You’re driving down I-75 through West Chester, Ohio, and you see that giant Art Deco building with the towers. Most people assume it’s just another piece of local history gathering dust. Or maybe they think Voice of America Park is just a place where kids play soccer on Saturday mornings.
Honestly? It’s both of those things, but it’s also a whole lot weirder and more impressive than the average suburban green space. This 435-acre site used to be a literal weapon of war. Not the kind that shoots bullets, but the kind that shoots truth. During World War II, this exact ground was home to the Bethany Relay Station, which beamed broadcasts directly into Nazi-occupied Germany. Hitler himself apparently hated this place so much he called the broadcasters "Cincinnati Liars."
Fast forward to today, and the "lies" are gone, replaced by a massive 35-acre stocked lake, a world-class athletic complex, and a dog park that’s basically a social club for Golden Retrievers. If you’re looking for a spot that mixes high-stakes Cold War history with a place to launch a kayak, you've found it.
The Secret History of the Bethany Relay Station
Most parks don't have a background story involving the Roosevelt administration and the fight against fascism. In 1942, just weeks after Pearl Harbor, the government realized they needed a way to get information to Western Europe. They chose this spot in Butler County because it was flat, high, and—critically—too far inland for German U-boats to shell it from the coast.
It’s kinda wild to think about. This peaceful meadow was once bristling with a "forest of wires" and six 200,000-watt transmitters. These were the most powerful shortwave transmitters in the world at the time. The engineers here, led by the legendary Powel Crosley Jr., were basically the Silicon Valley disruptors of the 1940s.
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The station didn't stop when the war ended, either. It stayed active all the way through the Cold War, pivoting its focus toward the Soviet Union. It finally went dark in 1994, and that’s when the transition to Voice of America Park (or VOA MetroPark, as the locals call it) really began.
More Than Just a Nice View of the Lake
If you aren't a history buff, you’re probably here for the water. The 35-acre lake is the centerpiece. It’s stocked with fish, and honestly, even on a crowded weekend, it feels pretty serene.
Water Activities and Rentals
- The Adaptive Launch: One of the coolest things MetroParks of Butler County did was install an ADA-compliant adaptive kayak launch. It uses a system of ramps and handrails so people with varying mobility can actually get on the water without a struggle.
- Self-Serve Kayaks: They’ve moved to a high-tech system called Rent.Fun. You basically download an app, scan a QR code on a locker, and grab a kayak or paddleboard. It’s $15 an hour. Just a heads up: they are strictly cashless starting in 2026.
- Personal Craft: If you have your own kayak, you can launch it for free. No gasoline motors allowed, though—keep it quiet.
Wiggly Field: The Dog Park Scene
You can't talk about VOA without mentioning Wiggly Field. It’s not just a patch of grass. It’s a 2.5-acre off-leash area divided into sections for large dogs, small dogs, and even a "shy dog" area for the pups who aren't quite ready for a wrestling match.
There are agility structures and water fountains, but be warned: if it rained recently, it's going to be a mud pit. Frequent visitors often complain about the "kiddie pool" sized puddles that form near the gates. Bring towels. Lots of towels.
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The UC Health Fieldhouse and Athletic Complex
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic near Tylersville Road on a Saturday, you know about the sports. The Voice of America Athletic Complex is a beast. We’re talking 25 fields total.
The UC Health West Chester Hospital Fieldhouse is the hub of the action. It’s a 3,400-square-foot facility that has everything from a trainer's room to a second-floor press box for scouts. They host everything here: soccer, lacrosse, and even "non-traditional" sports like Quidditch and Ultimate Frisbee.
In 2015 and 2016 alone, these tournaments brought in over $12 million to the local economy. People travel from all over the Midwest to play here, which is why the hotels nearby are always packed.
Walking the Trails
The park has about nine miles of trails. Some are paved and perfect for strollers or bikes, while others are "natural" (read: dirt and grass) and take you through the meadows.
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The main loop around the lake is about 1.4 miles. It's flat. It's easy. It’s perfect for a quick sunset walk. If you want something longer, the Tylersville Trail connects different parts of the park, though parts of it are occasionally closed for construction—like the recent work near the USS Cincinnati memorial area.
Birdwatching in the Grasslands
The meadow areas aren't just empty space. They are specifically managed as grassland habitats. If you’re into birding, this is one of the best spots in the region to see Savannah Sparrows and Bobolinks. The park staff actually waits to mow certain sections until after the nesting season to protect the fledglings.
The Museum: Stepping Inside the "Cradle of Stars"
You can't just visit the park and skip the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. It’s housed in the original Art Deco building. They’ve done a ton of renovations lately, including a new ground-level entrance that makes it way more accessible.
Inside, it’s a trip. You can see:
- The Crosley Collection: Radios, old Shelvador refrigerators (the first ones with shelves in the door!), and even a 1951 Crosley Hot Shot convertible.
- The Media Heritage Exhibit: This covers the "Cradle of Stars" era of Cincinnati radio. Think Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Ruth Lyons.
- The Tech: You can still see the Antenna Switching Matrix at the back of the building. It’s this massive, complicated-looking grid that allowed engineers to "aim" the radio signal toward different continents.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up and wing it. Here is the reality of visiting in 2026:
- Go Cashless: As of January 1, 2026, the administrative offices and the VOA Welcome Center don't take cash. Have your debit or credit card ready for permits or rentals.
- Check the Calendar: The park is a major site for events like Taps, Tastes & Tunes and the West Chester Fourth of July fireworks. If there's a festival, the parking lot (even with 400 new spaces) will be a nightmare.
- Permits: If you aren't a Butler County resident, you used to need a motor vehicle permit. The rules change occasionally, so check the MetroParks website before you go to see if the daily pass is required for your car.
- Fishing: The lake is catch-and-release unless otherwise posted. You’ll need an Ohio fishing license if you're 16 or older.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
If you're planning a trip this weekend, start by downloading the Rent.Fun app and the MetroParks of Butler County app to check for any sudden trail closures. If you're heading to the museum, check their specific weekend hours, as they are typically more limited than the park's dawn-to-dusk schedule. Pack a pair of binoculars for the meadow trails—the migratory birds are usually active early in the morning near the northern edge of the park.