View source for Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

{{Short description|Park district in Central Ohio}}
[[File:Metro Parks logo.png|frameless|right|170px]]
The '''Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks''' are a group of 20 [[regional park|metropolitan parks]] in and around [[Columbus, Ohio]]. They are officially organized into the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. The Metro Parks system was organized in 1945 under [[Ohio Revised Code]] Section 1545 as a separate political division of the state of Ohio. The Metro Parks are overseen by a Board of Park Commissioners consisting of three citizens appointed to three-year terms without compensation by the Judge of the Probate Court of [[Franklin County, Ohio]]. The Board in turn appoints an Executive Director responsible for operations and management of the parks.
The Metro Parks system protects over {{convert|27500|acre|km2}} of land and water and extends over seven counties in Central Ohio<ref>{{cite web|title=Metro Parks – About Us|url=http://www.metroparks.net/about-us/|website=metroparks.net|access-date=26 February 2018}}</ref> and the Hocking Hills area. Facilities and programs include trails, shelters, lodges, nature centers, educational facilities and programs, natural resources management, stormwater management, picnicking, boating, and other recreational activities.
== History ==
The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system was created in 1945 after a study was commissioned by the Columbus and Franklin County planning commissioners. The study endorsed the development of a metro park system with the area's rivers and streams as idea land for the parks modeled after the [[Cleveland Metroparks]]. The parks would also contribute to the preservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources. Walter A. Tucker became the first president-secretary of the Metro Parks. Tucker negoitated the first parcel of land purchase in 1947 that would become [[Blacklick Woods Metro Park|Blacklick Woods]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1995 |title=Fifty Years of Conservation: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, 1945-1995 |url=https://cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16802coll28/id/177416/rec/424 |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org |language=en}}</ref>
In 1970, Tucker retired and was succeeded by Edward F. Hutchins as president-secretary.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=1995 |title=Fifty Years of Conservation: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, 1945-1995 |url=https://cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16802coll28/id/177416/rec/424 |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org |language=en}}</ref>
== Governance ==
The three Board of Park Commissioners are appointed to terms of three years by the Judge of the Probate Court of Franklin County. The board approve land acquisitions, development, policies and regulations, and financial transactions. Park Commissioners oversee administrative operations of Metro Parks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1975 |title=Metro Parks Annual Report |url=https://cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16802coll28/id/190305/rec/851 |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=cdm16802.contentdm.oclc.org |language=en}}</ref>
==Parks==
{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=290|type=named}}
{{GeoGroup}}
===Battelle Darby Creek===
{{main|Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park}}
Located along the southwest boundary of Franklin County Battelle Darby Creek is the largest Metro Park at over {{convert|7,103|acres}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park|url=https://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XMR033-001|website=trails.com|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroparks.net/ParksBattelleDarbyCreek.aspx|title=Battelle Darby Creek - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System|website=metroparks.net|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> The park encompasses lands and creek beds north and south of the confluence of the Big and Little Darby Creeks.  Unique features include restored [[tallgrass prairie]] areas totalling {{convert|2,000|acres}}<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wilde|first=Renee|date=2021-05-25|title=Baby Bison Welcomed To Restored Metro Park Prairie Habitat|url=https://www.wyso.org/local-and-statewide-news/2021-05-25/baby-bison-welcomed-to-restored-metro-park-prairie-habitat|access-date=2021-05-27|work=WYSO|language=en}}</ref> that house a group of 10 [[American bison]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Donnell|first=Waylon|date=September 8, 2020|title=American bison are gone from Ohio's ecosystem, but can they be reintroduced?|url=https://www.ashlandsource.com/life/american-bison-are-gone-from-ohios-ecosystem-but-can-they-be-reintroduced/article_ff669c32-ea4e-11ea-b647-ffbe3515ff00.html|access-date=2020-09-10|work=Ashland Source|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/05/08/baby-bison.html|title=Bison born at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, just in time for Mother's Day|first=Kelly |last=Lecker |work=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> a large nature center with exhibits about the exceptional biodiversity of [[Big Darby Creek]], and a [[Fort Ancient]] mound. Thirteen miles of the Big Darby Creek and [[Little Darby Creek (Ohio)|Little Darby Creek]] flow through the park. Much of the land for the park was donated by the [[Battelle Memorial Institute]]. The northern parcel lies just outside the town of West Jefferson (In Madison County).  The park follows the Darby Creeks south past the village of Georgesville and continues towards the crossroads of Darbydale. Detached parcels of the park extend along Darby Creek to the village of Harrisburg (into Pickaway County).<!--Location:{{coord|39.8880556|-83.2158333|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Blacklick Woods===
