Making Nature Accessible for Everyone
Metro Parks is dedicated to increasing accessibility to the natural world for Franklin County residents and beyond. We are continuing to expand accessible features and programming in our parks.
To aid in this effort, Metro Parks Inclusion Program Coordinator serves as a point person for all accessibility inquiries, requests, and adaptive programming. Please contact the Inclusion Program Coordinator at accessibility@metroparks.net for assistance in:
- Reasonable Accommodation Requests for traditional programming across the district
- ASL Interpreting Requests
- Group Programming for people with disabilities
- Inclusive Playground Questions
- GRIT Wheelchair Questions
- Adaptive Adventures program questions
- Any and all inquiries regarding accessibility and adaptive programming and recreation
How can we help you?
Metro Parks Adaptive and Accessible Offerings
Metro Parks Adaptive Adventures Programs
Adaptive Adventures programs are programs designed for people with disabilities and their families. These programs are created in line with universal design principles to ensure accessibility for all participants and abilities. Programs range from creative endeavors to nature education and adaptive outdoor recreation activities. All programs are free and open to all ages unless otherwise noted. Join the “Metro Parks Adaptive Adventures” Facebook group to stay up to date with news, events and programs!
Sensory Bags
Sensory Bags are available for check out in all of our nature centers! Sensory bags are a great tool in supporting individuals with sensory regulation.
Accessible Geocaching
Tour Columbus Metro Parks is an ADA accessible geocache trail in our Metro Parks! It is available year-round as an opportunity to get into nature and search for items with your GPS equipment. There are 10 caches, each at a different park, on trails and with caches suited for beginners. Once you find all 10 caches and log them on www.geocaching.com, simply fill out the online passport to reveal the coordinates for the final, 11th cache, and receive your Metro Parks Path Tag prize!
GRIT All Terrain Freedom Chair 3.0
With the help from our Friends of Metro Parks, we are happy to offer the GRIT All Terrain Freedom Chair as a free community resource. This chair is built for various outdoor terrains and operates by push levers propelling the chair.
The chair is FREE to check out and use in our parks. To check out the chair please fill out this request form and the Inclusion Program Coordinator will reach out to confirm your request.
Metro Parks Adaptive and Accessible Offerings
Inclusive Playground
The inclusive playground is a playground space inclusive of all abilities! This space offers a shelterhouse with ADA seating, a gated playground with double entrance and a companion care restroom equipped with a universal changing table and electric hoist.
The playground is located at Blendon Woods Metro Park and is reservable for groups that have/serve with individuals with disabilities.
Group Booking Hours are:
- 8am-4pm Tuesday-Friday
- 8am-12pm Saturday
Outside of these hours the playground is open to the general public with no reservations needed!
Please fill out this request form for reservation inquiries or contact accessibility@metroparks.net.
Canopy Walk
The canopy walk is a boardwalk 40ft in the air allowing for amazing views and up close exploration of the tree canopy at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. The canopy is equipped with an elevator so everyone is able to enjoy this unique experience!
ADA Rated Trails
Metro Parks offers access to over 130 miles of ADA accessible and/or paved trails!
ADA Accessible Kayak Launches
Find accessible kayak launches available for public use at:
Accessible Fishing Areas
Enjoy accessible fishing areas in our catch- and- release ponds located at: