Inniswood Metro Park

The Inniswood Metro Park, nestled in between neighborhoods on Dempsey Rd. in Westerville, is a nature preserve made up of 121 acres of sprawling green, woodlands, and stunning botanical gardens.  I frequent these gardens quite often as a source of relaxation and inspiration, as it acts as my getaway from the hustle and bustle of every day life; offering tranquil scenery with an array of wildlife. There are over 2,000 species of plants and a variety of ecosystems including pond habitats, woodland habitats, and herb/flower gardens that host a multitude of flora and fauna.

Although they ask that you do not picnic within the park, there are picnic tables setup outside, near the parking lot, that make for a good spot to enjoy a quick meal before meandering through the trails. Stroll through the many different trails or bring along a book or writing material to concentrate on while you kick back on one of the benches. Nature proves to be a wonderful muse for creative works of art! This is a prime spot for any photographer who has a fascination with flowers, insects, and other outdoor specimens.
 You can even become a volunteer: "Inniswood welcomes volunteers for The Junior Volunteer program, which provides youth a chance to experience many aspects of maintaining a botanical garden. For details, contact the senior environmental educator at 614.895.6241. Learn about our training program for new adult volunteers via Inniswood Volunteeers Inc (IVI), or call the volunteer coordinator at 614.895.6226." (metroparks.net). Become involved and learn some neat things about the environment and gardening!  
If you are looking for something to do that will entertain the kids, they have an interactive area including a treehouse to climb and fun bridges to cross along the way. All around, this is one of my favorite parks to visit in the area! 
Check out their events/programs: Upcoming Events

Trails throughout Inniswood