Scioto Audubon is a 120-acre oasis in the downtown heart of a major city. It's a partnership effort between Metro Parks, the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Audubon Ohio. The park sits on the bank of the Scioto River on the Whittier peninsula in Columbus, already a magnet for shore birds and birds of prey. Metro Parks has created seven wetland cells in the park, approximately five acres in total, to enhance the wildlife habitat. Wetland birds such as wood ducks, blue-winged teal and sand pipers have been attracted to the park, along with egrets, northern pintail ducks, pied-billed grebe, American bittern, herons and osprey.
As well as birding, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and jogging. The park features the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the United States, available for experienced climbers to enjoy. The three towers and two arches of the main climbing wall reach a height of 35 feet, and extend over 6,100 square feet. Climbers must bring their own gear and equipment, including ropes, and must sign a liability waiver before using the wall for the first time. Climbers must be age 13 or older (age 13 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult). There is no age restriction for bouldering on the 10-foot boulders. A shade structure with seating is available nearby the climbing wall, as well as sand volleyball courts and Neos, an interative electronic game. The Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course features nine activity stations and a quarter-mile running track.There are two dog parks on a 2-acre site, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, each with an obstacle activity course.
Activities:
Fishing
Hiking/biking trail
Climbing wall
Sand volleyball
Neos - interactive electronic game
Dog Park - two acres
Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course
Hours:
Open 6:30am to 10pm April through September /
6:30am to 8pm October through March
