Christy Counterman, Marketing Assistant and Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist Inaugurated in 1964, the first Fall Hiking Spree marked the beginning of a beloved tradition, inviting residents to hike seven different trails in two months. A total of 1,530 hiking staffs were awarded in the first year to those who completed…

Janean Kazimir, Interpretive Naturalist Wildflowers are in full swing this time of year. Yellow, white, lavender and more — as one species fades, nature has another ready to bloom in its place. Replicate this slow-motion fireworks show of blossoms in your own yard to provide never-ending beauty and constant food…

Becca Zak, Interpretive Naturalist Camping is an age-old way to connect with the outdoors and each other. Since 2021, park staff have transformed well-loved park areas into weekend-long, temporary campgrounds to provide a variety of overnight tent camping programs. …

This is the conclusion of a series of posts about significant grant-funded improvements to protect the roads, trails and wildlife of a well-loved park. Read Part I, Part II and Part III. On July 13, 2023, crews and contractors took the final steps in a three-year effort to reduce stormwater…

Lindsay Smith, Brand Manager If you’ve spent any time in Summit County’s beautiful Metro Parks, you already know that sweeping vistas, unique landscapes and diverse creatures abound. Capturing these moments through photography helps us inspire and connect people to nature who have yet to visit or are unable to do…

Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager Growing up in a small Midwestern town, Marcia Carsten took for granted the sights and sounds of the natural world that surrounded her. Over time, as bird calls became less frequent, insects less obvious and fireflies no longer flickered over evening lawns, she…

Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist Twenty years ago, Summit Metro Parks set out on a partnership to provide Spree for All, an inclusive hiking series for people of all ages and abilities. On May 1, 2004, the first Spree for All kicked off at Goodyear Heights Metro Park with a health…

Claire Merrick, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Summit Metro Parks has provided clean and safe parks for more than 100 years and we continue to evolve to serve our community while remaining true to our mission. …

Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager From the interview that inspired Restoring Biodiversity: One Woman’s Journey, get ready to embark on a fascinating journey that will motivate you to create your own Wild Back Yard. Marcia Carsten’s mission to create a biodiverse and sustainable Wild Back Yard is a…