The Charles Goodyear Memorial Pavilion at the entrance to Goodyear Heights Metropolitan Park
Part of the Summit Metro Parks System, Goodyear Heights Metropolitan Park was opened in 1930 on land that was owned by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Much of it was purchased from local resident Gilbert Waltz by Frank Seiberling, who consulted his favorite landscape architect, Warren Manning, on some initial park planning. The land then remained with Goodyear after Seiberling left the company, until it was donated to Metro Parks prior to its opening. During this time, the park system acquired additional land by paying delinquent taxes on adjacent properties—eventually totaling about 410 acres, or almost half the size of New York City’s Central Park.

It's easy to imagine that the park was always a lush combination of green meadows and thick woods, but being former farmland, it was necessary to plant many thousands of pines and tulip trees to create today's pastoral scene. During World War II, Victory Gardens were planted along Newton Street, and in 1957, the Charles Goodyear Memorial Pavilion was constructed at the park's southern entrance. It served as the park system’s headquarters until 1974, when the HQ was moved to Sand Run Metro Park.

Known simply as “Metro” to long-time Goodyear Heights residents, the park has evolved into one of the jewels of the local system. Over the past 40 years, many of the original pines and tulip trees have given way to black cherry, pin oak and maple trees, as well as other species. The parkland, Alder Pond and its adjacent marsh provide a safe habitat to many plants and animals. Cattails, basswood and blackgum trees, as well as sassafras and sasparilla trees can be found in some areas. Animals like owls, red foxes and raccoons are among some of the wildlife to be found here, with muskrats and snapping turtles commonly found around the marsh and pond. In late fall, it is not uncommon to see deer roaming in and out of the park as well.

ACTIVITIES

SUMMER
The Alder, Piney Woods and Parcours Trails are perfect for walking and hiking, with the Parcours adding special exercise stations along its route. Alder Pond is open for anyone with a fishing license, and was fully restored in 2015. Several hundred yards of sediment was removed as the pond was returned to former depth levels and it was restocked with bluegills, channel catfish, redear sunfish and largemouth bass. Ballfields can be found at the northern side of the park, and many acres of broad grass meadow stretch across the park’s southern end. The meadows are great for family picnics and gatherings, as are the park’s shelter houses, which can be rented. Restrooms and picnic tables can be found throughout the park.

WINTER
Winter is a great time at Metro—as the park remains a great location for all kinds of family activities. Sledding is one of the most popular, as the area near the main park entrance offers one of the best and most popular sledding hills in the city. It’s even lighted for night sledding! Cross country skiing is also a fun activity here, with plenty of open spaces and interesting trails to enjoy. To protect against ski damage from stones on some trails, park staff recommend that at least 2” of snow cover the ground.



0 comments:

Post a Comment