We came looking for a playground, and there doesn't appear to be one. So, K was disappointed. But…read moreit looks like a pretty cool park. Well out in the countryside, with a big pond and several smaller wetland areas. Observation paths and decks for each. Parking and facilities at the main entrance, plus parking on the other side of the pond, and two smaller picnic areas up the road, with observation areas and shelters. One had a workout area, but not quite the playground we wanted. I didn't see bike paths, which is another feature I like in a park. But that's not really the purpose of this one- they're preserving the wetlands, and keeping human impact to a minimum.

This is a favorite metro park - there's lots of different areas to visit. Which means lots of…read moredifferent entrances that can be a little bit confusing at times. They've got great spots for birdwatching and taking walks around to see everything. I've also seen folks doing paintings/drawing of the wildlife at the viewing areas in addition to having a yoga session. There's an Eagles nest that you can keep an eye out for as well. All in all it's a pretty relaxing spot!

My dog and I started this years Winter Hike series here. We had a great time walking the pet trail…read moreand the park roads. We easily found a ranger to stamp my winter hike series log card. Mission accomplished!

So we went to Chestnut Ridge Park in Carroll this weekend to take Apollo for a nice nature walk…read more The park is fairly close to us, and absolutely gorgeous. However, we couldn't be more disappointed. They have several long trails through the woods where you've got these gorgeous ridge climbs. Problem is, they don't allow dogs on any of them. They have one small trail called Milkweed, that is dog-friendly. But it was barely half a mile, and a large part of that was just on mowed grass. Once we got into the woods, we loved it, but it was basically over as soon as it began. That isn't nearly enough for a dog or a person to have a nice walk. It's insulting when they have several miles of gorgeous trails they could open up for people like us. I understand some people don't like dogs, and they try to have a place for them to hike. But why reserve multiple trails for these people? They're surely in the minority. Most people like or at least are tolerant of dogs. Yes this park seems to cater to them, when I'm certain most people in or near Carroll have dogs. I wish there was a petition or something we could do to get them to open up a serious trail that's dog friendly. One non-dog trail is enough. Open the rest for those of us who love nature and our pets. Shame on Chestnut Ridge for this bias against dog owners.

My friend rented out the recreational area for a graduation party. I arrived about an hour before…read morethe party ended (just getting off work). Although I don't know what was said during the scheduling, I wondered, towards the end, if he had been informed that he had to stick to the scheduled time. Being as late as it was, I assumed he was the only last renter of the day, since no one had a sense of urgency as the party's "end" time neared. Of course, when the time came, a large group of people appeared, waiting for us to clean and clear out. Even though he was a little frustrated about having to clean up so abruptly, I reminded the guests that whether or not we knew, it was our responsibility to stick to the plan and be off the premises by the deadline. However I think it necessary for any organization renting to impress upon the customer the importance of adherence to scheduled time. No, I'm not saying that it was their fault or responsibility at all, but somehow I think he and his co-planners believed they had the cut-off time to use to clean up, being as late as it was. Lesson learned. Thankfully, the incoming party was kind enough to let us scramble and dump everything without incident. The area was nice, nothing out of the ordinary, so I give it 4 stars. I've never participated in any of the July 4th festivities at his location over the years, but I have had my concerns about security from time to time, particularly with the incidents of violence. But again, that's on the people, not the organization. Some things, even security have difficulty controlling.

What a great park! -…read morePlayground is great for kids. 2 sets; 1 for older kids and younger kids alike. Plenty of swings. The whole area is on a recycled rubber that looks like green grass. - Clean. Clean. Clean. - Picnic shelter is spacious and has plenty of seating. - Basketball court and tennis courts. - Within walking distance to many shops and a few restaurants in Downtown Pickerington.

I have wanted to check this park out for a long time after seeing lots of pictures of the Tall…read morePines. So we went to BrewDog for lunch and then headed over to the park and took a walk in the Tall Pines area, and it did not disappoint! I only wish the Tall Pines were even more plentiful. (They are a good little chunk of the trail in the middle but not the entire trail is full of them but don't let that stop you!) They are beautiful and such a marvel. I could have just laid down and stared at them. The trail was flat and easy and was the perfect length for a nice afternoon walk. I'll definitely be back to stare at those tall trees some more :)

What a fabulous park! I'm kicking myself for not visiting sooner. It's about twenty minutes from my…read moreplace and I've been seeing beautiful pictures of the tall pines here forever. I like to hike on snowy days when the sun's out and over the weekend I took advantage of the prime weather conditions and made my way out there. There's a sign out front letting you know to turn and there's a relatively small parking lot to leave your car. The start of the trails were easy to find thanks to the signage and after getting my bearings I headed out. The trail turns and weaves for a couple miles making a few loops. It was pretty simple to navigate which was awesome. And while the parking lot was full, I didn't run into too many people. I love that! I enjoyed every minute of my time out there. If you're like me and in need of a little time to disconnect from the world, come here. Of course, the entire place was extremely photogenic, the tall pines area being the most instagram worthy. I could have laid down right in the middle of it and just enjoyed the sound of the birds, the wind, and the feeling of the warm sunshine on my face. The only thing is the only area I found to sit down was on the other side of the park. It would have been nice to see a few more benches scattered about. Come here. Soak up nature. The peace and quiet. Unwind and settle your brain. You're welcome.

This is a really nice park. A nice paved path that seems to go far. Over the covered bridge looks…read morelike there was a grass perimeter path. They had a nice size playground and a fitness type playground too. Good access to the creek as well. A few soccer fields and a putting green too. A climbing wall as well. There was a picnic shelter too.

