Natural Play Area & Children’s Forest

We are pleased to share that our efforts have helped to inspire new initiatives in two MetroParks.

Osborn MetroPark, part of Erie MetroParks, recently opened a Children’s Forest. Erie MetroParks Executive Director Steve Dice said the forest includes “amenities to help children play outside.” The park has hosted several events utilizing the forest, including a “Park Pals- Fun Day in the Children’s Forest,” in September. The park is located in north central Erie County between Huron and Sandusky. More information is available on their website: eriemetroparks.org

The Five Rivers MetroParks, located in the Miami Valley, realizes the importance of unstructured nature play and several of their parks feature areas designated specifically for this. Park staff members are on site to assist children in their exploration. Wesleyan MetroPark in west Dayton features an education center in addition to urban outdoor play areas such as: a digging area, log pile, fort building area and edible gardens. More information is available on their website: metroparks.org