COLUMBUS, Ohio — The first phase of the new Quarry Trails Metro Park is expected to open this fall.
Construction began on the 180-acre park in 2018 and the plan is to have 64 acres of the "destination park for recreation, fun and adventure" open by fall 2021, according to Peg Hanley, a spokeswoman with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.
Located along the west bank of the Scioto River near the intersection of Dublin and Trabue roads, the park sits on the site of a former limestone quarry, officials said.
The Quarry Trails will feature standards such as trails and observation areas as well as a variety of lakes for watersports including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing.
Other features include a 25-foot waterfall that the public can access using a limestone sculpted stairway and a single-track mountain bike trail with challenging downhill runs that include jumps, ramps and other obstacles.
"Quarry Trails is more than a Metro Park. It will be a regional attraction and destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Quarry Trails Metro Park is a tangible reflection that parks dramatically and positively impact the quality of life, health and well-being of the residents of Central Ohio," Hanley said.
The second and third phases of the park will be completed in a few years, officials said.
The price tag to acquire the 180-acre property was $7.9 million, Hanley said. Hanley added that capital improvements totaled $6.5 million.
"We received $4,577,000 in grants and the rest was paid with using Metro Parks levy funds that are approved every 10 years by the voters of Franklin County," Hanley said.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks officials say people who visit the park can paddle on the lakes, bird watch or simply enjoy a day of fishing.
For more information about the new Quarry Trails, click here.