In 2021 Cleveland Metroparks Was Recognized As The Best In The Nation

With 300 miles of trails, thousands of acres of park land, and a history dating back to 1917, the Cleveland Metroparks are hard to overlook. Known colloquially as The Emerald Necklace, this chain of nature preserves, reservations, and parks encircles much of Northeast Ohio and immerses visitors in views that are almost otherworldly at times. While Clevelanders know and love the Metroparks, the secret about its splendor is out… again. Find out how the Cleveland Metroparks was recognized as the best in the nation:

Locals know that the Cleveland Metroparks are an area gem, but the cat’s out of the bag!

sunsets_for_you/Flickr The Cleveland Metroparks have long been cherished by locals. The first plot of land in the park system was purchased over a century ago, and since then the parks have enjoyed an identity intertwined with that of Cleveland. In fact, some of the area’s most interesting fossils have been found within the parks.

Recently, the local park district was honored with the 2021 National Gold Medal “Best in Nation” Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. This is the fifth time the Cleveland Metroparks have scored this honor.

© Gabe Leidy Photography Also in recent news, the Metroparks are dedicated to making our city and region healthier. In a partnership with MetroHealth, they will be offering services like wellness screenings at future events and building upon their app to encourage fitness and exercise while locals enjoy their trails.

This award, which is the highest national honor a park can receive, celebrates excellence in everything from stewardship to program development…

Tim Evanson/Flickr You can find a calendar of events on their website if you’re interested in learning more about the wide variety of programs they offer.

…Both of which are things the park has in abundance, as its natural wonders are mind-blowing, and its public programs are equally as wonderful.

Erik Drost/Flickr If you think this landscape is breathtaking, just wait until you check out their other 17 reservations.

The park district’s press release goes on to tout the parks’ impact on the area, and it’s significant.

Erik Drost/Flickr The press release states, “Cleveland Metroparks generates an annual regional economic impact of $873 million by enhancing property values, reducing stormwater runoff, improving local health and wellness, and generating tourism.” Wow! Now that’s huge.

As the award can only be received once every five years, we’ll likely be hearing about this prestigious honor again…

Tim Evanson/Flickr Stay tuned. This award is just one of many exciting things surely lurking in the future for the park system.

…But in the meantime, it’s worth exploring the parks’ 18 reservations and more than 300 miles of Northeast Ohio trails.

Erik Drost/Flickr Don’t forget your hiking boots and water bottles. The wonders of Northeast Ohio are beckoning.

There’s a great amount of diversity in the Cleveland Metroparks, from the shores of Lake Erie to the historic hardwoods of North Chagrin Reservation.

We Clevelanders have long called our city the Best Location in the Nation but, perhaps, that title is more fittingly applied to our area parks.

Erik Drost/Flickr After all, the Cleveland Metroparks practically share an identity with Forest City. This Emerald Necklace is a true gem.

There’s so much to discover in the Cleveland Metroparks.

Tim Evanson/Flickr

Locals have long known that the Cleveland Metroparks are a gem. However, the recent recognition as one of the best park districts in the nation definitely is helping to spread the word. Which local park is your favorite? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

sunsets_for_you/Flickr

The Cleveland Metroparks have long been cherished by locals. The first plot of land in the park system was purchased over a century ago, and since then the parks have enjoyed an identity intertwined with that of Cleveland. In fact, some of the area’s most interesting fossils have been found within the parks.

Also in recent news, the Metroparks are dedicated to making our city and region healthier. In a partnership with MetroHealth, they will be offering services like wellness screenings at future events and building upon their app to encourage fitness and exercise while locals enjoy their trails.

Tim Evanson/Flickr

You can find a calendar of events on their website if you’re interested in learning more about the wide variety of programs they offer.

Erik Drost/Flickr

If you think this landscape is breathtaking, just wait until you check out their other 17 reservations.

The press release states, “Cleveland Metroparks generates an annual regional economic impact of $873 million by enhancing property values, reducing stormwater runoff, improving local health and wellness, and generating tourism.” Wow! Now that’s huge.

Stay tuned. This award is just one of many exciting things surely lurking in the future for the park system.

Don’t forget your hiking boots and water bottles. The wonders of Northeast Ohio are beckoning.

With a total of eight lakefront parks, there’s no shortage of sights like this in the Cleveland Metroparks.

After all, the Cleveland Metroparks practically share an identity with Forest City. This Emerald Necklace is a true gem.

Love the Metroparks? You can take some of their shortest and sweetest hikes for a quick adventure through nature.

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Address: Cleveland, OH, USA