An introduction to Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Your 19 Metro Parks provide endless opportunities for you to connect with nature and have fun in the outdoors. With more than 27,700 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 only open every day for your enjoyment.
Our History
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, 0.95 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
For several years, bald eagles have been seen flying along park waterways in various Metro Parks searching for food and nesting locations. Three parks, Highbanks, Pickerington Ponds and Three Creeks, …Read More
Chad Engler runs at various Metro Parks for health and healing.
Last week, rangers at Scioto Audubon and Greenways worked as a Street Outreach Team in cooperation with the Community Shelter Board and other partnering agencies. The Street Outreach Team, helped …Read More
Preschoolers at Blendon Woods Metro Park.