The Metro Parks Strike Team attacks Bank Run

LOGAN DUNN
Assistant Resource Manager

What is a strike team, you may ask? Well, typically, each week Metro Parks staff members gather together at various parks around the park district to perform several different types of projects together.

Recently, our strike team staff members were out at one of our newest additions, Bank Run Metro Park, to perform a variety of tasks. In the morning, staff ventured out to the quarry to clear up some invasive species in order to allow native species to germinate and repopulate. They also cleared invasives from an area where the new entrance sign will be erected. Staff got to learn the importance of removing invasive species and what types of invasive species exist within the area that they were working. An invasive species is one which is not indigenous to Ohio and causes environmental and economic harm to various ecosystems, due to the lack of ecological controls.

Once we broke for lunch, the staff members returned to work by demolishing a block wall, once previously used for a shower by the previous Hoover Y owners of the site. By removing the wall, this allows us to pave the way for additional restroom space and amenities at Bank Run, to help serve our amazing visitors!

Once finished with removing the block wall, staff members ventured out to the newly established parking lot areas to plant some trees. These trees not only enhance the aesthetics of the park, but aid in shading out the sun on hot summer days, filtering water run-off and adding to the complex network of interactions within the soil. Eighteen staff members took time out of their busy schedules to come help us reinvigorate our newly acquired park and we couldn’t be prouder to work alongside each and every one of them! So, the next time you visit one of our parks, be sure to thank those that you see out and about and thank them for all of their hard work!