Encompassing five miles of streams, 40 acres of wetlands and 240 acres of woods in the Rocky Fork Creek watershed, Rocky Fork Metro Park has seen over 73,000 visitors since it opened in August.
“Interacting with the visiting public at Rocky Fork has been very rewarding,” says Dan Bissonette, park manager. “Everyone is so excited to have a metro park in their community, and they make that clear with friendly hellos and enthusiastic words of appreciation.”
The park is still growing. Later this spring, a 2-acre, fenced-in dog park with a splash pad will open, as will a 3-mile bridle trail, which neighbors from the community helped design and construct. The remainder of the park’s 1,000 acres will be developed over the next several years, and Metro Parks will restore a 340-acre wetland that will attract and provide sanctuary for birds and an array of animals.
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Several species of ducks and other waterfowl can be seen at the Meadow Pond near the multi-use trail. Photo by Carey Sherrill
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Photo by Dan Bissonette
This wild canine can be seen in open fields, where it hunts for mice and voles.
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Photo by Annette Boose
The Millstone Picnic Area features two grills and can accommodate 68 people.
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Photo by Dan Bissonette
Set to open this spring, the 6-acre dog park features a splash pad where thirsty dogs can drink and cool off.
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Photo by Dan Bissonette
A park ranger hands out stickers to visitors. Rangers ensure the safety and enjoyment of park users and the protection of parks.
Two pedestrian connections link the park directly to the surrounding neighborhoods of Albany View and Upper Clarenton.
Home to 450 species of plants and 250 species of animals, the park offers visitors the opportunity to watch and listen for birds and wildlife. Sightseers may be lucky enough to see a prowling coyote or fox searching for prey along the tree line or in the open field.
On the Trail
The park features about three miles of paved, grass and gravel trails winding through woods and fields. The two miles of paved trails can be used by bikers, hikers and joggers. There is even a short gravel off-leash dog trail that loops through a wooded area and goes past a wetland that is ideal for walkers and pet owners. A 1-mile grass trail passes over a small earthen dam that formed another wetland pond and loops around a meadow that will be planted with native grasses and wildflowers.
“About half of the visitors walk or bike in from two adjacent neighborhoods,” Bissonette says. “It’s unusual to see folks on the trails, in the shelters and on the playground without the usual number of cars.”
Naturalists are offering nature interpretive programs and hikes. Visit www.metroparks.net for information about these free programs or pick up a copy of the ParkScope magazine at any Metro Park.
Interpretive signs throughout the park tell the story of Plain Township and the surrounding area when it was farmland. There were several grist mills, and signs reflect the variety of wildlife that once roamed throughout this region. Representatives from the local historical society and knowledgeable neighbors provided information for these signs.
At the Playground
Photo by Dan Bissonette
The log steppers at the park’s playground are great for practicing balance and coordination.
The play area for kids is ADA-accessible and has climbing boulders, a balance beam and log balance steppers made from trees that were felled in the park. The park features two picnic shelters, one with a wood-burning fireplace, with grills and electricity that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park is free and open daily from 6:30 a.m. to dark.
Community Support
Partnerships with New Albany, Plain Township and the city of Columbus were key to the development of Rocky Fork in northeastern Franklin County, one of the fastest-growing areas in central Ohio. Community leaders and elected officials realized the long-term financial, physical and social costs of allowing uncontrolled growth in an incorporated area. They saw the 1,000-acre Metro Park as a wise investment in open space and a means to buffer growth and limit strain on city and township services.
More than $12 million was contributed by local communities for land acquisition and park development: $8.5 million from the city of Columbus, and $3.5 million – including donation of the first 108 acres of the park – from the city of New Albany and Plain Township. Additionally, Metro Parks contributed $4 million and received $1.2 million in grant money for land acquisition from the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund.
Peg Hanley is public information manager for Franklin County Metro Parks. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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