Summit Metro Parks
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We conserve, sustainably manage and value the natural resources of Summit County, Ohio. Annual attendance is approximately 5.5 million visits.
Established in 1921, Summit Metro Parks celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2021. The park district manages more than 16,000 acres throughout 16 parks, three nature centers and over 150 miles of trails, including 22 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. View our Social Media Code of Conduct here: https://bit.ly/3oEEx1J
Join us in your Metro Parks for a variety of free programs in August, including:
🦋 Summer Insects Take Flight (Aug. 5)
📖 Nature Realm History Hike (Aug. 9)
✏️ Drawing Outdoors (Aug. 19)
🧠 Nature Trivia Hike (Aug. 21)
🐦 Young Birders: Novel Nightjars (Aug. 29)
For details on these programs and more throughout the park district, visit bit.ly/SMPevents.
07/30/2026
ALERT: Please avoid the Freedom Trail near Arlington Road due to smoke from the nearby fire. Do not use the trail until the scene is cleared. 🚧
**UPDATE 3:55 pm est SHELTER IN PLACE ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED**
*SHELTER IN PLACE*
All areas in the blue circle are advised to shelter in place due to heavy smoke moving towards your area. Try to remain inside your home and close your windows and doors.
Please watch our social media for updates.
07/30/2026
In our latest blog post about the Gorge Dam removal, discover how sediment remediation is achieved and what happens after Portland cement is added. Plus, what if there's an archaeological discovery?
Read "Dirty work for a better river" at https://ow.ly/YCRY50Zsrrb.
07/29/2026
Take a closer look on your next hike and see if you can find these native trees:
✔️ Tuliptree (Liriodenron tulipifera)
✔️ American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
✔️ Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
07/28/2026
Are you interested in growing a Wild Back Yard, but unsure where to begin? Check out the How to Grow a Wild Back Yard outline and full guide at bit.ly/3JaUJlM.
You’ll also find numerous resources like our Guide to Common Invasive Plants, native garden templates for specific soil conditions and tips on growing a container garden.
For plant ID help, native plant vendors in the area and more information on the Wild Back Yards program, visit bit.ly/wildbackyards.
07/27/2026
This week in your Metro Parks: Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing, enjoy an interactive summer themed story time, hit the trail with a naturalist for an extended, evenly paced hike and more.
Plus! Touch-a-Truck presented by Wayside Furniture & Mattress is this Saturday. People of all ages can sit in and explore more than a dozen Summit Metro Parks and local emergency response vehicles.
Find details on our Programs & Events calendar at bit.ly/SMPevents.
Hike through history at Prather Trail in Cascade Valley Metro Park.
The Prather family lived in the area, which was once called Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres. Our cultural resources team and students from The University of Akron recently uncovered more of the history.
Watch now and learn more at bit.ly/ValleyViewHistory.
07/25/2026
Did you complete this year's Spree for All? Don't forget to pick up your rewards!
First year hikers receive a lanyard and pin. Returning hikers earn a pin. Rewards are available until August 15 and can be picked up at the following locations:
📍 Administrative Offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron)
📍 F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (1828 Smith Rd., Akron)
📍 Liberty Park Nature Center (9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg)
📍 Summit Lake Nature Center (411 Ira Ave., Akron)
Nature centers are open Wed.-Sat. 10am–5pm, Sun. 12–5pm. The administrative offices are open Mon.–Fri. 8am–4:30pm.
Yes! It only takes $1 to cast a vote in the first-ever Summit Metro Parks Foundation photo contest!
$1 = 1 vote … And, you can vote as much as you like through July 31. The donations directly benefit the Foundation.
Head to bit.ly/4vGkQXm to cast your vote, or visit the link in our bio. The top-voted photo will be featured on a deck of cards that will be sold in Maple Leaf Gifts. The winner will receive a complimentary deck of cards!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
975 Treaty Line Road
Akron, OH
44313