Metro Parks

The Metro Parks system of green spaces in Central Ohio provide more than 100 miles of trails, bike or jogging paths. There are 15 Metro Parks in the area and just about anywhere in Central Ohio you'll only be about 20 minutes at most away from a nearby Metro Park.

Metro Parks are not only a place to play for all ages, but also where you can learn. The Metro Parks offer a variety of free programs and special events, including moonlight owl walks, to tracking white-tailed deer, to seeing what life was like on an 1880s farm.

First established in 1945, Metro Parks operates 15 parks in 7 Central Ohio counties and protects more than 23,000 acres of land and water. These parks provide year-round recreational and educational opportunities for visitors.

Metro Parks is a separate political subdivision of the state of Ohio. The Metro Parks' Board of Park Commissioners is composed of 3 citizens serving 3 year terms without compensation. It is this board of commissioners that govern the entire Park District.

Most of the Metro Park Trails do not allow pets, even leashed. A few do offer special pet trails. If you plan on taking your pet, best to check specifically with the specific Metro Park regarding use of trails and pets.

Bird Watching at the Metros

The Metro Parks offer ideal conditions to do some quality bird watching, especially during mid-spring and early fall when 1000s of migratory birds pass through Central Ohio. Many of the parks offer guided hikes through the park with experienced bird watchers that can help you identify the variety of birds in the area, not only by sight, but also by their sounds.

If you're new to bird watching, having a pair of binoculars is helpful, but not necessary. If you plan on buying a new pair of binoculars, look for a magnification of 7 x 35. Prices range from $25 to $500, with the lower to mid price range being ideal. A field guide that identifies birds will also make the experience more meaningful.

Bird watching is probably best done alone, but going along with a group is great way to get your feet wet is this fascinating hobby. Going with another person that has bird-watching experience is even better.

Metro Parks ideal for bird watching include Battelle Darby, Blacklick, Blendon Woods, Glacier Ridge and Slate Rune. All of these Metro Parks have a variety of habitats that are ideal for birds to take refuse and be seen. One of the real jewels of bird watching is seeing the bald eagles nesting in early spring at Highbanks Metro Park. Each year these majestic creatures take up residence along the Olentangy River and can be seen from the Observation Deck on the western side of the park.

15 Central Ohio Metro Parks

The following are all 15 Central Ohio Metro Parks that provide an overview of each park, its location and a downloadable trail map for each park.

The Metro Parks Mission

The Mission of Metro Parks is to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature.

Funding for Metro Parks

Metro Parks is funded principally by a 10-year Franklin County property tax levy along with state and local government funds, grants and earned income. The current 0.65-mill levy, which expires in 2010, generates about 60 percent of the income for the park system. On average, this costs a property owner about $12 per $100,000 of home value.

Levy funds are used primarily to operate and improve existing parks and acquire additional land for trails and new parks. During the current levy period, Metro Parks has opened 5 new parks, added more than 7,500 acres of land and 75 miles of trails, expanded and enhanced its school and youth programming initiatives and developed a senior citizen outreach program while continuing to maintain clean and safe parks for more than 6 million visitors each year.

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