Erie MetroParks was formed as the "Erie County Metropolitan Park District" in 1968 and adopted its current name in 1991. It consists of 14 individual park areas located throughout Erie County in the US state of Ohio covering approximately 3,200 acres (1,300 ha).
It was organized under the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, Section 1545, as a separate political division of Ohio. Erie MetroParks is overseen by a Board of Park Commissioners consisting of three members appointed to three-year terms by Judges of the Probate Court and Common Pleas Court of Erie County. Its purpose, according to the statute, is to "preserve, conserve, protect, and enhance the natural and unique historical resources of the park district. Further, to provide opportunities for visitors and residents to use, enjoy, understand and appreciate these resources in a responsible, sustainable manner."
Osborn MetroPark is their flagship park and headquarters. Erie MetroParks is home to the Roger Johnson Nature Center. The nature center includes educational classrooms, built-in live animal areas, a turtle pond, community space, a play tree, and a window-on-wildlife viewing area, and more. Erie MetroParks has over 30 miles of trails and offers over 300 free programs every year. In 2024, Erie MetroParks celebrated 56 years of conservation and preservation.
"Erie MetroParks mission is to conserve natural resources while connecting the community with nature through education and exploration."