Welcome New Rangers

Rangers being  sworn in by Director Tim Moloney

Last night at the Board of Park Commissioners meeting, held at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, three new Rangers were sworn in and received their commission.  These Rangers spent the last 6 months or so attending the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, where they successfully completed the requirements of the academy and are now certified peace officers.  The commission they received through being sworn in gives them the authority to enforce state laws as well as the rules and regulations of the park district.

Rangers with the Board of Park Commissioners 

Greg Lashutka,  Jeff McNealy and Jim McGregor

Rangers will now be assigned to patrol their respective parks, Highbanks, Blacklick Woods and Blendon Woods Metro Parks. If you see them in the park, say hello and congratulations!

Rangers Wear Many Hats

In the late afternoon, early evening of Friday, September 4, 2015 a thunderstorm with high winds rolled through Sharon Woods Metro Park causing several trees to fall across the trails.  Typically, our outstanding maintenance staff would take care of such issues, but they had gone home for the evening.  Since maintenance staff were not scheduled until the afternoon the following day, a Ranger trained in the use of a chainsaw, took care of the issue in the morning.  This cleared the trail early in the day for our visitors, without having to call in maintenance on their time off, and without incurring any extra cost to the tax payer.  Just one of the many hats a Ranger may wear during the day.  It is one of the things that makes a Ranger a Ranger.  We don't just patrol the park and deal with law enforcement issues, we take CARE of the park.

Assisting Local Agency

On Friday August 21, 2015 Rangers at Sharon Woods Metro Park were contacted by officers from Westerville Police Department (WPD) regarding an incident in their jurisdiction adjacent to the park. WPD was informed a young woman, who was put on a medical hold for threatening suicide, ran from the doctors office.  Officers requested Rangers search the park for the individual.  Immediately, park maintenance staff notified Park Rangers and WPD they had seen the individual walk into the park.

A Ranger quickly located the individual on the multi-use trail and directed WPD to the location. WPD took the individual into custody and transported her off the trail.  Later, after a conversation with the individual's doctor, it was determined the individual was not on a medical hold, as initially reported, and she was immediately released.  WPD Officers offered her help to get medical assistance for her mental health issue, which she accepted.  Officers then transported her to a local area hospital for medical assistance.

An excellent example of how Rangers assist other local agencies.  Great work Rangers and WPD Officers.

A New Park To Patrol

On Friday August 14, 2015 Columbus and Franklin County opened its newest park, Rocky Fork Metro Park.  While only one section of this approximately 1000 acre park is open, it provides approximately 3 miles of trail 2 of which are available for you to walk your dog.  There is even a .3 mile trail designated as an off leash trail.  The paved multipurpose trail is bike, skateboard, leashed pet friendly, There are two shelters, one large and one small, as well as several grills and picnic tables scattered throughout the park.  Of course, a playground for the young ones.  The dog park, complete with large and small dog areas and splash pad will not be open until spring of 2016.  While it appears to be completed, fencing is not quite done and the grass needs more time to establish a strong root system in order to prevent problems in the future.

Here is an interview from the Columbus Dispatch with Park Manger D. Bissonette.   And another from 10TV with Metro Parks Director Tim Moloney.  Naturalist Andrea Krava does a nice job of giving a nice overview of the park with New Albany News

Never Off Duty

Two Metro Park Rangers on vacation out of state witnessed a one car vehicle accident as they were traveling on a county road.  They watched as a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, about 100 yards in front of them,  drive into the oncoming lane then turn sharply back into the proper lane, only to continue off the roadway and disappear into the woods.

Upon arriving on the scene they realized the car had disappeared because it had driven down a 10 foot embankment and was now at rest in a small creek.  One Ranger got on the phone to 911 while running to the next house to get an address.  The second Ranger went to check on the driver, an elderly woman who was conscious, coherent and uninjured. The Jeep was up to the bottom of the doors in water and was not going to be able to be driven out.  The Ranger kept the victim calm while waiting for the rescue crew.  Once the county Sheriff Deputy arrived on scene, the Ranger and the Deputy assisted the victim through her sunroof, down the windshield and hood, on to dry land.

The victim said that she was trying to shoo a bee out her window and went into the oncoming lane, then over corrected.  She managed to come out of the accident without a scratch.   Rangers stated they weren't sure how long she would have been there if they had not witnessed the accident.  Her vehicle was 10 feet lower than the road and obscured from view by dense vegetation, making it unlikely for her to have been seen by passing motorists. The victim was thankful the Rangers were behind her and stopped to help, giving them big hugs when she made it to dry land.

Turns out, the victim is good friends with family with whom the Rangers were visiting. It can be a small world when you are never "off duty".

Yet Another Water Rescue

It is beginning to sound like a broken record.  Rangers at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park assisted with another water rescue, this time on the Little Darby Creek.  This is the 7th water rescue on the Big Darby and Little Darby Creeks in 6 weeks.

It appears an experienced paddler got caught in flash flood after two days of rainstorm and capsized her kayak.  Fire rescue located the woman clinging to a tree in the creek, while holding her dog.  In order to be rescued, she had to let go of the dog.  But not to worry, Rangers were able to rescue the dog downstream and reunite the doge with the owner.  Click here for the 10tv video of the story.

This coming just days after an elderly couple was stranded on an island in the Big Darby with a capsized and sunk canoe.  Unable to get the submerged canoe, rescuers had to be called for assistance.

Distracted Driver??

