Great Miami River Trail Closed Due to High Water - January 24, 2019
The Great Miami River Trail (GMRT) is closed due to high water from the River Center (120 South Carmody Boulevard, Middletown, OH 45044) to the Trenton Trailhead (50 Oxford State Road, Middletown OH 45044) due to high water on the trail.
Additionally, the GMRT is also been closed from the River Center (120 South Carmody Boulevard, Middletown OH 45044) to Columbia Trailhead (26 N. Carmody Boulevard, Middletown OH 45044) due to high water. The alternate route going north of the River Center to the Columbia Trailhead is open. Use of the alternative route requires crossing SR 122 at street level. Use great caution while doing so.
Re-opening of the trail will occur once the water has receded and cleanup efforts are completed.
Motor Vehicle Permits
All vehicles entering any MetroPark of Butler County are required to display a valid Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP.) Permits are FREE for Butler County residents. Non-Butler County residents can purchase a $10 annual permit, which is valid January 1st through December 31st of each year, or a $5 daily permit.
Butler County Residents:
- MVPs are available at no cost to Butler County Residents.
- For your convenience, resident MVPs are valid for two years with the current permit expiring December 31, 2020.
- Residents must be 16 years of age, provide proof of residency, and fill out a short form
Locations to Obtain a Resident MVP
Proof of Residency:
Accepted documents for proof of residency are a valid Driver's License, State ID, Vehicle Registration, License Plate, or utility bill with address of record located in Butler County.
Non-Butler County Residents:
Non-Butler County residents can access all parks and support MetroParks of Butler County by purchasing a $10 annual permit or a $5 daily permit.
Ways Non-Butler County Residents Can Obtain an MVP:
- $5 Daily Permits can be purchased at the park.
- US Residents can purchase an annual permit online
Purchase an Annual Non-Resident MVP
- International Residents can purchase an annual permit by calling the MetroParks' Administrative office at 513.867.5835 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Permits purchased on-line or over the phone will be mailed to the customer's address. The emailed receipt along with an I.D. can be used for admittance to MetroParks until the mailed permit is received.
- MVPs can also be purchased during normal business hours at the MetroParks' Administrative office located at 2051 Timberman Road in Hamilton and the Voice of America MetroParks' Welcome Center (or seasonally at the VOA Wheelhouse) located at 7850 VOA Park Drive in West Chester.
- Additionally, MVPs can be purchased at park programs from park rangers, programming staff or from Information Booths, when staffed, at the entrances of Elk Creek MetroPark Sebald Park Area, Voice of America MetroPark and Rentschler Forest MetroPark.
- When attending athletic events at Voice of America MetroPark, weekend passes can be exchanged in person for an annual permit (valid for the same year) at the VOA Welcome Center.
- Motor Vehicle Permits are non-refundable.
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Metropark Alerts
Fishing Dock at Voice of America MetroPark NOW OPEN after Dock Renovations - Tuesday, January 14, 2020
The fishing dock at Voice of America MetroPark is now ready for use after renovations made possible by The Community Foundation of West Chester/ Liberty and the fund held there created by the family of Mark A. Valentine in his memory. Those who also enjoy fishing at VOA, like Mark did, will appreciate the improvements the renovations will bring to this popular amenity. Mark's family has also funded an annual Fishing with a Ranger program in Mark's memory. Check MetroParks Programs & Events calendar as summer approaches for the date of this program in 2020.
Winter Fun and Seasonal Facility Closures
Check out the "NEWS" section of our website to discover just a few of the ways that you can enjoy MetroParks during the Winter months. Before you head out for a day of FUN in the parks, also see a listing of routine seasonal facility closures. Closure dates and Spring 2020 re-opening dates can be found here.
The City of Middletown Begins Repairs on the Great Miami River Trail Today - October 17, 2019 today
The City of Middletown will begin pavement repairs on sections of the Great Miami River Trail (GMRT) today. The repair work may cause intermittent closures of these sections over the next couple of weeks. As you plan your next walking, biking, or running trip on the GMRT , please look to MetroParks website to find daily updates regarding the specific areas that are closed.
Elk Creek MetroPark - Sebald Park Area and Meadow Ridge Area Will Have Daily Closures for MetroParks Controlled Bow Hunting Program
Before heading out to Elk Creek MetroPark for a visit to the Sebald Park Area or the Meadow Ridge Area, please note that the parks will be closed to the public between the hours of 8 am until noon each day during 2019-2020 hunting season. As a part of the park system’s Wildlife Management Program a controlled Bow Hunting program will be held during these hours to control the over population of white-tailed deer in these areas. After noon each day the park will be OPEN & READY for YOU!
MetroParks appreciates your patience during this time. Hunting Season is from September 28, 2019 – February 2, 2020.
2/26/19 CLOSED - Stander Preserve
Stander Preserve in Reily Township is closed and shall remain closed until further notice. Please, visit the "NEWS" section for more information regarding this closure.
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Create Family fun
MetroParks provides opportunities to experience open green spaces near home. Pick the time of day that fits your busy schedule to spend some time with nature. Hike a trail, wander through natural habitats, view wildlife or just play! Please consider donating to further MetroParks ability to provide these resources.