An introduction to Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Your 22 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 270 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
Naomi Pepper Assistant Park Manager, Scioto Audubon Metro Park Naomi Pepper is talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon About me I grew up in Worthington and went to Linworth Alternative …Read More
JILL SNYDER Visitor Engagement Manager Last year, Metro Parks completed a community impact survey. We asked visitors, volunteers and community members to tell us what they love about Metro Parks, …Read More
In our latest Adventure Starts Here video we took a look at the newest Metro Park, Great Southern. STILLS FROM THE VIDEO
JEN SNYDER Senior Environmental Education, Inniswood Metro Gardens It starts as the days grow longer each spring and continues well into the summer. Birds are singing, building nests and laying …Read More