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{{main|Blacklick Woods Metro Park}}
Opened in 1948, and located in [[Reynoldsburg, Ohio|Reynoldsburg]], this {{cvt|643|acre|adj=on}} park<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/|title=Blacklick Woods - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System|website=metroparks.net|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> is the oldest park in the system. Within the forested area of the park is the Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve preserving one of the oldest [[Beech-maple forest]] in central Ohio. In the southern area of the preserve you can find an assortment of white and pin oak, white ash with specimens of red maple, red elm, shagbark and bitternut hickory, hophornbeam, American hornbeam and dogwood. There are also wetlands and seasonable ponds in the southern area of the nature preserve where salamanders, chorus frogs, and wood ducks among other aquatic life and amphibians can be found.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/blacklickwoods|title=Tucker, Walter (Blacklick Woods)|first=ODNR Division of Natural Areas and|last=Preserves|website=naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> Fox, Rabbits, and White-Tailed Deer can also be seen throughout the park. It is also well known as a good spot for bird watching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ohioebirdhotspots.wikispaces.com/Blacklick+Woods+Metro+Park|title=Ohio eBird Hotspots - Blacklick Woods Metro Park|website=ohioebirdhotspots.wikispaces.com|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> The Golf Course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods-golf-course/|title=Blacklick Woods Golf Course - Metro Parks|newspaper=Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> The Blacklick Woods Nature Center with Naturalists and volunteers is also available to answer questions. [[Blacklick Creek (Ohio)|Blacklick Creek]] flows south along the eastern boundary of the park and is accessible by several trails that travel through a variety of fields, meadows, and forests.<!--Location: {{coord|39.9372222|-82.8077778|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Blacklick Woods Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
In 1974, Blacklick Woods was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=BLWO-OH|title=National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)|website=www.nps.gov|language=en|quote="Year designated: 1974"|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>
===Blendon Woods===
[[File:Blendon Woods-Mixed Forests in Fall 1.jpg|thumb|Blendon Woods forests in fall]]
Located in Northeast Columbus near [[Westerville, Ohio|Westerville]], the {{cvt|653|acre|adj=on}} Blendon Woods contains rolling forest land along with the {{cvt|118|acre|adj=on}} Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its 11-acre Thoreau Lake. The park also features a nature center, natural play area and a [[disc golf]] course.<!--Location: {{coord|40.0727778|-82.8791667|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Blendon Woods Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Chestnut Ridge===
Opened in 1988, Chestnut Ridge is located on the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains southeast of Columbus near [[Carroll, Ohio|Carroll]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroparks.net/ParksChestnutRidge.aspx|title=Chestnut Ridge - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System|website=metroparks.net|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> At {{convert|1116|ft|m}} above sea level, it rises approximately 300 feet above the surrounding land. On clear days, it is possible to see the skyline of Downtown Columbus from one of the overlook points on top of the ridge. Other features of the park include picnic areas and extensive [[mountain biking]] trails.<!--Location: {{coord|39.8063889|-82.7602778|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Chestnut Ridge Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Clear Creek===
{{main|Clear Creek Metro Park}}
The most remote of all Columbus Metro Parks, [[Clear Creek Metro Park|Clear Creek]] is located near [[Rockbridge, Ohio|Rockbridge]] in the [[Hocking Hills]] region of southeast Ohio. Nearly the entire park is designated a State Nature Preserve, making off trail activity prohibited. Unique features of the park include stands of [[hemlock tree]]s, numerous deep hollows, and wildflowers.<!--Location: {{coord|39.5919444|-82.6005556|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Clear Creek Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Glacier Ridge===
[[File:Glacier Ridge Metro Park 2.JPG|thumb|right|Glacier Ridge Metro Park]]
Just northwest of [[Dublin, Ohio|Dublin]], Glacier Ridge opened to the public in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2002 |title=GLACIER RIDGE OPENS SUNDAY - New Metro Park boasts multiuse trails |url=https://login.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/login?qurl=http://docs.newsbank.com%2fopenurl%3fctx_ver%3dz39.88-2004%26rft_id%3dinfo%3asid%2fiw.newsbank.com%3aAWNB%3aCLDB%26rft_val_format%3dinfo%3aofi%2ffmt%3akev%3amtx%3actx%26rft_dat%3d10DC85EF872BD4A8%26svc_dat%3dInfoWeb%3aaggregated5%26req_dat%3d0D0CB5DC08821100 |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref> The park contains a paved multi-use trail, a disc golf course, a bridle trail, and a large wetland area.<!-- Location: {{coord|40.1555556|-83.1952778|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Glacier Ridge Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Heritage Trail===
This [[linear park]] located in [[Hilliard, Ohio|Hilliard]] opened in 1995. The primary feature of the park is a {{convert|7|mi|km|adj=on}} multi-use trail.<!--Location: {{coord|40.0619444|-83.1994444|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Heritage Trail]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Highbanks===
