The Metro Parks

Growing up in the west-side suburbs of Cleveland, I spent a lot of time in the local metro parks system.  They are full of bridle trails, hiking trails, paved bike paths, etc. There are no restrictions on who can go where (as far as pets, hikers.... except for horses I guess). I knew most the trails as well as I knew the streets. I ran miles and miles on those trails. I knew where the bathrooms and water fountains would be along the way, where the tough hills were, and how to loop around to get just the right mileage.

The parks are basically connected, so if you wanted to skip the red lights and literally take the scenic route, you could drive through the park. I felt like the park was endless, easy to get too, and everywhere.

Columbus metro parks are not quite the same. When I moved to Columbus, I immediately felt a lack and a disappointment in the parks system. Suddenly, the park was not everywhere. The trails have a lot more rules (most notably, pets are only allowed on certain pet trails). I didn't really look into them because they weren't what I was used to. They seemed complicated. They were separated and far away.

Recently, I've talked about my fall list, and Josh has posted about our love for the outdoors. So even on these weekends home when we don't have the time to schedule a great adventure, we made a goal to get out to a park. To look into our nearby metro parks and enjoy them.



sooo tired



I am happy to report that it has been really great. Merit loves to ride in our backpack carrier and point to the trees/flowers/animals/whoknowswhat. It is good for all of us to breathe fresh air and walk. Rufio is exhausted for the rest of the weekend, which means he isn't nibbling and barking at us to play NONSTOP [he IS still a puppy].





bison in the background

I have developed a new appreciation for the Columbus metro parks. They aren't like the old friend I have in my Cleveland trails, but they are beautiful. The Cleveland metro parks all look the same. The dirt and the trees and the grass might change shape a little bit. There might be a little more of one and less of the other, but they all look the same. I've found that each Columbus park is different. Sometimes it is thick, buggy forest. Sometimes, it is windy prairie grasses. Some parks have wild eagles nesting, and some have bison.

I encourage you to look into your local metro parks. No matter why you may or may not have been ready to go before, there is something wonderful to gain from being outside with that fresh air and natural vitamin D!

Do you have a favorite park to recommend to us? We'd love to check it out!