News & Alerts

For the latest closures and notices, visit https://www.facebook.com/metroparks.

MetroParks and MHARS Suicide Prevention Sign Campaign Earns National Marketing Award

Jun 11, 2026, 14:18 PM by Katie Ely-Wood

MetroParks of Butler County has received a national marketing award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for its Suicide Prevention Sign Campaign developed in partnership with the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board.

The campaign placed signs throughout the MetroParks system featuring messages of hope and direct connections to crisis support resources, helping raise awareness of mental health services while reaching people in outdoor spaces where they live, work, and recreate.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition alongside our partners at MHARS,” said Jackie O’Connell, MetroParks’ Executive Director. “This campaign demonstrates how parks can play a meaningful role in supporting community well-being and connecting people with resources when they need them most.”

NACPRO annually recognizes outstanding contributions of county parks and recreation organizations nationwide. In 2026, 35 awards were given to 27 park and recreation organizations, park professionals, and volunteers. For more information about NACPRO, visit https://www.nacpro.org/. 

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  • Redback Salamander Trail Out and Back Only

    Jul 23, 2026, 12:47 PM

    The Redback Salamander Trail at Salamander Run MetroPark is out and back only due to a downed tree.

  • USA Triathlon Youth & Jr. Championships at Voice of America MetroPark 7/31-8/2

    Jul 22, 2026, 00:00 AM

    The USA Triathlon Youth & Jr. Championships will take place at Voice of America MetroPark 7/31-8/2. The park will be open to event participants and spectators only during regular park hours.

  • VOA Athletic Complex Parking Lot Restriping

    Jul 20, 2026, 16:05 PM

    The Voice of America Athletic Complex parking lots will have rolling closures 7/22-7/24 for restriping work.

  • Sebald MetroPark Playground Closure

    Jul 10, 2026, 11:40 AM

    Sebald MetroPark's small playground between Shelter 2 and Shelter 3 is temporarily closed due to nesting insects.

  • Sycamore Grove Trail

    Apr 24, 2026, 09:57 AM

    The Sycamore Grove Trail at Governor Bebb MetroParks has reopened to the public. The trail is non-ADA accessible until gravel replacement work can be completed.

  • 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.

  • Sebald MetroPark Closures

    May 12, 2025, 09:52 AM

    The Ridge Trail at Sebald MetroParks is closed due to trail rerouting work.

  • 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.