Beginning in March, there will be yet another way to celebrate the Summit Metro Parks centennial — visitors can take the Centennial Tour to visit 20 unique park locations and earn a reward!
So, how does it work? In March 2021, stop by a Summit Metro Parks facility to pick up your free Centennial Tour pocket guide, then take a self-guided tour to learn how each of these parks and trails came into existence, what makes them unique and where they are headed next. (A downloadable version will also be made available in the event that COVID-19 precautions delay nature center reopenings.)
The guide features local artist Salli Swindell’s interpretation of the park district (see image), park addresses and introductory information, and a way to track your progress. The artwork is also available at Maple Leaf Gifts on a poster and a water bottle. After completing the tour, Summit County residents can collect a free leather key fob to add to their hiking staff. (Out-of-county residents can pay $5 to receive their reward.)
From March 1 to December 31, 2021, visitors are invited to explore 20 park locations, including each of the 16 Metro Parks, as well as several sites along our multipurpose trails. The Tour complements the park district’s existing Spree for All and Fall Hiking Spree events, so spree hikes can be counted as Centennial Tour visits. At each stop, new interpretive panels installed near the parking lot will showcase the past, present and future of the park district while highlighting the four themes of the Summit Metro Parks Centennial:
Protecting Natural Resources: Sustainably managing and valuing natural resources for the health and enjoyment of our community
Celebrating Cultural Heritage: Preserving our region’s history and the stories of the people who came before us
Connecting People to Nature: Inspiring people to connect with nature through clean and safe parks
Honoring Community Support: Appreciating the community’s generosity and commitment to the parks
There are still a couple more months until the Centennial Tour kicks off, but in the meantime, stop by the centennial website to get a sneak peek at the tour stops and what makes each of these locations so special:
Originally founded in 1921, Summit Metro Parks is the second-oldest park district in Ohio. Summit Metro Parks today manages more than 14,000 acres, including 16 parks, several conservation areas and over 150 miles of trails, and each year connects nearly 100,000 people to nature through community events and naturalist-led programs. Annual visitation in 2020 is expected to reach six million visits, approximately one million more than a typical year. The park district’s mission is to conserve, sustainably manage and value natural resources for the health and enjoyment of our community, and inspire people to connect with nature through clean and safe parks. Learn more.