Information

Before launching a vessel with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on Hoover Reservoir, which is limited to 10 horsepower and 10 mph, the motor must be tilted up and remain tilted while on the reservoir. Motors in excess of 10 horsepower may remain in a non-tilt position provided the prop is removed prior to launch and remains so while on the waterway. This rule is per City of Columbus Ordinance 921.01 and is subject to enforcement by any officer authorized per state code, including State watercraft officers. For questions, contact the Columbus Department of Public Utilities, Watershed Management Office at 614-645-1721 or e-mail watershed@columbus.gov.