Bank Run Metro Park is designed with two distinct but connected experiences in mind: a dedicated event center and a developing natural park space. Together, they’ll create a place where people can gather, explore and connect in new ways.
The Event Center Side
The Bank Run Event Center is the first side of Bank Run to open, and it represents a new kind of offering within the Metro Parks system.
This space is designed specifically for bringing people together. Whether it’s a corporate event, nonprofit gathering, celebration, or community event, the facilities here are built to accommodate large groups comfortably.
Visitors will find:
- Two reservable indoor lodges, each seating up to 99 guests for meetings, receptions, or dinners.
- Two outdoor shelters. One seating 120 people and the second can host nearly 300 people, ideal for large-scale events.
- Flexible indoor and outdoor settings that make it easy to plan gatherings in a natural setting.
- A stage for concerts and presentations.
- A paved 5K route specifically designed with races in mind.
Unlike traditional park shelters, the event center at Bank Run is intentionally designed to support larger, more structured gatherings, while still being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
How to Reserve Bank Run Event Center facilities:
Reservations for the event center are now open, with options depending on the size and scope of your event:
- Full-site rentals for major events (1,000+ guests) that utilize the entire event center can be booked 12-18 months in advance.
- Large Scale Events (500+ guests), including events like 5K races, can reserve spaces such as The Grand Shelter and River Rock Lodge 8 to 12 months in advance.
- Individual facility reservations (individual lodges or shelters) are available for reservation up to eight months in advance.
For 2026 and 2027 reservations, interested groups can email bankrunspecialevents@metroparks.net to learn more and begin the booking process.
The Park Side
While the Event Center is ready to welcome guests, the park’s natural areas are still being developed and will open in the future.
When complete, this side of Bank Run will offer a more familiar Metro Parks experience, centered around time outside and connection to nature.
Planned features include:
- Scenic views of water, fields and wooded areas.
- Space for walking and running.
- Kayaking and fishing.
This side of the park is designed to be a place where visitors can slow down, explore and enjoy nature at their own pace.
At this moment, we are expecting to open this site later in 2026.
Get A First Look on May 16
We’re inviting the community to get a first look at the Bank Run Metro Park Event Center during a special preview event on Saturday May 16, 2026.
This event offers a first look at the park’s event center and a chance to experience how the space comes to life when it’s filled with activity.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy:
- A 5K run/walk on the park’s paved loop, with a prize for all participants.
- Live music from the Fabulous Johnson Brothers and the Pretty Filth.
- Beer and refreshments from Friends of Metro Parks.
- Little Italy and Empanadas and More food trucks.
- Get your final passport stamp for Bank Run and pick up your prize from Friends of Metro Parks.
- Opportunities to connect with Metro Parks and learn more about rentals and future programming.
This preview is designed to showcase what makes Bank Run unique: a place where large-scale events, recreation, and community experiences can all happen in one setting.
Whether you’re joining the 5K, enjoying the music, or simply exploring the space, this is a chance to see the vision for Bank Run in action.
Please note: this event focuses on the event center side of the park. While the 5K will utilize the paved loop, the park’s trails and additional natural areas are still under development and will not be open during this event.