Green spaces aren’t just beautiful, they are a necessity of life. We are designed for nature: soil, water, plants, and animals. We are not designed to be continuously surrounded by drywall, plastic, steel and brick. The good news is Central Ohio has some amazing places that go above and beyond when in comes to green spaces.
Earth Day and Arbor Day land close together on the calendar and it gets us thinking more about nature. It’s a great starting point for a lifelong journey of natural exploration. Walking in, and being surrounded by, green spaces is so therapeutic for our mind, body and soul. We should all be making such visits regularly and frequently for optimal mental and physical health.
Have you heard of the term forest bathing? No, it’s not about walking through the woods naked, although I’m sure that’s a thing as well. The forest bathing I’m referring to is much more modest and actually very discreet. I recently read a great article on the simplicity of forest bathing and I found it quite interesting. You can read it here.
Topiary Park (Columbus)
This is one of my favorite green spaces in all of Columbus for several reasons. Georges Seurat’s image from his Sunday in the Park painting has been recreated in a three-dimensional format using topiaries. Over the years, I have watched the plants grow into their caged forms to create what you now see. I love that they even created topiaries on the pond.
The park is an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic. Support one of the local restaurants by ordering take-out or pack an old fashioned picnic in an adorable picnic basket. A lightweight picnic blanket is great to lay on or drape over the picnic table. There is a paved walkway around the perimeter of this 6+ acre lot. Both metered and free parking are available depending on which side of the park you enter. Note that during school hours, parking is limited due to bus pick up.
Topiary Park 400 E. Town St. Columbus, Ohio
Dawes Arboretum (Newark)
The Dawes Arboretum is a true Ohio gem. Once a personal residence, this green space is now open to the public through general admission. Trees of all varieties can be found and enjoyed. There are nice walking paths that pass by cypress bogs, ponds, art sculptures, the original homestead, a natural playground and much, much more.
You can easily make an entire day out of your visit to Dawes. Bring a packed lunch, walking shoes and your sense of wonderment for a marvelous outing.
Dawes Arboretum 7770 Jacksontown Rd. Newark, Ohio 43056
Sycamore Park Arboretum (Pickerington)
Although the arboretum in Pickerington is not as developed as Dawes, it still has a lot to offer. Initially when you arrive at the park, you will see the skate park ramps, a playground, a ninja warrior training course, and a Free Little Library. After walking a short distance, you come to one of Fairfield County’s covered bridges. (Here’s a link to their entire Covered Bridge Trail) Once you walk through the bridge you’ll see the expansive grove of trees. There is a dirt walking path that takes you by most of the varieties and a few park benches.
The arboretum is an ideal place to throw a frisbee, jump rope, blow bubbles, enjoy a picnic and learn about trees. Have your kids bring crayons and paper and they can create a leaf and/or bark rubbing book. All of the trees have a plaque beside them for easy identification. Also, be on the lookout for fairy houses placed around the bridge and on the outskirts of the arboretum.
Sycamore Park Pickerington, OH 43147
Rising Park (Lancaster)
It’s hard to say enough good things about this gem. The history and significance of this location goes all the way back to the days when Native Americans freely roamed the area. Rising Park offers an excellent overview of Lancaster, including the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Walking up Mount Pleasant can be a bit strenuous for some and there aren’t guard rails at the top so use caution in both regards.
Along with hiking, geocaching, horseshoe pits, and a beautiful pond (fishing allowed for 14 and under) provide great entertainment. There is also a large playground and a newly installed arboretum which are publicly available for everyone’s enjoyment.
Rising Park 1120 N. High St. Lancaster, OH 43130
Alley Park (Lancaster)
Lancaster is fortunate enough to have another note worthy green space to mention. Alley Park is a natural beauty in and of itself with acres upon acres of trees and paths. On top of that, there is a pond to fish from, a nationally acclaimed disc golf course, and a fantastic nature lodge that offers an array of activities and information throughout the year. It is also home to another one of Fairfield County’s covered bridges and a historic log cabin.
Alley Park 2805 Old Logan Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130
A Kid Friendly Green Space Book
Going On A Tree Hunt: A Tree Identification Book for Young Children
Sometimes hikes go a little bit better if the kids have a ‘reason’ for the hike. Almost like a treasure hunt, Going on a Tree Hunt is a storybook as well as a tree guide. It’s written in an entertaining, lighthearted manner that gives fun ways of identifying and remembering trees and their seeds.
The book’s idea evolved from my son’s love of nature and my frustration of trying to find an easy to read book that gave us information yet didn’t overwhelm us. You can order the book through the link above or send me an email and I can mail a signed copy to your address. I hope you enjoy it!
I am always happy to schedule author visits. It’s so pleasurable to see kids excited about reading and nature. Sometimes they just need a little nudge.
Green Spaces are literally everywhere
I love Ohio’s green spaces and I’m sure you will too! The list is actually endless as this state boasts some pretty amazing Metro Parks, State Parks and State Nature Preserves. Each and every one is worth a day’s trip and I can almost guarantee your time spent in nature will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Looking for more outdoor itineraries? These articles may fit the bill perfectly.
