COVID-19 Update and Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks response

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As part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff, Metro Parks is carefully monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation occurring across the nation, and now in Ohio. We take this situation seriously and are in regular contact with health and other state and local agencies for information and guidance.

The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is Metro Parks’ top priority. At this time, all parks are open from 6:30am to 8pm and all programs are canceled and all nature centers are closed. We are complying with CDC guidelines on mass gatherings of no more than 10 people.

Additionally, Metro Parks staff have been notified about illness prevention, including the CDC’s recommendation of everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

Please direct all public inquires to info@metroparks.net. For media inquiries, call 614.895.6365 or mediagroup@metroparks.net.
For updated information on Metro Parks operations, please check Metro Parks’ web site (metroparks.net) and our social media sites on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

65 thoughts on “COVID-19 Update and Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks response”

  1. THANK YOU THANK YOU for staying open with very reasonable precautions and saving my day!!

  2. Hello,

    I fervently hope that the parks will stay open to hiking on the trails. They are a fine respite.

    Good luck.

  4. I get cancelling events and even the buildings, but PLEASE DON’T CLOSE THE TRAILS!!! 🙁

  5. Do the refund rates still apply given current circumstances? I have a lodge rented next month but we won’t know if we are able to go forth with the party given the fact we aren’t sure what things will be like in a month, and the party is for a first birthday. Will I still only get 90% of my refund back if I cancel within 30 days, and only 25% back with less than 30 days? We are two days away from our 30 day mark and trying to get a plan together.

    Thanks

  6. I just saw a post on Facebook of a sign at Walnut Woods that ALL Metro Parks will be closed starting 3/19.

    I agree with prior posts that LEAVING THEM OPEN gives us a place to walk, exercise ourselves and our cooped up pets WITHOUT a mob so that we can still practice social distancing.

    At this point, I think we’re going too far!

    1. Hi, sorry for the confusion. At this time, all 19 Metro Parks will be open from 6:30am to 8pm daily. They are not closed.

  7. Thank you!!! I was at Blacklick today for a run and it was great to be able to get out!!!!

  8. I am very thankful for our Metro Parks. Thank you for the great park system we have. I do have a question on restroom cleaning. It could be a convenient way for the spread of COVID-19 if the restrooms are not maintained and cleaned ongoing throughout the day. What precautions are being taken to ensure safety of the restrooms?

    1. Hi! Metro Parks are taking recommended precautions to provide a safe environment for visitors. Staff are trained and experienced in the universal practices and standards for cleaning and sanitation of public facilities. We are cleaning and disinfecting the restrooms multiple times per day.

  9. Thank you so much! I got out and hiked, even more, this weekend. tracked 20 miles in two days and saw a red tail fox, which was the highlight of my hike!

  10. I am so grateful that the Metro Parks are staying open – it’s a lifesaver! Thank you!

  11. I have a question regarding Clear Creek Metro Park. My family and I were planning to take a day trip there, but we weren’t sure about restroom facilities. Will restrooms remain open now that the Governor’s stay at home order is in effect? Going an hour away to a park with three kids without a restroom available would be a challenge.

  12. So there is some confusion about the parks being opened. I would like to go to one of the parks with my family. Is all the parks essentially open but all their events/ activities Are cancelled right ?

    1. Hi, Karen. At this time, all Metro Parks are open. You are correct – programs are canceled and nature centers are closed. We are complying with the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Stay at Home Order and are in the process of closing all playgrounds, natural play areas, stand alone swings, obstacle courses, stretch racks, zip lines and basketball courts.

    1. Hi, Abby. Per the Ohio Department of Health Director’s stay at home order, section 5C, all playgrounds are closed. Thanks!

  14. We need to practice social distancing while staying healthy. How are people supposed to fight illness when unfit? Closing the workout areas is already outdoors , closing these areas is overkill.

  15. I am checking again on the status of restrooms being open at the metro parks? Specifically Clear Creek?

  16. Quick question: Sharon Woods has a sign that says 6:30 to 8 effective through April 30. At that time will the hours change? Thanks for all you do!

