Published January 13, 2025
2025 Wellness Guide, Buckeye Trail Public Meetings and The Adventure Speaker Series kicks off Feb. 9
2025 Wellness Guide
Find new hobbies, adventures and ways to Get Out & Live this year – all of which can help you meet your 2025 wellness goals. Visit MetroParks’ Wellness Guide to learn more.
Program highlights
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Try Winter Hiking: Sugarcreek – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Sugarcreek MetroPark. Space is limited; registration is required.
- Tuesday, Feb. 11: Fly Fishing: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Space is limited; registration is required.
Big news for Ohio’s state trail
The 1,454-mile Buckeye Trail – which loops the entire state tying 47 counties and more than 100 communities together – is under consideration for National Scenic Trails designation. This designation would mean increased federal support, enhanced visibility and expanded opportunities for community and economic development.
You can be part of the process by sharing your thoughts during one of six public meetings hosted by the National Park Service. Regional public meetings are:
- Jan. 15, 4 to 7 p.m.: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park – Dayton
- Jan. 16, 4 to 7 p.m.: Digital Futures Building – Cincinnati
Find more details and learn about a virtual public meeting and online comment options.
Outdoor Skills & Safety
Five Rivers MetroParks is hosting three outdoor skills and safety courses in March. These courses are the perfect opportunity to build or deepen outdoor safety skills. Trainings are multiple days and lead by certified professionals.
- Mar. 1, 8 to 6 p.m.: Wilderness First Aid at Possum Creek MetroPark (two-day)
- Mar. 7, 8 to 6 p.m.: Wilderness Medicine Open Recertification at Possum Creek MetroPark (three-day)
- Mar. 10, 8 to 6 p.m.: Wilderness First Responder at Possum Creek MetroPark (seven-day)
Contact Colorado Outside for more information and to register.
The Adventure Speaker Series kicks off Feb. 5
Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University have partnered to offer four presentations meant to inspire a sense of adventure in outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. The biennial Adventure Speaker Series begins in February and continues into March with local explorers covering such topics as backpacking, climbing, adventure travel and more.
February’s speakers are:
- Feb. 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright State University: Cedric Gauthier, Eli Capasso and Alex Petersen: Attempting North America’s longest sport climbing route: Wright State Club Climbing
- Feb. 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright State University: Tom Wright: One year…one quest – America’s 428 National Parks
Learn more about The Adventure Speaker Series.
Get Out & Skate at MetroParks Ice Rink
The MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark is open daily through the end of February with special holiday hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Family Skate Days are Sundays, from 1 to 5 p.m. These special skate days feature kid-friendly music, in addition to hands-on games and activities in the heated comfort tent. Also included with regular admission are themed skate nights, which are every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and feature a variety of music and chances to win prizes.
Programs and events are included with regular admission. Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children 3 years old and under are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.
Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation and its Access to Nature Financial Assistance program, reduced admission is available for those who use SNAP/EBT benefits. Discounts have increased from 50% to 75%, which is $1.75 for admission and $.75 for skate rentals. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive the discount.
The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by MSD, USI Insurance Services, Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, WKEF/FOX45/Dayton 24/7 Now and WINANS Coffee + Chocolate.
Save the Date! 2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge
The 2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge officially begins on Feb. 1 with 28 new trails to conquer at your own time and at your own pace. Learn more and register by visiting metroparks.org/trailschallenge starting Feb. 1.
The MetroParks Trails Challenge is presented by Huffy with additional support from Wright State University and Miller Valentine Construction.