Summit Metro Parks bloom with spring events
By Savana Capp
Summit Metro Parks, the local park district for Summit County, manages more than 16,000 acres across 16 parks. Its mission is to conserve and maintain public outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.
Claire Merrick, marketing and public relations manager for the parks, recognizes how lucky the county is to have the system of trails and parks.
“To live in Summit County and have places that really feel like a natural escape from city life so close to our doorsteps: we’re incredibly fortunate,” she said.
With a focus on conservation, one of the park’s main projects is “Free the Falls,” its effort to remove the dam from the Cuyahoga River in Gorge Metro Park.
The Metro Parks are currently in phase two of the project, which went into effect in the summer of 2025. This phase involves dredging contaminated sediment from the dam pool and removing it via pipeline to a sediment placement site at the Chuckery Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park.
“It’s going to hugely benefit the river,” Merrick said. “The whole reason for the project is for the health of the river and all of the wildlife and other living things in and around the river.”
For those interested in keeping up with the project, the “Free the Falls” podcast gives a look at the behind the scenes of the dam removal.
Along with conservation projects, Summit Metro Parks offers numerous programs for people to enjoy year-round.
As the parks defrost, here are some of the upcoming spring programs and events:
March
- March 4-March 16: Eye Spy: Hard Mode. Hike along Cherry Lane Trail for .6 miles and a challenge.
- March 8: Owl Prowl. Hike Chippewa Trail at night to see the owls’ nocturnal world.
- March 21 and 22: Maple Mania. Learn about and taste maple syrup from this maple tapping event at Liberty Park.
- March 28: Bees & Blooms. Hike Rock Creek Trail with naturalists looking for queen bees and early flowering blooms.
- March 31: Spring Stinks! Hike Seneca Trail and learn about the smelly plants and animals that make spring stink.
April
- April 1: “Fool” Moon Hike. Celebrate April Fools’ Day with a hike on Meadow Trail under the Pink Moon.
- April 4: Powering Tomorrow Sustainably. Explore emerging energy technologies and policies paving the way to a sustainable future with naturalists.
- April 12: Twice as Nice: Fitness Hike. Hike Parcours Trail with a naturalist on a health-focused brisk first lap and a slow exploration of the trail on the second.
- April 12: Animal Tales Campfire. Gather around a campfire to learn about animals and enjoy tales.
- April 18: Earth Fest Open House. Celebrate Earth Day early with games, crafts and music, while learning about the history and how to adopt sustainable practices.
- April 19: Spring Wildflower Walk. Hike Spring Hollow Trail with a naturalist to look for early wildflowers.
- April 22: Earth Day Hike. Hike Meadow Trail with a naturalist, appreciating nature and learning about how to protect the planet.
Another event running May 1 until June 30 is the park's annual “Spree For All,” an accessible hiking challenge.
To complete the challenge and receive rewards, hikers must hike at least five trails from the list. All trails are easy, short distances and paved, making them walkable for younger children or those who use a walker or wheelchair to get around, Merrick said.
Visit the Summit Metro Parks website for a full list of programs and events, as well as more information about conservation projects.
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