  17. Appreciate that the parks are still open for outdoor exercise. Exercise boost the immune system.

  19. Are small families allowed to use the small shelters at Blacklick?

  21. FYI to everyone…the Slate Run Wetlands are closed. I went there today and the gate at the entrance to the parking lot is closed with a note on it about the closure. On the Park page on this site there is no notice of it being closed, so letting everyone know.

  22. Thank you for keeping the parks open. That is amazing. Can I ask that you relax your rules about the golf courses. Not necessarily playing golf on them, but there are many areas that are close to a course and not very close to a park it would be wonderful if we can go have a picnic out there or walk the trails without having the police called on us. We are responsible citizens dealing with an unusual time so it may be an opportunity to use some discretion and relax your rules. It may even help promote the game if they see how pretty and well maintained these properties are. And if you aren’t golfing on them, the they really are just big parks and those are open:) thanks again. Sincerely.

  23. Appreciate being able to hit the trails across Central Ohio and get some much needed fresh air, Vitamin D, and change of scenery! Thank you!

  24. Hi. I visited High Banks Metro Park today (4/12) for the first time and got some good (much needed) exercise walking the trails. It’s a very nice (well maintained) park. Thanks for keeping the trails open (in the midst of COVID-19).

  25. Is Slate Run Historical Farm open?

    Thank you!

    We love the parks and have gone to one everyday for two weeks. What a gift!

  26. Thank you for keeping trails safely open during this crisis! Your department continues to exhibit leadership and professionalism.

  29. Trying to figure out if Slate Run Historical Farm is open to the public on Wednesday through Sunday?
    We love visiting all the animals.
    Thank you.

  30. Are the restrooms open at Three Creeks? We want to travel there to see the bluebells. Thank you.

  31. Hello

    I see the park trail is open at Blacklick
    Is the shelter house open for my daughter & I to eat lunch after our trail walk ?

  33. I wonder if i can go to a park with rubber gloves and mask can i get on the playground not slide just swings i will make sure me and my friend stay 6 1/2 feet from me and my friend and wear mask at all times think you

  34. Can anyone tell me if the canoe livery is still open if I have my own kayak or canoe?

  35. What things are open/closed at BATTELLE DARBY CREEK on May 1, 2020? Are there any recommended safety practices that should be in place?

    1. Some dog parks may close earlier than 8pm as several parks have multiple entrances that rangers have to close. Try and exercise your dog earlier in the day.

  37. If we had already registered for July summer camps…is the refund policy of only getting 90% back still in place? What is the park cancels the camp? Will 100% be refunded? We are not ready to cancel our registration at this point, but I am curious.

    1. Hi, Elizabeth. We haven’t made a decision about summer camps yet, but we’ll keep you posted.

  38. Thank you for keeping the Park system open I use them to run in and a coping tool . Without exercise I’m sure I would not be able to keep up with my daily duties as a First Responder.

  39. Headed to Inniswood on 5/6. Will the restrooms be open? Thank you for keeping the parks open during the pandemic. I appreciate all park workers1

  40. Clear Creek Metro park has more restrictive times on their parking lots now and you don’t find this out until you get to the park. It would be nice if this website posted useful information before a person wastes an hour driving there. 8:30 PM is the end time on most lots. However, the hilltop parking area now closes at 6 PM instead of sunset.

  43. Have a reservation in a lodge for a birthday party with approximately 60 people(several from out-of-state) attending in early July. Any word on whether or not this reservation will be cancelled or not? Governor’s office not saying much about groups of larger than 10 as of yet….but maybe you have more info, I hope, I hope.

  44. My daughter has been invited to a party at Battelle Darby this coming Sunday. I’m pretty sure more than 10 people will be in attendance. How does the park handle these kind of situations? BTW…My daughter will be leaving as soon as the 11th person arrives.

  45. Slate Run Metro Park -Living Farm was still closed to the Public recently. With the easing up in Ohio beginning in Mid June, Will this
    Park reopen to the public? If not when do you anticipate reopenind?

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