| Cleveland Metroparks System | |
|---|---|
 The Chagrin River as viewed from The South Chagrin Reservation | |
| Type | Public park district |
| Location | Greater Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
| Area | 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) |
| Created | 1917 |
| Operated by | Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners |
| Visitors | 18.5 million[1] |
| Open | All year |
Cleveland Metroparks is an extensive system of nature preserves in Greater Cleveland, Ohio. Eighteen reservations, which largely encircle the city of Cleveland, follow along the shore of Lake Erie and the rivers and creeks that flow through the region. Referred to unofficially as the 'Emerald Necklace',[2] the network of parks spans over 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) and includes over 300 miles (480 km) of walking, bicycle, and horse trails as well as numerous picnic areas, nature education centers, golf courses, and countless fishing spots. In addition, the district includes the zoo in Cleveland. Four of the reservations are adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Although the majority of the reservations are in suburban Cuyahoga County, Brookside Reservation is located within the city of Cleveland, and the Lakefront Reservation consists of several beachfront parks spanning the city's waterfront. Additionally, three of the reservations are either partially or entirely situated outside Cuyahoga County: a portion of North Chagrin Reservation is in Lake County; a small portion of Bradley Woods Reservation is in Lorain County; the Hinckley Reservation is in Hinckley Township in Medina County.[2]
The North Chagrin Reservation houses one of the only old growth forests in Northeast Ohio, the A.B. Williams Memorial Woods.[3]
The importance of conserving our natural resources is now well recognized. Cannot it be truly said that these natural wild beautiful valleys and glens which lie adjacent to our rapidly growing urban centers are a kind of 'natural resource' of ever increasing value to the public?
— William A. Stinchcomb, (speaking to the Cleveland City Council in 1909)
- ^ "Cleveland Metroparks gain more land and visitors (Photos)". 15 March 2018.
- ^ a b "About Us". Cleveland Metroparks. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "A. B. WILLIAMS MEMORIAL WOODS". Encyclopedia of Cleveland History | Case Western Reserve University. 2019-08-19. Retrieved 2021-03-11.