Health & Fitness
METRO PARKS EVENT DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2013
In addition to 125 miles of trails for self-guided fun and dozens of monthly programs led by park naturalists, many special events will entice residents to enjoy the outdoors in 2013.
Fun awaits visitors to the Metro Parks this spring, summer and fall.
In addition to 125 miles of trails for self-guided fun and dozens of monthly programs led by park naturalists, the following special events – including a brand-new cycling spree – will entice residents to enjoy the outdoors:
Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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May 1 through June 30
Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
10th annual SPREE FOR ALL
Multiple locations
Hikers on foot and those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and canes enjoy flat, easy trails during this hiking series for people of all abilities. Complete at least five hikes (on five different trails, the same trail or any combination of trails) to receive hiking rewards. Hikes must be completed May 1 through June 30. Rewards are FREE to Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay to receive their hiking rewards ($10 for first-year hikers, $5 for veteran hikers). Hiking forms with the list of trails will be available starting April 15 at summitmetroparks.org, 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 in Summit County. For more information, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330-865-8065.
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Wednesdays, June 12, July 10 & August 7, 5 - 8 p.m.
MUSIC BY THE LAKE
Silver Creek Metro Park / Bathhouse
5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
Enjoy an evening of free lake swimming and live music from 6 to 7:30. Dessert provided by Acme Fresh Market. Cancelled if it rains. Call 330-865-8060 for status after 4 p.m. if wet weather is in the forecast.
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Tuesdays, June 18, July 16 & August 13, 5 - 8 p.m.
MUSIC BY THE LAKE
Munroe Falls Metro Park / Lake Area
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls
Enjoy an evening of free lake swimming and live music from 6:30 to 7:30. Dessert provided by Acme Fresh Market. Cancelled if it rains. Call 330-865-8060 for status after 4 p.m. if wet weather is in the forecast.
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Thursdays, June 20, July 18 & August 15, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
POPS ‘N MORE
Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Pavilion
40 Axline Ave., Akron
Enjoy an hour of live music, with dessert provided by Acme Fresh Market. Cancelled if it rains. Call 330-865-8060 for status after 4 p.m. if wet weather is in the forecast.
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July 1 through August 31
Inaugural SUMMER BIKING SPREE
Multiple locations
Cyclists of all ages will enjoy this first-time event and earn rewards in the process by riding at least five sections of the multipurpose trails managed by Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. They include the 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail, 22.4 miles of the Towpath Trail and the new 4.2-mile Freedom Trail in Tallmadge. Rewards are FREE to Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay $10 to receive their rewards. Spree forms with the list of trail sections will be available starting June 15 at summitmetroparks.org, 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 in Summit County. For more information, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330-865-8065.
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Saturday, August 31, Noon - 3 p.m.
FALL HIKING SPREE KICKOFF
Multiple locations
Get an early start on the 50th annual Fall Hiking Spree at five of the Metro Parks included in the first spree half a century ago. From noon to 3 p.m., a naturalist will be on hand and spree T-shirts will be for sale at Firestone Metro Park’s Tuscarawas Meadows Area (2620 Harrington Rd., Akron). From 1 to 3 p.m., Metro Parks mascots will be at the following four locations: Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park (5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula); Gorge Metro Park (1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls); Goodyear Heights Metro Park / Pioneer Area (550 Frazier Ave., Akron); Sand Run Metro Park / Wadsworth Area (1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron). All other Fall Hiking Spree hikes must be completed 9/1 through 11/30. For more information, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330-865-8065.
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September 1 through November 30
50th annual FALL HIKING SPREE
Multiple locations
Summit County's fall foliage is on display during the Fall Hiking Spree. Hike at least eight designated trails to receive hiking rewards. Hikes must be completed September 1 through November 30. Rewards are FREE to Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay to receive their hiking rewards ($10 for first-year hikers, $5 for veteran hikers). Hiking forms with the list of trails will be available starting August 15 at summitmetroparks.org, 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 in Summit County. For more information, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330-865-8065.
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Saturday, October 5, 6 - 9 p.m.
FALL FAMILY OUTING
Goodyear Heights Metro Park / Main Entrance
2077 Newton St., Akron
Fall into autumn fun with free hayrides, bonfires, naturalist activities, live music, apple cider, cookies and more. A wheelchair-accessible hay wagon is available. Support provided by Acme Fresh Market. For information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.
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Saturday, October 12, 6 - 9 p.m.
FALL FAMILY OUTING
Silver Creek Metro Park / Bathhouse
5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
Fall into autumn fun with free hayrides, bonfires, naturalist activities, live music, apple cider, cookies and more. A wheelchair-accessible hay wagon is available. Support provided by Acme Fresh Market. For information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.