Have you read about the newer Natural Play Areas at many of the Columbus Metro Parks? The goal and purpose of these areas is to plug kids back into nature. The designated natural play areas are places where kids can feel free to go off trail to explore, climb a tree, build a fort, look for critters, find rocks, explore creeks and much more, using only their imagination, creativity and, well, nature. It's a fabulous idea and we think it's a great initiative.
The play areas at each park can be very different. For example, the two that we have been to so far had different features. The Highbanks' area was picked based on the access to the Olentangy River. As you venture through the Big Meadows Picnic Area along the Scenic River Trail, you can easily access the river at many spots. Typically even when the water levels are higher, there is still a dry bank to stand on and explore. When water levels are low, there is even more. The depth in most places is very shallow so it makes it fun to find all kind of river creatures like shells, fish, frogs, crayfish, salamanders and even an occasional water snake (which one of mine encountered!!).
River exploring at Highbanks:
At Sharon Woods, the draw is more about exploring the wooded area and building forts with the fallen branches. You can access the creek too, but it is a very small one (though still can be fun).
Fort building at Sharon Woods:
Please note: though they have looked for areas that have less poison ivy and are cleared out for more conducive playing, it is still recommended that kids wear long pants and old sneakers. If you want to ask questions about the play areas before visiting, you can find some direct park numbers here, or call the information line for info and park numbers not listed here.
Some of the parks have had, or are going to have, special natural play area events where park naturalists will get out in the play areas and show the kids all the fun they can have. Here are some that I see:
Slate Run has one on July 28th here.
Battelle Darby has one on Aug. 11th here.
If you have any questions regarding these areas, I am sure the naturalists could help you.
On a flier that I picked up, the following info was listed:
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park (Indian Ridge Picnic Area): Explore the woods and creek.
Highbanks Metro Park (Big Meadows Picnic Area): Explore the river, field and edge of the forest.
Prairie Oaks Metro Park (Beaver Lake - access from Lucas Road): Explore the lake, creek and field.
Sharon Woods Metro Park (Apple Ridge Picnic Area - last parking lot): Explore the woods and creek.
Slate Run Metro Park (Shady Grove Program Area - follow the signs down the 5-Oaks Trail): Explore the creek and a wooded hillside.
Three Creeks Metro Park (Confluence Trails Area - Evergreen Trail): Explore the pine forest.
Blendon Woods Metro Park - just opened - no info on this, will post as soon as I have some.
There is additional info on the website here.
We will post more regarding each park's natural play area as we more thoroughly explore each. Please feel free to share any info (and photos) of your adventures with us as well, so that we might create a great resource for everyone. You can email me at wendyd@macaronikid.com.
