O’Shaughnessy Reservoir
General Information
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Featured Facilities
- Nature Preserve
- Greenway Trail Access
- Rental Facilities
- O’Shaughnessy Reservoir Map
UPDATE
September 2025 – June 30, 2026
An old asphalt pathway at O’Shaughnessy Reservoir’s Home Road boat launch will be removed to install a new adaptive kayak launch. This work will start in September 2025 and will be completed by June 30, 2026. The immediate area of construction will be closed, but the park and nearby amenities are still open for public use.
About
Overview
Acquired in 1924, O’Shaughnessy Reservoir is a 1281.724-acre reservoir in Powell. Nearby, you can enjoy O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve and Jeffrey Scioto Park.
Rules and Regulations
- Maximum Length: 22 feet for all vessels
- Maximum Horsepower: Unlimited horsepower
- Maximum Speed: 40 mph
- Water Sports: Skiing and wakeboarding 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
The reservoir has 18.4 miles of shoreline. The maximum depth is over 40 feet near the dam, although much of the water is 20 feet or less. The watershed for the reservoir is about 770 square miles and is composed of mostly agricultural land. The bottom composition is made up of rock in the south section and mud and silt in the north.
History
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir was built by the City of Columbus in 1925. The reservoir, created by damming the Scioto River, provided a needed water source for the city.
Amenities
- 1281.724 Acres
- Boat Launch
- Greenway Trail Access
- Nature Preserve
- Open Air Shelter
- Parking Lot
- Paved Path
- Picnic Tables
- Public Boat Docks
- Shelterhouse
- Trailhead
- Water Frontage
- Woods and Wildlife Area