Seventy years ago, Blendon Woods Metro Park opened to the public, making it the second park of what would, today, become one of the best park systems in the country.
With only four full-time and four part-time employees, getting the 241-acre park ready for a Labor Day opening took quite a bit of skill and ingenuity. Pit toilets were dug by hand and workers had to learn on the fly as they built structures and other amenities for visitors. Workers puzzled on how to lay concrete blocks for shelters until Walter Tucker, Metro Parks first director told the manager, “Pretend you know how, and just go ahead and do it.”
Staff from across the park district were on hand to welcome visitors to the opening celebration and show them this spectacular area of natural beauty with its woods and ravines.
With more than 650 acres, Blendon Woods is still a fun place to relax and take in nature at its best. Numerous shelters for picnics, great walking paths and an abundance of birds and other wildlife are just a few of the amenities for you and your friends and family to enjoy.
What is the status of leaves color as of now?
Hi, Moiz. There are some changing leaves but it’s not at peak color yet.