South Columbus is about to get a major new backyard playground. Great Southern Metro Park, the Metro Parks system's 21st park, opens on Wednesday, April 1 behind the Great Southern Shopping Center, bringing trails, an overlook deck and direct access to the Scioto River to a part of the city that has gone without a nearby metro park.
The site folds in a long obstacle course and a mix of family amenities, all aimed at giving south side neighborhoods closer, walkable access to green space that residents used to drive north to find.
Metro Parks Executive Director Tim Moloney said the location is a big deal for neighbors who have not had a metro park right around the corner. “Some of the things that we're most excited about is really getting a metro park in a neighborhood that doesn't have immediate access to a metro park,” Moloney told WOSU. Moloney added that park staff have already seen patrons eager to try out the obstacle course.
Grand opening celebration
According to Metro Parks, the public grand opening runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 1 and will feature a ribbon cutting, tram rides, carnival games, a hot-air balloon and obstacle-course races. The event listing notes that the park will be open year-round from 7:30 a.m. until dark and highlights family-friendly amenities for visitors of all ages.
Early access and site context
Columbus Underground reported that visitors have already been able to explore roughly 27 acres of trails and new amenities at the site ahead of the official opening, including restrooms, exercise stations and a raised overlook platform. The outlet also noted that Metro Parks purchased the park parcel in 2019 and that it sits between a working limestone quarry and the Great Southern shopping center. Columbus Underground outlined plans for future connections to Scioto Audubon via a proposed greenway trail.
Why it matters for the south side
Metro Parks officials say Great Southern moves the agency closer to fulfilling a levy promise to open three new parks and creates a fresh access point to the Scioto River corridor. The Metro Parks blog describes the 70-acre site as a balance of active features, including a 230-yard obstacle course, and quieter spaces such as habitats, playgrounds and picnic areas. Metro Parks highlighted partnerships with Columbus Recreation and Parks, AEP and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as key to making the project happen.
Expect a busy opening weekend as families, walkers and fitness fans check out the new trails, river views and that sprawling obstacle course. Neighbors looking for the latest details on programming and parking can keep an eye on Metro Parks' online event listings and the park blog.