This place didn't appear when I tried to "check in" on Yelp, nor did it show in its listing. I saw…read morea "Sycamore Park", but that's an address in Canal Winchester, so I figured I'd create it. It's located across the street from Victory Park in Pickerington and a few hundred feet down. I used to go to this park in the summer, over the years because they hosted a summer concert series in the amphitheater that included one group that I enjoyed more than others (anyone know if Paradise Island is still performing?). Outside of that, we never spent much time there. Yesterday, we decided to check out areas to relax and decided to give Sycamore Creek Park a look since we really hadn't seen the park itself. It's fairly decent, with a walking trail and a few picnic areas, in case you want to take family and friends for a cookout. It even has a section you can reserve. There's also a tennis and basketball court, if you're feeling active. I took interest in the pond area, in which several people were fishing. I walked over to the south side of it and found a nice vantage point or photos. However, if I wanted to take advantage of the sunset, there was a huge rock that I could pose my subjects on. I didn't walk around, but I may do it later to see if there is anything else of interest. I did add two photos so you can see what I'm taking about, regarding the pond. I understand that they have a sledding hill in the winter time. Something you might want to consider for the kids (and adults). Worth checking out.

This is a very nice park for history, featuring the remains of three canal locks (Locks 11, 12, and…read more13 of the now dry Ohio & Erie canal) and a nicely maintained bright red covered bridge, the Hartman No. 2, which was moved to the location in the 1960s. The bridge is located in the middle of the park, unattached to the road, so it's quite walkable and is also able to be reserved for events. There's a good-sized parking lot and an open-air picnic shelter, plus a variety of picnic tables and benches throughout the area. There's a lot of green space to enjoy too.

Nice clean park with a preserved covered bridge, and the ruins of a canal lock. The park is dog…read morefriendly, has ample parking, and would be a nice spot for a picnic.. large open grassy areas, and some good shade too. We went to shoot pictures of the covered bridge... it's a beautifully preserved red covered bridge. You can walk on and around the bridge... you can't drive on it (it's not connected to a road). The park is near some houses on one side, and a field on the other. There are information kiosks that provide a bit of historical perspective on the bridge and lock. The volunteers who maintain the park are very helpful and friendly, and actually also suggested we go to another nearby park the maintain that has another covered bridge and more.

A fun place to go on a date! Bring your own food and drink and enjoy a stroll have a seat on the…read morebench and enjoy! It's super romantic especially at night!

It is rare that I post a review while on vacation. Normally I like to get home, edit my pics,…read moreresearch some interesting facts to include in my review and determine the order of the reviews I will post. I'm just meticulous like that... LOL! However, after my early morning drive to view this beauty of a bridge I find myself wanting to share the experience right now! Bergstresser covered bridge is located in a lovely residential area along a bike path/walking trail. The bridge is strong, well preserved and could easily handle car traffic if it were allowed. The wooden floors are in great condition which was probably aided by the asphalt that once covered the floor surface. Remnants of the asphalt are still visible. The truss system is unlike any I've seen before using triple lattice crossbeams as support. The setting in which this bridge has been placed is attractive. Currently Ohio is experiencing record rains, but the results are lush green landscapes. Despite the heavy rains we experienced yesterday, the river flowing below the bridge was very calm and serene. I followed the trail to a beautifully landscaped park area with a willow tree, benches and a memorial stone. Throughout the area are loads of Blue Spruce trees! I forgot how much I love Spruce trees and this trip has inspired me to use them more in my landscapes designs. BRIDGE FACTS Year Built: 1887 Builder: Columbus Bridge Company Length: 134 feet Restored: 1991 Truss type: Partridge Location: Little Walnut Creek in Franklin County @ Kramer's Ford The Historical Marker reads as follows: In March, 1887, the Franklin County Commissioners announced the building of a bridge in Madison Township over Little Walnut Creek at Kramer's Ford. Area citizens had petitioned for a bridge to transport agricultural products to the canal and railroad. Michael Corbett of Groveport contracted to construct the abutments and the Columbus Bridge Company built the covered bridge for $2,690.00. Reuban L. Partridge, company vice president, supervised the building, using his patented truss system consisting of double and triple truss members constructed of pine and oak. In the 1930's the road traveling over the bridge became State Route 674 and in the 1950s the road was redirected to bypass the covered bridge. In 1990, the county contracted with Abba Lichtenstein & Associates to evaluate the condition of the bridge. The W.J. Seidensticker Company repaired and restored the Bergstresser bridge using original and new materials. This, the last covered bridge in Franklin County, was rededicated September 1, 1991. At this time the ownership of the bridge was transferred to the Village of Canal Winchester. FINAL THOUGHTS This bridge was named after Daniel Bergstresser and Samuel Dietz who helped in the successful petitioning of the county commissioners board in the late 1800's for a formal roadway/river crossing for use by local farmers & businesses. Once an important part of the local economy it now stands as a reminder of days long passed and as the last remaining bridge in Franklin County, Ohio. As a personal note to the residents of the area surrounding the bridge: I'd like to commend you on how well maintained your homes appear. I am a landscape/hardscape designer and I felt inspired by some of the landscapes I saw on nearby homes. I truly felt the pride of ownership and I just wanted to say keep up the great work.

Every elementary school kid in Groveport spends some time learning about Groveport history. This,…read moreof course, includes a trip to the Groveport Heritage Park which is the site of a 1815 Log House and one of the original cemeteries of the village which includes those of many of the founding families of the village. Nature programs are held at the log house and ODNR stocks the pond with fish that kids can try their hands at catching. Free concerts and movies are shown here during the summer, and Apple Butter Day in the fall. This is one of my favourite places in the village to come and relax and even though its in the heart of the village, it feels like its miles away!