[[Image:Trees in Highbanks Park.JPG|thumb|right|Highbanks Metro Park]]
{{main|Highbanks Metro Park}}
The most visited in the park system, [[Highbanks Metro Park]] contains exceptional natural features and was designated as a [[National Natural Landmark]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=BLWO-OH|title=National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)|website=www.nps.gov|language=en|quote="Year designated: 1980"|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref> Located near [[Lewis Center, Ohio|Lewis Center]], the park was named for large shale bluffs that overlook the [[Olentangy River]]. Within the park is a large nature center, a sledding hill, a Natural Play Area where off trail activity is permitted, [[Adena culture]] mounds, and the Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve.<!--Location: {{coord|40.143889|-83.028333|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Highbanks Metro Park]]|region:US-OH}}-->
===Homestead===
In  Hilliard, Ohio, Homestead is a {{cvt|44|acre|adj=on}} park in Hilliard featuring a covered bridge, a replica train station and an outdoor amphitheater. It has a 0.75-mile paved trail which connects to the 7-mile Heritage Trail, which runs along the park's western border.<!--Location: {{coord|40.052485|-83.1859766|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Homestead Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Inniswood Metro Gardens===
{{main|Inniswood Metro Gardens}}
Unique among the Metro Parks, [[Inniswood Metro Gardens]] (also known as Inniswood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve) is primarily a managed botanical garden. Located in [[Westerville, Ohio|Westerville]], there are a number of theme gardens that showcase various plant communities.<!--Location: {{coord|40.101944|-82.897778|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Inniswood Metro Gardens]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Pickerington Ponds===
{{main|Pickerington Ponds Metro Park}}
Pickerington Ponds is a {{convert|1608|acre|adj=on}} park with several trails and 5 overlooks for bird and other wildlife watching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/pickerington-ponds/|title=Pickerington Ponds - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System|website=metroparks.net|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> A State Nature Preserve in Southeast Columbus, this park was first acquired in 1986. It is primarily focused on providing a habitat for various birds and contains many wetland areas. Pickerington Ponds is designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio. More than 260 species of birds have been seen here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/pickerington-ponds|title=Pickerington Ponds|date=12 September 2016|website=audubon.org|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref><!--Location: {{coord|39.885988|-82.803151|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Pickerington Ponds Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Prairie Oaks===
Located on the Franklin and Madison County border, Prairie Oaks first opened to the public in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2000 |title=PRAIRIE OAKS MANAGER FLIES SOLO IN NEWEST METRO PARK |url=https://login.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/login?qurl=http://docs.newsbank.com%2fopenurl%3fctx_ver%3dz39.88-2004%26rft_id%3dinfo%3asid%2fiw.newsbank.com%3aAWNB%3aCLDB%26rft_val_format%3dinfo%3aofi%2ffmt%3akev%3amtx%3actx%26rft_dat%3d10DCF2E8B2DFC9D8%26svc_dat%3dInfoWeb%3aaggregated5%26req_dat%3d0D0CB5DC08821100 |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref> As the name suggests, the park contains large areas of restored Oak Savannah that were common in the area prior to European settlement in the 1800s. A former quarry area in the eastern part of the park provides boating opportunities as well as a canine swimming area.<!--Location: {{coord|39.996389|-83.258333|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Prairie Oaks Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
=== Quarry Trails ===
{{main article|Quarry Trails Metro Park}}
Located on the west side of Columbus in the community of [[San Margherita, Ohio|San Margherita]], Quarry Trails is a {{cvt|220|acre|adj=on}} park that was formerly the [[Marble Cliff Quarry Co.|Marble Cliff Quarry]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Ellis|first=Andrea Reeves, Mark Ferenchik and Nate|title=Quarry Trails Metro Park is now open: 5 things to know about the new park|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/11/30/quarry-trails-metro-park-new-columbus-park-outdoor-activities-near-me/8807763002/|access-date=2021-12-03|website=The Columbus Dispatch|language=en-US}}</ref> The quarry was the largest [[limestone]] quarry in the United States from its opening in the mid-19th century until its sale around 1985.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marble Cliff Quarry|url=http://northwesthistoryexpress.com/timeline/services1800/MarbleCliff.pdf|publisher=Northwest History Express|accessdate=6 October 2017}}</ref> On November 30, 2021, the first 62-acre section of the park opened to the public and allows for biking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, paddle-boarding, floating boardwalks, a zipline, and a sledding hill. The park is situated within a larger development which will have apartments, townhomes, condominiums, office space and retail.<ref name=":0" /><!--Location: {{coord|40.0052|-83.0935|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Quarry Trails Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Rocky Fork===
