FROM SUMMER 2025 NEWSLETTER, also distributed to Allen County residents by mail

By Tyler Black
Execuve Director, Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

There’s something timeless about summer in the parks—sunshine on the trails, the sound of kids laughing near the playgrounds, and the quiet joy of spending time together without screens or schedules. At the Metroparks, we’re proud to be the place where so many local families return year after year to reconnect and make memories.

Whether it’s a toddler’s first time spotting a frog, a grandparent sharing stories around a campfire, or an evening hike that ends with fireflies lighting the path home, our parks offer the kind of simple, meaningful experiences that stick with you.

This summer, we invite your family to:

• Take in a movie at Heritage Park –bring your blankets, snacks, and sense of wonder.

• Join a guided hike designed for all ages – explore the creek at Hermon Woodlands or enjoy a hike with the help of our naturalists.

• Enjoy music at the amphitheater, sit back and listen to the sounds of your childhood, there’s music for everyone.

• Make campfire memories at the Ottawa Metro Park campground, complete with s’mores, storytelling, and stargazing.

We believe that parks aren’t just places, they’re where life happens. They’re where kids learn to ride bikes, where families gather for birthdays and reunions, and where memories are made in the quiet moments in nature.

So, this summer, make time for what matters. Come explore, play, and grow with us at the Metroparks.

For more information, visit https://jampd.com/

Visit Bluffton's Motter Metropark at 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, OH 45817