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What is a Metropark District?

The Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area is a political subdivision of the state of Ohio. The Ohio Revised Code, Section 1545, permits the formation of park districts "which include all or part of a territory within a county." Metroparks of the Toledo Area serves Lucas County.

The Park District is not part of any city or county government. It has its own governing body, a three-member Board of Park Commissioners whose members are appointed by the Lucas County Probate Court Judge.

The Board has the authority to acquire lands inside or outside the Park District for the purpose of conservation.

Weddings in the Metroparks

Many couples hold their weddings in the Metroparks. To make arrangements, contact the Metropark where you would like to have your wedding. There is no fee to hold weddings in the Metroparks, except for Wildwood Preserve. A common request is to hold weddings inside or on the porch or back patio of the Manor House. The house is not available for weddings, however, a gazebo on the Manor House lawn is a very popular wedding location.

Bicycling in the Metroparks

Bicycles are permitted on any trail marked as an all-purpose trail. All purpose are located at (1.6 miles), Swan Creek (3.3 miles), Pearson (3 miles), Secor (3.4 miles) and Oak Openings (5.3 miles). Bicycles are also permitted on the 6.3-mile Universoty Park Trails (paved) and 8-mile Towpath Trail (stone/dirt) along the Maumee River. Oak Openings also has a connector to the 45-mile-long Wabash-Cannonball Trail, portions of which are paved. Also see our Trails list.

Feeding Wildlife

A regulation in effect since 1999 prohibits feeding wildlife in the Metroparks. Wildlife feeding is a growing problem that is harmful to both people and animals. A violation of the law is a minor misdemeanor.

Feeding wildlife is a bad idea for several reasons:

• "Junk foods" such as bread and popcorn do the animals a disservice by disrupting their diets.
• Feeding breaks down animals' natural fear of humans, which can result in serious injury to both people and animals. A two-year-old girl was bitten in the summer of 1999 at one of the Metroparks when a cookie she was holding became a target for a squirrel accustomed to handouts from park visitors. Visitors feeding deer have also lured the animals into roadways, which is deadly for the animal and poses a risk of serious injury and property damage to motorists.
• Another problem is that feeding wildlife can concentrate wildlife and can cause the spread of disease among some species.

Metroparks recognizes that watching wildlife is an enjoyable pastime that is growing in popularity. In addition to the many places in the Metroparks where wildlife can be viewed from a safe distance, the Park District has Windows on Wildlife at four Metroparks where visitors have easy access to watch birds and other animals in a secure, natural setting.

Windows on Wildlife located at Pearson, Secor, Wildwood Preserve and Swan Creek Preserve have feeding stations maintained by professional wildlife managers to demonstrate proper backyard feeding practices. Metroparks' fifth Window on Wildlife will open this year at Oak Openings Preserve.

Internships/Careers

Internships for college students are occasionally available in the Metroparks. Recently, students have served internships in the planning department and programs department. Students should contact the managers of the individual departments to express their interest in serving an internship. Most departments can be reached by calling the main switchboard at 419-407-9700. There other opportunities for students and others to gain practical experience while working on behalf of the Metroparks.

• Students age 18 and over may apply for seasonal employment. Applications are available at the Metroparks Administrative Offices at Wildwood Preserve. Job openings are posted on the Jobs page.

• People of all ages will find numerous opportunities to volunteer in the Metroparks. Check our Volunteers page for ideas and current needs.

• Check the Links page for links to other agencies and associations where you may find more information about careers in Parks and Recreation.

Off-Road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, are not permitted in the Metroparks. The Maumee State Forest, adjacent to Oak Openings Preserve has an All-Purpose Vehicle Area where snowmobiles, motorcycles and mountain bikes are permitted. The forest is operated by the Ohio Division of Forestry.

Metroparks Hours

Metroparks are open 7 a.m. until dark every day of the year. However, there are opportunities to enjoy the Metroparks later in the evening.

• Programs led by Metroparks naturalists, such as Starwatch Walks and monthly Full Moon Walks, are available, generally with advance registration. Check current programs listings.

• In the winter, Pearson Metropark stays open until 9 p.m. for ice skating on the park's lighted skating pond and sledding on a lighted sledding hill. Check local conditions for sledding and skating on the Winter Recreation page.

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