The Great Southern Metro Park is officially opening on Columbus’ South Side.
The newest Columbus & Franklin County Metro Park at 125 Williams Road in Columbus sits between the Scioto River and the Great Southern Shopping Center.
The 70-acre park will celebrate its grand opening on April 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with obstacle course races, free tram rides and a hot air balloon that will take people up above the park. Food and drinks will be provided by G & J Pepsi.
The park includes multiple trails, an obstacle course, fitness course, river access and a scenic outlook overlooking the water.
“Great Southern Metro Park represents our continued commitment to connecting people with nature and with each other. It also moves us closer to our levy goal of opening three new parks,” said Tim Moloney, Metro Parks’ Executive Director. “We’re excited to welcome the community to this new space and provide opportunities for recreation, wellness and connection in south Columbus.”
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks has applied for $3 million in state capital funding to continue upgrading the park. State dollars would go toward wetland development, playground facilities and picnic shelters, according to a list of applications.
Jill Snyder, a spokesperson for the Metro Parks, said the hope is also to expand the park with additional property.
The site of the newest metro park includes the former Heer Park, a former city park where Columbus cleared a homeless camp in 2022.
Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Great Southern Metro Park opening on Columbus’ South Side
Reporting by Jordan Laird, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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