MetroParks is excited to announce on Earth Day 2024 that the park district has received nearly $80,000 in grant funding for three environmental sustainability initiatives in the parks.  

A $10,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant will help protect native trees in the Meadow Ridge Area of Elk Creek MetroPark from invasive species. Aumur honeysuckle, Callery pear, Autumn olive and more threaten the native tree species planted during the restoration of the park’s former golf courses. The grant will help MetroParks remove these invasive plants and give native species room to thrive.

A $17,794 grant from the OKI Regional Council of Governments will fund the installation of a dual-port EV charging station near the Lodge at Voice of America MetroPark. As the nation takes steps to reduce our carbon footprint, more and more people have made the choice to drive electric vehicles. Visitors to the park will soon be able to charge their cars while enjoying Voice of America MetroParks’ trails, birding areas and water recreation.

Finally a $50,000 Ohio EPA grant will bring new recycling receptacles to MetroParks’ 15 parks and regional trails across the county. MetroParks is committed to keeping recyclable materials out of the municipal waste stream, and the new bins will help the public protect our environment by recycling when visiting the parks.