Our Mission

The Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is a non-profit organization with a mission to  enhance public use and enjoyment of our parks, seek out  public support, and advocate for our parks for current and future generations.

Our Vision

Advocating for the parks and nature that we love for all to enjoy.

Strategic Plan

With the rapid growth of our organization over the past few years, the Friends worked to create and adopt a strategic plan to help guide the organization as we work toward introducing new people to the Metro Parks, and working to achieve our mission.

Our goal is to be the top advocacy organization for the Metro Parks. We're creating a drumbeat of support across diverse groups of people by hosting unique and exclusive opportunities for our members and by communicating with the general public to promote the Metro Parks. This community support will be fundamental to the continued existence of our organization and for the Metro Parks!

To view the full strategic plan, click here. 

Fundraising

Tad Jeffrey Memorial Fund

Donations to this fund provide grants to individual parks to implement unique and diverse projects. This year, the Tad Jeffrey Grants helped fund:

  • The Metro Parks Explorer Challenge

  • Barn Swallow Nesting Structure at Highbanks

  • Archery for Kids Camps

  • Three Creeks Meditation Trail

  • “Save the Turtles” signage

Tree and Bench Program

This program allows groups and individuals to donate trees and benches to honor or commemorate friends or loved ones as well as commemorate special events.

In 2019 we had 18 benches and 45 trees donated to the Metro Parks.

Benningfield Butterfly Program

Friends funds help to create seven beds to attract forty species of butterflies to Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Community Partners

The Friends are proud members of the following community programs:

  • Columbus Foundation (and The Big Give!)

  • EarthShare Ohio

  • Kroger Community Rewards

  • AmazonSmile