Living in Central Ohio with so many dedicated places to connect with nature just a short drive from the center city is a great benefit, and one many people -nearly 8 million each year according to Metro Parks spokeswoman Peg Hanley- love.
The Friends of Metro Parks is hoping you will be willing to share your love for the Metro Parks with a new photo contest that will run Sunday, March 20 through Sunday, May 1.
A relatively new group, Friends of Metro Parks was developed last year to “to fundraise and advocate for upkeep and renovation of the parks,” says Hannah Henthorne, who is a part of the group’s Communications Committee. Members pay a $10 membership fee and are then invited to exclusive fundraising and awareness events that Friends of Metro Parks hosts.
Recent accomplishments by the group include “building new bluebird nesting boxes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park and supporting the bison reintroduction to Battelle Darby Metro Park through a Bison Bowl kickball tournament.”
The group is not the only one recognizing the importance preserved nature areas have on a community.
Rocky Fork Metro Park, 1,003 acres of streams and wetlands located in Westerville, recently won the Annual Governor’s Award for 2015 which recognizes one park and recreation program or project in the state that has had “the most significant impact on quality of life” in the preceding year.
The park features two miles of walking trails, an off-leash trail for dogs, a play area for kids, restroom facilities, a large shelter area for picnics, and big wooden chairs overlooking the fields. It’s the Metro Parks system’s 17th park, and opened on August of 2015.
“This award is a high accolade for our park system and a fitting testament to the contributions that Metro Parks makes to the quality of life in Central Ohio,” said Metro Parks Executive Director Tim Moloney in a statement.
“For the Love of the Metro Parks” asks a wide variety of those who love nature to share what they love about our various Metro Parks, using social media.
Contestants are asked to submit their photo to the Friends of Metro Parks Facebook page, and include a brief message about why they love the Metro Parks. You can also email submissions to [email protected]. There is no limit on the number of submissions you can make. Public voting via “likes” on Facebook will determine the 12 finalists. The Winner will be chosen by board/committee from public-voted finalists.
Prizes include: the winner being featured in future Parkscope (cover), a gift card from Clintonville Outfitters, and an exclusive hike/park access with Tim Maloney. Finalists will be featured in future Parkscope and Friends calendar.
Henthorne was drawn to join the Friends of Metro Parks to help spread awareness about the various parks and activities that she grew up enjoying.
“I grew up in the Columbus area and spent many a weeknight going on woods walks with the family after dinner,” she says. “This exposure to the parks early on led me to pursue an active, outdoor lifestyle as I got older that I would like to help others experience.”
To submit your photos, visit the Friends of Metro Parks Facebook Page.