An introduction to Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Your 20 Metro Parks provide endless opportunities for you to connect with nature and have fun in the outdoors. With more than 28,900 acres of land and water to explore and 230 miles of trails to traverse, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the wonder and majesty of nature in Metro Parks. We’re free and open every day for your enjoyment.
Our History
The first Metro Park, Blacklick Woods, opened in October 1948. Initially created on August 14, 1945, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks (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, 0.95 mill levy approved by Franklin County voters in November 2018. 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).
News & Upcoming Events
Amanda Sugerik Park Ranger, Quarry Trails Metro Park Amanda Sugerik is talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon About me I was born in Westerville and have lived my whole life …Read More
STEPHANIE WEST Blendon Woods Naturalist Of all winter travel destinations, Ohio hardly seems like the perfect getaway. There’s no warm tropical sand, nor towering ski slopes. Vistas are often gray …Read More
LOGAN DUNN Assistant Resource Manager Sandhill cranes are large majestic birds that capture the attention of almost anyone found within the area of them. They are still listed as “Threatened” …Read More
In our latest Tim Talks video we take a close look at our programs for people age 50-plus and hear from participants. STILLS FROM THE VIDEO