May News from Metro Parks

Greetings!

From the beginning of Spree For All (5/1) to the opening of swim season (5/25), this month is full of activities in your Metro Parks.

Warmer weather offers opportunities for picnicking, wildflower viewing, bird watching, running, cycling and more. There are also more than 50 FREE programs scheduled throughout the park district.

See you on the trails,

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County

We're Your Back Yard

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May Outdoor Almanac

By now, fox and coyote pups have been born; they'll be mature enough to live on their own by fall. The songbird migration is at its peak and calls fill the air. Birders should look for avian travelers at Firestone Metro Park and along the Towpath Trail in Clinton -- two migratory hot spots.

FREE Metro Parks Mobile App

The official Metro Parks mobile app for iOS and Android is available now for FREE on iTunes and Google Play. Features include GPS-enabled maps, activities, landmarks, events, social media links and more!

iTunes: http://bit.ly/MPSSC-App-iPhone
Google Play: http://bit.ly/MPSSC-App-Android

Spree For All

Hikers on foot and those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and canes enjoy flat, easy trails during this award-winning hiking series, May 1 through June 30.

To receive rewards, complete five hikes - on five different trails, the same trail or any combination of trails - and submit a completed hiking form.

First-year hikers earn a neck lanyard and commemorative pin. Veteran hikers earn the commemorative pin. Out-of-county residents pay to receive their rewards ($10 for first-year hikers, $5 for veteran hikers).

Hiking forms are available online at summitmetroparks.org, at the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (1828 Smith Rd., Akron), the park district's administrative offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron) and all Acme Fresh Market stores.

For more information, call 330-865-8065.

Freedom Trail Dedication

Officials from Metro Parks, Serving Summit County will dedicate the first 4.2 miles of the new multipurpose Freedom Trail today, May 1 at 11 a.m., at Lions Park, 245 Northeast Ave., Tallmadge.

The Freedom Trail is on land owned by METRO Regional Transit Authority and follows an unused railroad corridor. Phase I of the trail travels 4.2 miles from Middlebury Road in Kent to Tallmadge Circle. Trail access and parking is available at Lions Park and the park district's Middlebury Trailhead, 1765 Northeast Ave., Tallmadge.

Phase II trail construction will begin this year and continue west two miles to Eastwood Avenue in Akron. A planned Phase III in 2015 will bring the Freedom Trail's total distance to eight miles, and it will connect to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in downtown Akron.

2nd annual Mother's Day 5K

Run, jog or walk to celebrate Mom on her special day! The Mother's Day 5K, a fundraiser for the Metro Parks Foundation, is Sunday, May 12, 2013, at the Lake Area in Munroe Falls Metro Park. Start time is 8 a.m. The stroller-friendly course for this timed race travels twice around the scenic lake.

Advance registration has ended, but day-of registration will be available for $30 (cash or check only). The event is FREE for kids 14 and under but they must register.

Programs & Events

More than 50 FREE programs are available in May. Search for cerulean warblers, explore the history of coal mining at Silver Creek and enjoy an evening of Celtic music around a campfire. For details, download our monthly Programs & Events Guide.

Nature Realm Gift Shop: Visitor Appreciation Days

Find unique gifts for moms, dads and grads at the Nature Realm gift shop! Visitors will receive 15% off all merchandise during Visitor Appreciation Days, Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12.

In addition to the discount, the first 100 women visiting the shop Sunday, May 12 receive a free flower for Mother's Day.

The Nature Realm is located at 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. Please call for hours: 330-865-8065.

Featured Trail: Cherry Lane

Cherry Lane at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is an easy-to-travel 0.6-mile loop that connects to Fernwood Trail at a 110-foot-long suspension bridge, taking visitors across a 45-foot-deep ravine.