General Info

Olander Park System has a unique history. S.J. Groves Construction Company from Minneapolis purchased the 60-acre tract in the late 1950's to excavate fill dirt for the US-23/I-475 expressway ramps at Central and Sylvania Avenues.S.J. Groves struck an underground spring during excavation, forming what would become Lake Olander. Groves had an "attractive nuisance" on its hands due to the water hazard and intended to sell the site for $25, 000. The former Sylvania Township Park District purchased it for $9, 000 and a $16, 000 tax credit.Park District began to develop the tract into a park in the early 1960's, under the leadership of original Park District Commissioners Jack Callahan, Catherine Frye, and Milton Olander. Sadly, Mr. Olander passed away in late 1962. The park was named in his honor when it opened to the public in 1963. The entire district was renamed Olander Park System ( TOPS ) on April 11, 2000.