December 2025 Park Closures
Sycamore Bluffs MetroPark and the Great Miami River Trail trailheads are currently closed due to snow.
MetroParks of Butler County Launches 2025-2026 Controlled Bowhunting Program
Jul 29, 2025, 09:37 AM
by
Katie Ely-Wood
MetroParks of Butler County has opened applications for its 2025–2026 Controlled Bowhunting Program, a key part of its wildlife and habitat management strategy. The bowhunting season will be open from September 27, 2025 – February 1, 2026.
By helping manage local deer populations, the program reduces overgrazing of native plants, protects forest regeneration, and preserves habitats for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. It also helps limit deer-vehicle collisions and the spread of tick-borne illnesses.
“This program is a science-based tool that allows us to restore balance to our natural areas,” said Joe Dumyahn, MetroParks’ Sr. Natural Resources Manager. “When deer populations grow unchecked, the impact on forests, wetlands, and the species that depend on them can be severe. Responsible management helps the entire ecosystem thrive.”
The parks included in the Controlled Bowhunting season this year are Davidson Woods, the Day Farm, Governor Bebb MetroPark, Salamander Run MetroPark, and the Thomas property.
Interested hunters must apply online by August 31, pay a $20 fee, and complete a marksmanship qualification. A lottery will assign hunting opportunities in designated zones. Youth hunters (ages 10–17) may also participate with an adult sponsor. Youth hunters will be permitted in Zone 2 at Davidson Woods. There are 36 openings for adult hunters and 4 openings for youth hunters. Qualifications take place at the Meadow Ridge MetroPark Archery Range, open daily to the public.
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December 2025 Park Closures
Dec 2, 2025, 08:57 AM
Sycamore Bluffs MetroPark and the Great Miami River Trail trailheads are currently closed due to snow.
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MetroParks Cashless Beginning 1/1/26
Nov 26, 2025, 10:44 AM
MetroParks is keeping it cashless beginning 1/1/26. Credit and debit cards are welcome at MetroParks' Administrative Office and Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center. Cash will still be accepted for on-site program registration.
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2025-2026 Seasonal Park Closures
Nov 10, 2025, 10:34 AM
The following parks and facilities will be closed for the 2025-2026 winter season: -Pioneer Church -Flush restrooms at Rentschler Forest and Meadow Ridge MetroParks -Sebald MetroPark Equestrian Trails (November 15-April 14)
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Salamander Run MetroPark Trail Closures
Sep 24, 2025, 15:16 PM
A portion of the Redback Salamander Trail is closed 9/25/25-2/3/26 to facilitate controlled bowhunting. Visit https://www.yourmetroparks.net/news-alerts/article/2025/09/24/salamander-run-metropark-trail-closures for a trail map.
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Tylersville Trail Closures 9/2-11/26
Aug 29, 2025, 15:18 PM
Voice of America MetroParks' Tylersville Trail will be closed west of Field 20 to Crosley Boulevard September 2nd - November 26th to facilitate USS Cincinnati construction.
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Mill Race Preserve MetroPark Closure
May 27, 2025, 09:29 AM
Beginning May 27th, restoration work on the Black Covered Bridge will close the entrance to Mill Race Preserve MetroPark. The park can be accessed via the Oxford Area Trail System to the east.
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Sebald MetroPark Closures
May 12, 2025, 09:52 AM
The Ridge Trail at Sebald MetroParks is closed due to trail rerouting work.
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Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures
Nov 12, 2024, 11:08 AM
Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.