Five Rivers MetroParks is reopening select campsites with additional hygiene protocols in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Closures and limited access to other amenities will continue through Sept. 30 or until further notice, based on current social distancing requirements and limits to public gatherings.
Five Rivers MetroParks’ 2nd Street Market reopened outdoors on a much smaller scale on May 30 so the public can buy fresh produce, meat and dairy from local farmers. Until further notice, the outdoor Market will be open only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Shoppers will need to plan ahead, as a number of precautions will be in place to slow the spread of COVID-19
Camping Reopening:
As Gov. Mike DeWine announced camping may resume in Ohio, Five Rivers MetroParks is reopening select campsites beginning Monday, June 8. Campsite reservations are required. Campers will need to adhere to new health and safety restrictions, which can be found in the Camp Safe Order. The following campsites will be open to reservations for household units of 10 people or less, regardless of the capacity of the campsite.
- Englewood MetroPark, two front country sites available
- Possum Creek MetroPark, one front country site available
- Germantown MetroPark, two front country sites and two backcountry sites
- Twin Creek MetroPark, three front country sites and one backcountry site
Select Summer Programs and Services at RiverScape MetroPark:
Fitness in the Park presented by Kettering Health Network, has gone virtual this season, with program information listed on the RiverScape MetroPark Facebook page. A food truck will be at RiverScape Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will resume operations later in June. Please note that the Fountain Snack Bar, RiverScape Café and Bike Hub at RiverScape will be closed until further notice.
Continued Select Closures:
Most Five Rivers MetroParks programs and events held at various MetroParks locations have been cancelled this season. Horse camps and pony rides at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center, as well as the Summer Music Series at RiverScape MetroPark, will not be offered in 2020. Staff and volunteers cannot effectively host many MetroParks programs while maintaining safe social distancing. Many others require the use of shared equipment that is not easily sanitized between uses.
Currently, reservations for shelters and most special use permits are not being accepted until after Sept. 30.
In addition, MetroParks has extended the closure of indoor facilities, such as park visitor centers, as well as playgrounds, spray grounds, interactive fountains and natural play areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Details about closures can be found on MetroParks’ alerts page and on individual park web pages. Details also will be posted online as park amenities are able to reopen. For example, MetroParks anticipates opening a limited number of restrooms in the next several weeks.
The current closures, limitations and restrictions might change, depending on directives from the Ohio Department of Health and governor. MetroParks will update metroparks.org/covid as the situation evolves.
“Your MetroParks and trails remain open, and we are encouraged to see households out and about in nature, exploring old favorites and finding new trails,” said Rebecca Benná, Five Rivers MetroParks executive director.
The public can help keep their outdoor parks and trails open by always following the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, and taking preventative actions when any outdoor spaces.
Five Rivers MetroParks Rangers patrol all parks 24/7. If you need Ranger assistance, call 937-225-HELP (4357). Call 911 for emergencies. Although park offices and the MetroParks main office are closed, staff can be reached by calling 937-275-PARK (7275) or completing the contact form at metroparks.org/contact.
MetroParks will continue to respond to the latest on COVID-19 with community, volunteer and employee safety top of mind. For the most current information, visit metroparks.org/covid and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
ABOUT FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS
Celebrating more than 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. Five Rivers MetroParks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK (7275).