Bill Yeck Park is a 194-acre natural area along 1.75 miles of Sugar Creek. The park is treasured by hikers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It harbors many rare species of plant life, providing a home to a variety of animals in every season. Fossils from the Ordovician period can be found in Sugar Creek which flows through the park. The park connects with other parks and wildlife areas creating a large corridor of green space that extends from St. Leonard Center to the Little Miami River. This unbroken wooded area makes the park's wildlife abundant and varied.
Plan your visit
- Park type
- Nature
- Acres
- 194.35
- Location
- Rooks Mill Entrance, 8798 Rooks Mill Ln.
- Hours
- The park is open during daylight hours.
Park history
How this park came to be
Bill Yeck Park was originally named Sugar Valley Park, the first parcel acquired in 1968. The name was changed in 1996 in honor of William S. Yeck, the Father of the Park District. Bill's main interest was in nature parks and he spent a lot of time in this park.
Programs at Bill Yeck Park
4 programs
Adult Wellness
- Dates
- 9/2/2026 - 11/18/2026
- Time
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Where
- Bill Yeck Park - Rooks Mill Lane Entrance
Ages 18 and up Wednesdays, September 2 – November 18 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $15 nonresidents Let's get you moving outdoors! What better way than through guided hikes in your parks? Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Registration deadline: none listed
Register now →Adult Programs
- Dates
- 11/12/2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where
- Bill Yeck Park - Smith House Entrance
Join us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 10
Register now →Children's Programs
- Dates
- 11/12/2026
- Time
- 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Where
- Bill Yeck Park - Smith House
The ocean is calling and your child is invited on the journey! As the cold weather rolls in, we will kick off our evening with crafts and games reminiscent of a tropical vacation. Afterwards we will make a fruit-filled snack featuring fruits from mango to papaya! We will end the night with a screening of a beloved, ocean-filled movie. The best part? No school on Friday, November 13! Kick off your 3-day weekend with a splash!
Registration deadline: Friday, November 6
Register now →Preschool Programs
- Dates
- 11/19/2026
- Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where
- Bill Yeck Park - Smith House Entrance
Flying squirrels are Ohio’s most common squirrel, yet most people claim they have never seen one! Join us on a hike as we try to spot this elusive frequent flyer. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 17
Register now →All programs at this park →
Before you go
Check conditions first.
Ball diamonds and pitches close after rain. Field status is recorded daily, and the Park District’s own page carries access details, maps and rules.