Rocky Fork Metro Park is in Westerville, Ohio. It features about {{cvt|1000|acre}} of woods and fields. The park includes a bridle trail, dog park and off-leash dog trail, a paved trail and nature trails plus a picnic shelter and wetlands. Rocky Fork runs through the park, which is a partnership with New Albany, the City of Columbus and Plain Township.<!--Location: {{coord|40.1157984|-82.8154987|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Rocky Fork Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
[[File:Scioto Audubon park.JPG|thumb|Scioto Audubon Metro Park]]
===Scioto Audubon===
{{main|Scioto Audubon Metro Park}}
The most urban of the Metro Parks, [[Scioto Audubon Metro Park|Scioto Audubon]] is located in the [[Brewery District, Columbus|Brewery District]] near Downtown [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]]. The park is a major bird migration stopover, and as such hosts the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Opened in 2008, the park is situated on a peninsula stretching into the [[Scioto River]] and contains numerous wetland areas. Other features include multi-use trail connection to the north and south, a climbing wall, and an old water tower with an overlook deck.<!--Location: {{coord|39.949444|-83.009722|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Scioto Audubon Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Scioto Grove===
{{main|Scioto Grove Metro Park}}
Located in Grove City, Ohio, the 19th Metro Park opened in May 2016 and features five backpacking sites as well as seven miles of trails through woods and along the river.<!--Location: {{coord|39.8541996|-83.0266979|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Scioto Grove Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Sharon Woods===
Named for [[Sharon Township, Franklin County, Ohio|Sharon Township]] where it is located, this park is among the most frequently visited. The park also includes the {{cvt|320|acre|adj=on}} Edward S. Thomas Nature Preserve containing eight different species of [[Old-growth forest|old growth]] oak trees, some more than 250 years old. The northern part of the nature preserve contains the Spring Hollow Outdoor Education Center lands. The ravine bottom around Spring Creek has a multitude of different trees including various sycamore, butternut, black walnut, Ohio buckeye, pawpaw and red elm. The southern part of the nature preserve which contains several trails and an observation deck contains fields, and meadows accompanying forests such as oak-hickory association with scattered beech with a recovering elm-ash swamp forest including red elm, with white, green and blue ash trees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/sharonwoods|title=Thomas, Edward (Sharon Woods)|first=ODNR Division of Natural Areas and|last=Preserves|website=naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref>
Schrock Lake provides fishing opportunities as well as ample opportunities for bird watching. A multi-use trail runs along the perimeter of the park. along with 4 additional designated trails that traverse various areas of Sharon Woods Metro Park.<!--Location: {{coord|40.116667|-82.963611|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Sharon Woods Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Slate Run===
{{multiple images|total_width=400|image1=Slate Run Living Historical Farm 03.jpg|image2=Slate Run Living Historical Farm 01.jpg|footer=Barn and farmhouse at [[Slate Run Living Historical Farm]]}}
{{main|Slate Run Metro Park}}
South of [[Canal Winchester, Ohio|Canal Winchester]], [[Slate Run Metro Park]]'s most notable feature is an 1880s-era working historical farm staffed by volunteers. Visitors can see 19th century farm life, interact with the farm animals, and learn about canning and meat preservation. Other parts of the park include extensive hiking trails and a restored wetland area.<!--Location: {{coord|39.7619444|-82.8480556|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Slate Run Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Three Creeks===
Managed in cooperation with the City of Columbus, Three Creeks is located near [[Groveport, Ohio|Groveport]] and [[Bexley, Ohio|Bexley]]. Along the confluence trail, visitors can see where Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick Creeks merge. Picnic areas, lakes, and extensive trails round out the features of this park.<!--Location: {{coord|39.8966667|-82.9125|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Three Creeks Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
===Walnut Woods===
Opened in 2011, this park encompasses a former tree nursery. Located just east of the village of [[Groveport, Ohio|Groveport]], Walnut Woods also includes two dog parks - one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Wetland restoration is ongoing in the central part of the park.<!-- {{coord|39.8383333|-82.8666667|format=dms|display=inline|name=[[Walnut Woods Metro Park]]|type:forest_region:US-OH}}-->
==Future==
Columbus Metro Parks is continuing to expand with more acquisitions of land. One such expansion is in [[Blendon Township, Ohio|Blendon Township]] and is planned to remain rustic and primitive. The land currently under the management team from Blendon Woods Metro Park.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ferenchik|first1=Mark|title=Metro Parks secures pristine land in northeastern Franklin County|url=http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180223/metro-parks-secures-pristine-land-in-northeastern-franklin-county|website=dispatch.com|publisher=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=26 February 2018|date=23 February 2018}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{official website|https://www.metroparks.net/}}
*[https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/ Map of all parks with descriptions]
{{Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks}}
{{Protected Areas of Ohio}}
[[Category:Geography of Columbus, Ohio]]
[[Category:Park districts in Ohio]]
[[Category:Parks in Columbus, Ohio]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Franklin County, Ohio]]
[[Category:National Natural Landmarks in Ohio]]