LIZ CHRISTIAN
Social Media and Marketing Specialist
We’re proud to share that Metro Parks recently received two statewide honors from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA), recognizing our commitment to inclusive play and conservation leadership.
Award-Winning Inclusive Playground at Blendon Woods
The Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground earned a first-place award from OPRA in the Capital Improvement Projects – $500,000 to $3 million category. This recognition celebrates projects that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation and community impact.
Designed with accessibility and inclusion at the forefront, the playground offers meaningful play opportunities for people of all abilities. From adaptive equipment to thoughtful layout and design, the space encourages visitors to explore, play and connect, reinforcing Metro Parks’ commitment to welcoming everyone into nature and recreation.
This award reflects the dedication of staff, partners and community members who helped bring the vision for inclusive play at Blendon Woods to life.
Honoring Conservation Leadership: Steve Studenmund
In addition to the playground award, Steve Studenmund, Metro Parks’ Planning, Design and Land Acquisition Manager, was honored with the Jack Hanna Resource Conservation Award, one of OPRA’s most prestigious individual recognitions.
The award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and long-term commitment to conservation and natural resource protection across Ohio. Over his 27-year career, Steve has played a key role in advancing conservation efforts at Metro Parks, including expanding public land holdings by more than 16,000 acres and helping secure over $80 million in grant funding to protect natural spaces for future generations.
Steve’s leadership and passion for conservation have made a lasting impact on central Ohio’s parks, waterways and wildlife, and we’re proud to see his work recognized at the state level.
These two awards reflect the heart of Metro Parks’ mission: creating spaces that connect people to nature and to each other, while protecting the natural resources that make our region special.
We’re grateful to OPRA for recognizing this work and even more grateful to the staff, partners and community members who help make it possible every day.