Park Facilities

Diehl Park consists of 39.77 acres. There are four girls ball fields and one boys field ball, two shelter houses, and a playground area along with the Kids Creation Playground. New playground equipment was installed in 2017, and lighting was updated for the ball fields in the 2001 summer season.

The "Kids Creation" Story: "If You Build It, We Will Play"

The Kids Creation Playground was designed by Leathers and Assoc. of Ithaca, NY. To date, they have designed more the 2,000 playgrounds all over the world.

Every playground is unique because it is designed by the children of the community. Leathers and Assoc. sent an architect to meet with the elementary students to determine what they wanted in a playground. Many adults gave the architect the history of Defiance. Leathers was able to combine all this information and design an incredible playground.

Over $150,000 was raised through a "grassroots" effort. People contributed in many ways: some put a penny in a milk jug, many bought a personalized brick that was laid at the entrance of the structure, some participated in the community garage sale or sponsored a component of the playground itself.

Over 1,200 volunteers showed up to help construct "Kids Creation" in just six days! The volunteers worked from sun up to sundown. Meals and childcare were provided for the workers.

Our community takes great pride in this playground. We built it, so now you can play!