Five Rivers MetroParks

Lend a hand and be a part of what makes the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience so special! Volunteers are needed for a variety of opportunities, so join us for a few hours this Saturday and/or Sunday to give back to the community and the great outdoors! Link in bio/comment to sign up for a shift!

Head's up, folks! A portion of the red trail north at Cox Arboretum MetroPark is currently closed due to the removal of the bird blind. This work is expected to take a few days, but should wrap up no than the end of the week. The bird blind is being removed so restoration to the wetland habitat can begin in 2027. What's in for the future of this space? Link in comment/bio to learn more!

This important work is in alignment with MetroParks’ Protect + Connect Plan, a 10-year master plan that is a guide for the work Five Rivers MetroParks will pursue over the next decade, from 2026 to 2036. Learn more about the Protect + Connect plan at https://zurl.co/Apvqs.

Let’s talk competitions and demonstrations at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 at Eastwood MetroPark. We’re flying high and on the water with new and returning fun this year:
COMPETITIONS:
💙Ohio River Runners 12-hour Endurance Run & Ruck: Oct. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💙 Dock Dogs Big Air and Speed Retrieve: Oct. 3 and Oct. 4
💙 Kayak Polo: Oct. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Eastwood Lagoon
💙 SUP Cross Competition: Oct. 3, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mad River
💙 Down River Kayak and SUP Race: Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to noon at the Mad River
💙 Try Slalom Kayaking: Oct. 4, 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. at the Mad River

DEMONSRATIONS
Watch riders from Dialed Action Sports take BMX tricks to new heights. The Chris Clark Mountain Biking Stunt Show and river kayaking demonstrations are also scheduled. Additionally, Off Road Roos will demonstrate how to overland sustainably and answer questions about overland camping/using your vehicle as a base for human-powered adventures.

Learn how to join as a spectator or competitor by following the link in bio/comment!

Love public lands, protect public lands, visit public lands. 💚💙💚 Happy National Public Lands Day from all of us at Five Rivers MetroParks!

Let's talk gear and community connections at Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience on Oct. 3 & 4 at Eastwood MetroPark - after all, this event began as Gear Fest! The Exhibitor Village, sponsored by Lark Overland , is going to be filled with outdoor retailers and organizations that can help you adventure in the great outdoors.

We'll also be hosting a Used Gear Area where you can consign and purchase gently used gear and clothing. Learn all about it on the blog - link in comment/bio!

‼️Alright, fam – sharing this again because we have some updates from our rangers this week regarding homecoming photos ops! There will be a large rental at Cox Arboretum MetroPark this Saturday, which means there will be a limited amount of parking spaces. We ask that if you want to take homecoming photos to opt for a location other than Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Check out other need-to-know info below.

⚠️ Due to the volume of cars, MetroParks Rangers may intermittently close the lots at both Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks.
⚠️ Parking on the grass is never permitted in Five Rivers MetroParks unless a park staff member or ranger allows it.
⚠️ MetroParks follows Leave No Trace Principles, which means visitors should leave the park without disturbing the natural spaces. This includes packing out the waste brought into the park, refraining from picking flowers or disrupting other wildlife and sticking to durable surfaces rather than walking through habitats, flower beds, etc.
⚠️ The parks are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., which means it is a shared space for all visitors to enjoy. When arriving to take photos, please refrain from impeding visitors trying to recreate in nature. Please respect your fellow park visitors, MetroParks staff and MetroParks rangers.
⚠️ There are plenty of MetroParks locations that are perfect for photos that are less crowded than Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks, such as Aullwood Garden MetroPark, Englewood MetroPark, Carriage Hill MetroPark, Twin Creek MetroPark, Island MetroPark and Deeds Point MetroPark.
⚠️ Professional photographers must have a special photography permit