Metro Parks continues to work on improvements and renovations at the former Hoover-Y Park in Lockbourne, now named Bank Run Metro Park. There is no opening date scheduled as yet, but this 166-acre park will function a little differently to other parks. The main focus will be on the park as an event space. Bank Run is expected to host many 5K runs (a 5-kilometre trail has already been laid out), and provide a meeting place for festivals and very large picnics. Reservable facilities will include two lodges, each hosting 99 people, and an outdoor shelter holding 299 people. The park includes lots of open space to accommodate thousands of visitors at a single event. As well as the old Hoover-Y Park, Bank Run Metro Park includes a disused quarry site with a lake for recreation, and access to Big Walnut Creek.
Stretching along the Scioto River on the south side of Columbus near State Route 23 and I-270, this 51-acre site is being reclaimed from a mining use and will soon provide both a new park and bike trails in an underserved area of the city. Lush wetlands will attract a wide variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, and riverfront access along a scenic wooded bend in the river will be ideal for canoeists and kayakers.
Metro Parks staff developed a Stormwater Management Plan to ensure the surface water runoff from our parks meets the best water quality standards possible as it enters our local rivers and streams. It includes inspections, education and public involvement. The plan must be adopted by our Board of Park Commissioners and available for the public to review and provide comment. Any questions or comments can be sent to info@metroparks.net.