LIZ CHRISTIAN
Social Media & Marketing Specialist
UPDATE
Wednesday April 1, 2026 was a great day in the life of Metro Parks. With the opening of Great Southern, there are now 21 Metro Parks! Even with rain in the forecast and clouds in the sky, we had nearly 700 people show up to witness this grand opening. Dignitaries, including the Mayor of Columbus, several city council members, ODNR Director Mary Mertz and so many more showed up to support this amazing event.
But perhaps the most exciting piece was the number of people from the community, who are so excited to have a giant pirate ship playground, obstacle course, nature trails, and some connections to the Scioto River. It was great seeing the smiles on their faces, while they ate a hot dog and watched a young boy run in an oversized Great Southern T-shirt and wearing a Smokey the Bear hat. Here are photos from the opening celebration of Great Southern Metro Park.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE BEFORE THE OPENING
Spring will bring something special to south Columbus this year — the grand opening of Metro Parks’ 21st park! Great Southern Metro Park will be opening to the public on Wednesday April 1, 2026.
This 70-acre park, located at 125 W. Williams Road, will expand access to nature and recreation in the southern part of the city while creating new connections to the Scioto River corridor. A community celebration will take place from 4-6pm, welcoming neighbors, families and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the park together for the first time.
A Park Built for Community
Bordered by the Scioto River, Great Southern Metro Park transforms open green space into a vibrant destination for relaxation, recreation and exploration. The park was designed with a balance of natural beauty and active experiences in mind, offering something for visitors of all ages.
Over the past decade, Metro Parks staff worked closely with neighbors, landowners and local partners to bring the vision for the park to life. Partnerships with organizations including Columbus Recreation and Parks, American Electric Power (AEP), and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) helped shape the project and make the new park possible.
“Great Southern Metro Park represents our continued commitment to connecting people with nature and with each other. It also moves us closer to completing a levy promise to open three new parks,” said Tim Moloney, Metro Parks’ Executive Director. “We’re excited to welcome the community to this new space and provide opportunities for recreation, wellness and connection in south Columbus.”
A Unique Fitness Challenge
One of the park’s most exciting features is its 230-yard obstacle course, designed to offer a fun and engaging fitness challenge for visitors. Whether you’re testing your endurance, racing friends or just trying something new, the course invites people to get active outdoors.
Nearby, an additional fitness station offers workout opportunities for those who want to build strength, stretch or add variety to their routine.
Together, these features make the park an ideal destination for anyone looking to combine fitness with fresh air.
Nature, Trails, and Scenic Views
Great Southern Metro Park also offers plenty of ways to slow down and take in the natural surroundings. Visitors can explore scenic overlook decks, paved and gravel trails for walking and running, and three paved trails where biking is permitted. In the future, the Scioto Greenway Trail will connect Scioto Audubon to Great Southern Metro Park.
The park also includes a playground and picnic spaces, making it an inviting place for families and friends.
Join the Grand Opening Celebration
The community is invited to celebrate the park’s opening during a special event on April 1 from 4-6pm. Visitors will be among the first to explore the park while enjoying a festive afternoon that includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tram rides, and drinks provided by G&J Pepsi.
Plan your Visit
Once open, Great Southern Metro Park will welcome visitors year-round from 7:30am until dark. Located at 125 Williams Road in Columbus, the park will serve as a new gateway to outdoor recreation in south Columbus and an important connection to the Scioto River landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging workout, a peaceful walk through prairie habitat, or a place to gather with friends and family, Great Southern Metro Park offers a new place to explore and a new way to connect with nature close to home.
I can’t wait to visit. I love the Metroparks. I moved from Springfield-Dayton area, and I do miss fens and other features from the glaciated area, but I have found great beauty here, too.
I’m concerned that MetroParks is trying too hard to be all things to all people. Other organizations may offer fitness opportunities or arts and crafts, for example, but very, very few focus on the natural world. I hope MetroParks doesn’t work so hard at trying to fill so many different roles in an attempt to satisfy each and every person that it loses sight of its unique role as the best natural world adventure in central Ohio.
This park will provide natural connections to the Scioto River and future wetland development. Each park has a unique character based on the needs of the community and the park’s historic uses. Metro Parks is committed to the mission to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature.
We love the Metro Parks! We are fortunate…
What is the address?
125 Williams Road, as written in the last paragraph!
Where is this located?
Great Southern Metro Park is located at 125 Williams Road, Columbus OH 43207. Click the link in the article to go to the park’s web page, with lots more information.
love it
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, it is! Click the link in the article to go to the park’s web page, with lots more information.
Google maps shows a house located at 125 Williams Rd. Is the house gone or now an office? Is there signage for the park?
Both places have the same address, according to Google Maps. This park is on the west side of High Street, so if you type in “W. Williams Rd.” it should work, or if you type in “Great Southern Metro Park”, it will take you to the right place.