JILL SNYDER
Visitor Engagement Manager
When it comes time to name a Metro Park, it’s no easy matter. There are so many things to consider — what trees grow there, what rivers or streams flow through it, what about the wildlife? Sometimes there is a nod to the local community in locations like Great Southern or even Scioto Grove. Sometimes names come quickly and easily. Quarry Trails just made sense!
When it came time to name the Hoover Y property purchased from the YMCA in 2020, it was not quite so simple. For the last two years we have debated what name to choose. Should it be Big Belly? Or maybe we call it River Bend? One thing was certain, we didn’t want anything with Woods or Scioto in the name. We have plenty of those.
In the end, we have chosen Bank Run Metro Park for this new property set to open soon. Bank run is actually the type of rock taken from the quarry on this property. It is essentially the unscreened rock and gravel taken from the riverbanks. It is used as the foundation under the foundation and the very beginning of many construction projects. The name Bank Run also makes sense as this is not going to be a typical Metro Park. The park will primarily be an event space and we expect to hold many 5K runs at this location along the banks of Big Walnut Creek. And, the best part of the name Bank Run Metro Park… it doesn’t have Woods or Scioto in the name!
Where is it located— address?
The future park location is off Rohr Road in Hamilton Township, near Lockbourne.
When is the anticipated opening date?
Discussions are ongoing and there is lots of work happening on site, but we aren’t quite ready to put a date on it yet. Keep looking out for further announcements as plans solidify.
Can we have a bridge across the creek to get to the the treed flood plain on the other side?
Will the quarry be open for paddling and fishing?
We are still working on a master plan for Bank Run. The quarry will likely be used for paddling, but much work needs completed on that site. Also, keep in mind we plan for it to primarily be an event space, so it won’t be a typical Metro Park.
Any chance of adding a disc golf course?
While we are still finalizing the master plan for Bank Run, it will likely not have a disc golf course. We plan for it to primarily be an event space, so it won’t be a typical Metro Park. There is a disc golf course at nearby Scioto Grove Metro Park which is definitely worth checking out!
Will it have hiking/walking trails. If so, how many and how long.
We are still working on a master plan for Bank Run. It will have a 5K route for races. We plan for it to primarily be an event space, so it won’t be a typical Metro Park.
I’m excited to hear that a new Metro Park is opening. I enjoy our Metro Park system, exploring new places and space is part of that joy. I am convinced that times I spend in nature have added not only to the splendor of my life experiences, the time in nature has added years to the time I have to walk this Earth. My cancer recovery was aided by the mindful provided while visiting our Metro Parks.
With gratitude, Willie
Sounds like a prediction of a national financial crisis. Bad form. Try a descriptor prior to Bank.
What are the curvy roads going to be?
Those are the proposed parking lots and their access roads.
Agree that “Bank Run” has issues….. maybe Quarry Bank Run? A descriptor before Bank would be helpful. Kay Smith
Will there be a bike trail that connects to the other trails throughout the city?
We are still working on a master plan for Bank Run. It will have a 5K route for races. We plan for it to primarily be an event space, so it won’t be a typical Metro Park. We do love to connect our parks to the greenway trail system though!
Obetz families need more healthy options for hiking and walking. I was excited to see this at first UNTIL I realized it is primarily an event place? No walking trail around rec center as promised. Open it up to every day families!!
What will be done as far as safety features for families – such as walking, bikers, runners, hikers?
Metro Parks top priority is to provide clean, safe parks for people to enjoy nature. That will continue to be our goal at Bank Run!
Would suggest an area created for ‘seniors’ or those with physical limitations…an area where one could park, stay in their car, read, have lunch, etc and enjoy the peace of the area. Possibly a close area with accessible room ‘picnic’ tables, higher benches and close that doesn’t take a hike to get there.
I went too the preview recently and wow!! Is this an amazing property!! Going to be one of the best Metro Parks !!! Thank you Columbus Metro Parks! Incredible.
5580 Lockbourne Rd
Lockbourne, Ohio
I already know, super sweet thanks to Google Maps, now I see the real photos from Google Maps. very near Rickenbacker International/Air National Guard base and Alum Creek Rd, south of I-270 Southeast Outerbelt. TA-DA.
Making this an event space type park actually makes sense, as it keeps with the idea that the YMCA purposed it. As far as a bridge across the creek, that would likely involve needing permission from the property owner on the opposite side of the creek. It wouldn’t make much sense to have canoe and Kayak access from this park, as Three Creeks has the canoe launch up behind the BP in Obetz, and just downstream from the new Bank Run park, there’s a canoe and Kayak access at Hamilton Township Park on Lockbourne Rd.
Honestly, given the eyesores known as warehouses that sit directly across from Bank Run, I’m glad the park property wasn’t sold off to commercial developers.