PARK n RIDE

                   One of my favorite things about living in Cleveland is the Cleveland Metroparks. The park system consists of 20,000 acres and winds around the city like an emerald necklace offering unlimited activities for nature lovers and miles of scenic driving. I walk my dog every morning before I go to work and there is always something new to see and provides some of the cities most beautiful scenery. The park is filled with wildlife that feeds off the river, lake and dense forest that surrounds it. Runners, walkers and bikers can follow the trails and there are even designated horse trails that you can ride through the woods and along the river. If golf is your game you can Tee off at one of the 8 golf courses found throughout the park offering some spectacular views. When the snow falls in Cleveland the fun doesn't stop in the Metroparks. You can go tobogganing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, sledding and snowshoeing. If you prefer to be in the water than on land you will not be disappointed. There are strong boating communities and marinas around the city with easy access to Lake Erie along with kayaking and paddle boarding giving people another option to enjoy the park system. You can also try the art of archery, or sign up for one of the many classes or unique nature hikes offered giving you a better insight into what is living in the park and how it survives. I also love watching everything in the park evolve with the changing seasons. The bare winter trees with frozen branches thaw into colorful breathing buds then overgrow into lush vegetation only to then turn into fallen pieces of reminders that another season has passed. I am blessed to have the Metroparks in my backyard and have this truly unique treasure of the city a part of my everyday life.

 http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Home.aspx