Summit Metro Parks We're Your Back Yard

Alerts

For details, call the admin offices 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday: 330-867-5511.


Last updated February 28, 2024.
 

Winter Reminders

Water fountains and several restrooms are closed during winter months to prevent frozen pipes and preserve the integrity of facilities. Be prepared for your next winter visit. Bring your water bottle and review a list of winter restroom closures before leaving home.

Paddling

Please note that the paddling access point at the Oxbow Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park is for expert paddlers ONLY. This area includes challenging strainers.

Boundary Surveys


The park district is conducting boundary surveys to identify property boundary lines. In this type of survey, the surveyor sets (or recovers) property corners and produces a detailed plat or map. To accomplish this, the surveyor researches public records and conducts field research by taking measurements and performing calculations. The areas being surveyed are as follows:
  • Goodyear Heights Metro Park, entire park boundary (Akron)
  • Gorge Metro Park, along Highbridge Trail (Akron)
  • Munroe Falls Metro Park, entire park boundary (Munroe Falls, Tallmadge)
  • Springfield Bog Metro Park, property on north and west (Springfield)

MULTIPURPOSE TRAILS 

Towpath Trail

  • Ongoing: There will be an ongoing closure/detour of a half-mile section of the Towpath Trail (in an area managed by the City of Akron) from Spaghetti Warehouse to W. Bartges Street due to the demolition of the B.F. Goodrich Smokestacks. Detour from the north: Turn left down a path past Spaghetti Warehouse to S. Main Street. Turn right and continue on S. Main Street to W. Bartges Street and turn right. Continue down W. Bartges to where the Towpath Trail begins again on the south side of the street. The Towpath Trail may be reopened during off-working hours during evenings and weekends.
  • 1/8/24: The Towpath Trail near the intersection of S. Van Buren and Eastern Road is closed for utility work.

PARKS

Cascade Valley Metro Park

  • Ongoing: The Chuckery Area is closed for tree removal and site preparation associated with the removal of the Gorge Dam. Following this work, the City of Akron will begin preparations for the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT) in the same area. The Chuckery Area will continue to be closed as necessary for public safety throughout the Gorge Dam and NSIT construction work, with closures expected to last through mid-2027. Learn more.

Furnace Run Metro Park

  • 2/8/24: Summit Metro Parks is coordinating with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to respond to a diesel spill runoff into Rock Creek at Furnace Run Metro Park. The cause of the spill is under investigation by the Ohio EPA. Visitors and pets should avoid contact with creek and stream water. Brushwood Lake is unaffected and both Rock Creek and Old Mill trails are open.

Gorge Metro Park

  • Ongoing: Highbridge Trail is closed until further notice due to a damaged pedestrian bridge and the City of Akron's sewer construction project
  • Spring 2024: Beginning in 2024, the park is anticipated to close for the removal of the Gorge Dam. Closures are expected to last for at least two years. Please check back for updates.

Hampton Hills Metro Park

  • ​Mountain Bike Trails will be closed during wet or dangerous conditions. Status updates are shared via Twitter. Please check before you ride: @SMPmountainbikePlease note: Twitter currently requires users to log in with an account to view current tweets. We apologize for the inconvenience. The Mountain Bike Trail status is displayed at the Hampton Hills Metro Park Mountain Bike Area lot, or you may call our administrative office during business hours: 330-867-5511.

Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park

  • 10/1/23: Nimisila Campground will be closed for construction and electrical upgrades, and will reopen June 1, 2024. The closure includes the campground boat launch and the dump station.
  • Ongoing: To align with the park district’s mission to protect natural resources, Summit Metro Parks biologists increased the protective buffer around the reed beds used by purple martins at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park. We understand that this decision may be disappointing to some visitors. Unfortunately, in recent years kayakers and boaters have encroached into the birds’ space, discouraging them from using this valuable habitat on their seasonal journey to South America.

Sand Run Metro Park

  • 12/26/23: Sand Run Parkway between Portage Path and Merriman Road will close to pedestrian traffic as construction begins to extend the Jogging Trail. Construction is expected to last through May 2024 and will include removal of a culvert, placement of a pedestrian bridge, narrowing of the road to trail width and removal of roadway elements. In 2022, Summit Metro Parks permanently closed this section of the parkway to vehicles to protect wildlife and allow for future trail connections. Learn more about this decision on our blog.