By Ben Shinabery: President FMP

Friends of Metro Parks is proud to recognize those who embrace the outdoors during The Metro Park’s annual Winter Hike Series - beginning December 1st and running through February 25th. During this time, Metro Parks will provide unique opportunities such as lighted trails and delicious treats at select parks all over Central Ohio throughout the winter. For details, visit The Metro Parks website.

Friends of Metro Parks is thrilled to offer members additional rewards for their extraordinary winter adventures…

Friends of Metro Parks Hiking Stick

Conquer All 19 Parks!

Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Friends of Metro Parks Hiking Stick challenge. Conquer all 19 parks and earn your exclusive hiking stick, a symbol of your dedication to exploring the natural wonders of our Metro Parks.

How to Earn Your Hiking Stick:

• Obtain a Winter Hike Card, available at any Metro Parks location or download it from The Metro Parks Winter Hike Series website.

• Have a Metro Parks staff member mark your Winter Hike Card whenever you visit the park and/or attend a Winter Hike Series event.

• If a Metro Parks staff member is unavailable, capture the moment by taking a picture of yourself at the park and mark your card yourself.

To be eligible for a Hiking Stick, you must be a Friends of Metro Parks member at the $10 level or higher. Not a member yet? Sign up anytime before February 25th, 2024, through the Friends Website. Memberships are renewed annually, so check your membership and renew if needed!

Friends of Metro Parks Medallions

Each year, at the conclusion of the Winter Hike Series, Friends introduces a new medallion, commemorating a different Metro Parks location—a tradition inviting you to collect and cherish memories from each Winter Hike Series. This year's feature is "Inniswood Metro Gardens" and will be available at the Winter Hike Celebration Event on February 25th.

If you've earned your hiking stick in previous years, you'll receive this year's commemorative medallion for free—a token to adorn your hiking stick, symbolizing your dedication to the Winter Hike Series! To receive a medallion for free, you must have earned a hiking stick in previous years and completed all 19 hikes. Alternatively, if you've completed all 19 hikes and prefer a medallion over a hiking stick, you can also get this year's medallion at no cost.

Missed a medallion from a previous year? No worries! Previous year's medallions (including this year’s) will be available for $10 each at the Winter Hike Celebration event. It's a fantastic way to complete your collection, showcase the diverse beauty of our Metro Parks, and highlight your commitment to winter exploration!

Metro Parks Patch

For information on how to receive the Metro Park Winter Hike Patch, please visit The Metro Parks website. Complete the challenge by attending 7 different Winter Hike Series Events and wear your achievement with pride!

How to Obtain Your Hiking Sticks, Medallions, and Patches

Hiking sticks, medallions, and patches can be obtained during the Winter Hike Celebration at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on Sunday, February 25th, 2004. Join us for a memorable day—hike along the paths of our Audubon Sanctuary Golf Course, collect your swag, and warm up by the fire with hot chocolate.

Questions?

Email: winterhikes@metroparks.net or friends@metroparks.net