Great Southern Metro Park opens on Columbus' South Side

The 70-acre park features trails, an obstacle course, river access, and more.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:03am

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The newest addition to the Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks system, the 70-acre Great Southern Metro Park, is set to open on April 1 on the city's South Side. The park will offer a variety of outdoor amenities, including multiple trails, an obstacle course, fitness course, river access, and a scenic overlook.

Why it matters

The opening of Great Southern Metro Park represents the Metro Parks' continued commitment to expanding green spaces and recreational opportunities for the Columbus community, particularly in the underserved South Side neighborhood.

The details

The Great Southern Metro Park is located at 125 Williams Road, between the Scioto River and the Great Southern Shopping Center. The park's grand opening celebration on April 1 will feature obstacle course races, free tram rides, and a hot air balloon offering aerial views of the new space. The park includes multiple trails, an obstacle course, fitness course, river access, and a scenic outlook overlooking the water.

  • The Great Southern Metro Park will officially open on April 1, 2026.
  • The grand opening celebration is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 1, 2026.

The players

Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks

The agency responsible for managing and operating the new Great Southern Metro Park, as well as other parks and green spaces in the Columbus region.

Tim Moloney

The Executive Director of the Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks, who expressed excitement about the new park and its role in connecting the community with nature.

Jill Snyder

A spokesperson for the Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks, who indicated the agency's hope to expand the Great Southern Metro Park with additional property in the future.

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What they’re saying

“Great Southern Metro Park represents our continued commitment to connecting people with nature and with each other. It also moves us closer to our levy goal of opening three new parks.”

— Tim Moloney, Executive Director, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks

“We're excited to welcome the community to this new space and provide opportunities for recreation, wellness and connection in south Columbus.”

— Tim Moloney, Executive Director, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks

What’s next

The Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks has applied for $3 million in state capital funding to continue upgrading the Great Southern Metro Park, with plans to develop wetlands, add playground facilities, and build picnic shelters.

The takeaway

The opening of the Great Southern Metro Park represents the Metro Parks' ongoing efforts to expand green spaces and recreational opportunities for the Columbus community, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. The new park's diverse amenities and focus on connecting people with nature and each other highlight the agency's commitment to promoting wellness, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.