Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks Metro Parks is a public agency serving the citizens of Central Ohio since 1945. metroparks.net
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Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks (Metro Parks) is a public agency serving the citizens of Central Ohio by providing a regional system of clean, safe, natural area parks. Metro Parks features 19 outstanding natural area parks with more than 200 miles of trails and over 27,000 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties. The mission of Metro Parks is to conserve open spaces, while providing

places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. Annually, more than 8 million people enjoy quality outdoor times in the parks, and more than 180,000 people participate in free nature education programs. Created on August 14, 1945, Metro Parks is an independent political subdivision of the state of Ohio organized under Ohio Revised Code Section 1545 to conserve natural resources and provide natural area parks for people to enjoy. Metro Parks is a separate subdivision of the state of Ohio and is not under the administration of any other governmental unit. The tremendous growth and enduring popularity of Metro Parks is due to the strong support of the community - as voters, as volunteers and as visitors. Metro Parks’ primary funding source is the 10-year, 0.75 mill levy approved by Franklin County voters in 2009. The levy provides a sound financial base for operating and improving existing parks, as well as acquiring additional land for future preservation. Metro Parks has three designated categories of revenue: public sources (taxes, local government funds and government grants), operational fees (earned income), and other revenue (donations, interest income, etc).

As we wrap up a truly remarkable August, we can't help but wonder, what's in store this September? Check back tomorrow f...
08/30/2026

As we wrap up a truly remarkable August, we can't help but wonder, what's in store this September? Check back tomorrow for next month's events and programs!🐛🍄🐾

Scioto Fest brings together outdoor recreation, music, food, drinks and you! All the fun begins at Scioto Audubon Metro ...
08/29/2026

Scioto Fest brings together outdoor recreation, music, food, drinks and you! All the fun begins at Scioto Audubon Metro Park at 5pm on Friday, September 18th with climbing, camping, river floats, vendors, food trucks, Nocterra beer, plus live bands.

Visit https://www.metroparks.net/scioto-fest-at-scioto-audubon-metro-park/ to learn more!

Visit Chestnut Ridge Metro ParkHike the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and see the change of forest as you ascen...
08/28/2026

Visit Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

Hike the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and see the change of forest as you ascend up the 150-foot ridge. Mountain bike on the 10.5-mile trail designed by the Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization.

Check out the link to plan your next visit to Metro Parks 🔗
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/

08/27/2026

Meet Athena, the newest animal ambassador at Metro Parks! After joining Metro Parks on August 9th, Athena was quickly taken under the wing of Stephanie West, the senior naturalist at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Interested in learning more? The Blendon Woods Nature Center will be hosting animal ambassador meet-and-greet programs Fridays at 4pm during August and September.

Read more on our blog at https://www.metroparks.net/blog/meet-athena-the-newest-animal-ambassador-at-metro-parks/

08/27/2026

❗️Trail Closure Notice❗️ The Lake Trail will be closed for repaving starting Thursday, August 27th. It should reopen by Tuesday, September 1st. Thank you for your patience.

08/26/2026

What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than to hand out some accolades to Bark Bash's bestest canines?🐶🐾

Thank you to the almost 6,000 pups and 12,000 people that came out to Bark Bash! Thank you to our nearly 80 vendors and to our sponsors NBC4, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, and more, without whom this event wouldn't be possible. Only 360 days until Bark Bash 2027!😉🐕

Have a blast at Bark Bash 2026? Let us know using our post-event survey: https://forms.gle/eJMRsguWPAViiTsq8

Did you know Metro Parks has several trails that you can enjoy horseback riding at?📍Savannah Trail @ Glacier Ridge Metro...
08/25/2026

Did you know Metro Parks has several trails that you can enjoy horseback riding at?

📍Savannah Trail @ Glacier Ridge Metro Park
📍Bridle Trail @ Rocky Fork Metro Park
📍Sassafras Trail @ Slate Run Metro Park
📍Bridle Trail @ Prairie Oaks Metro Park

Booked and busy!🌳👟
08/24/2026

Booked and busy!🌳👟

On Tuesday August 18, Metro Parks staff were presented a Wildlife Award in recognition of their interagency cooperation ...
08/23/2026

On Tuesday August 18, Metro Parks staff were presented a Wildlife Award in recognition of their interagency cooperation in relation to the Creek Kings trespassing and deer poaching case. We are honored to work in tandem with The Ohio Division of Wildlife in the enforcement of Ohio's wildlife laws.

08/22/2026

Who's joining Winston at Bark Bash? Come on out to Prairie Oaks Metro Park today from 10am-3pm for a tail-wagging time!

Activities Include:
🐶 Stand-up paddling & kayaking with your pup with Outdoor Adventure.
🐶Tie-dye bandanas for your four-legged friend with Friends of Metro Parks.
🐶Take a stroll through the marketplace.
🐶Take a hike with your pup or explore the off-leash dog beach area of the park.
🐶Stage performances by the Franklin County Sheriff’s K-9 units & Performance Dogs of Ohio.

2755 Amity Rd. Hilliard, OH

Address

1069 W Main Street
Westerville, OH
43081

Website

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