This angers me.  Quite a lot.  How much of a hurry do you need to be in while you are driving in the park?  So much so that you don't see the Eastern Box Turtle crossing the road?  This critter didn't dart out in front of you.  It was the middle of the afternoon on a sunny day.  Were you driving too fast?   Were you talking on the phone?  Were you texting?  Or did you swerve to hit it on purpose... because I have seen that happen too.

Did you know the Eastern box turtle is a species of concern in Ohio?   Did you know that box turtles do not begin to reproduce until they are 7 to 10 years old?  Did you know that box turtles only lay 3 to 5 eggs a year once they begin to reproduce?  Did you know that they can live to be on average 30 years old?

Please pay attention while driving in your Metro Parks.  Obey all traffic control devices and speed limits.  It is for the safety of our visitors and our wildlife, like this little Eastern Box Turtle that didn't make it across the road.

Another River Rescue

The Big Darby Creek can be very dangerous.

Rangers at Battelle Darby Creek once again assisted the local fire department and other agencies in their efforts to rescue two canoeists who capsized in the Big Darby Creek last night.  One individual was able to immediately get to shore, while the other was found downstream a half hour later.

Please wear your life vest or personal flotation devices.
Do not mix alcohol and paddling.
Let family friends know your plan (put in and take out points) and how long you expect to be on the creek.

Please be mindful of the dangers of rivers during high water levels.

If An Elephant Can...

Saturday 7/18/20 was a busy day at Sharon Woods Metro Park, almost as busy as July Fourth. While on patrol, I noticed a large amount of litter on the playground in our Maple Grove picnic area while numerous children used the play equipment.  Litter is a pet peeve of mine.  There really isn't a reason for it at Sharon Woods (or any Metro Park) as there are a bazillion trash cans scattered throughout the picnic areas.  A small amount of litter really makes the area appear unkept.  Besides, who wants their children playing in a playground covered in litter.

Now I understand it was probably a lot of these young kids who littered in the first place.  They are young, and don't know any better.  And adults tend to think, well, that's not the area we are picnicking in, so it must be from some other group.  Since there are no elephants in Sharon Woods to take care of the problem we end up picking up the litter.

I grabbed my bucket and my grabbers and started to pick up the litter in the playground.  A little boy approached and asked, "Whatcha doin?"
"Picking up this trash," I replied.
"Why you doin that?"
"Because it belongs in a trash can, not on the ground.  Don't want you kids to have to play on a playground covered in trash."
"Oh.  Ok.  I'll help."

The next thing I know, I have 5 kids following me around helping to pick up the litter on the playground.  Some of their parents were annoyed, probably thinking I was punishing the kids by telling them to pick up the trash.  Other parents thought it was cute.  Me, I have to say it was pretty cool.  They didn't care they were picking up trash, something most adults seemingly think is beneath them.  Nope.  Just started helping.  And were proud to do it.  When we were done, I made sure all of our little volunteers got a sticker for their assistance.

Stay On The Roadway

It seems it has rained at least 180 of the last 30 days.  Rivers have risen.  The ground is saturated.  The turf is a floating raft on mud.  Floating rafts of turf on mud do not serve well as roads.  

Yesterday at Sharon Woods Metro Park, an individual missed the turn to the parking lot of the area where his group was picnicking.  Instead of driving the quarter mile to the next parking lot, he decided to turn around in the lawn.  You can imagine the results were not favorable.  In fact, he got quite stuck, quite quickly.  This actually happens on a semi regular basis, though, I don't know why.  I mean, the turf is not a roadway.  That is where children play and people picnic.  Which is why we keep vehicles off the turf and on the roadway...  well... and to avoid getting stuck and damaging the turf.  

Even if it were dry, it is not ok to drive on the turf.  In fact, I don't use this word very often... but I think it is safe to say... NEVER drive on the turf at a Metro Park unless directed by a staff member to do so.

And for the record, we can not pull you out when you get stuck.  You are going to have to call a tow truck for that.

July 4th Weeekend

July 4th weekend has come and gone.  It was a perfect day for being in the park, as attendance numbers showed.  Sharon Woods had 5,150 people come through the park on Independence day (over 1,300 more than the year before) and 10,959 people came through for the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).  5,150 people is a pretty high number for a one day total at Sharon Woods. So high, in fact, that we ran out of parking and had to close the park for about a hour and half.  Rangers up at the front entrance take the brunt of the public's frustration when they can't get into the park.  Unfortunately, Rangers do not have time to explain all the reasons why the park is closed.  Traffic on Cleveland Ave travels at 45 mph and can be heavy in volume.  Rangers need to keep traffic moving in order to not cause safety risks.  Rest assured, they do not want to close the park anymore than the public wants it to be closed.

Other parks in the district also showed high attendance.  Battelle Darby Creek led the way with 6,158 people on July 4th and 13,694 people for the whole weekend.  As a whole the park district had 40,292 people on July 4th and 117,902 for the entire weekend.

With all of these people in the parks over the holiday weekend, there were really no major incidents, and the minor incidents were mostly parking infractions, possession of alcohol, and fireworks.  Thanks to all the Rangers for helping to maintain the safety in the parks during the increased visitation.  Thanks to the rest of the park staff for getting the parks in tip top shape before the weekend, and getting them back into shape after the weekend.  And thanks to you, the visitor for coming out to enjoy the Holiday at your Metro Parks.

Red, White and BOOM at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

July 3, 2015 Columbus celebrates Independence day with it's Red, White and Boom fireworks display.  Many people have discovered Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a good location to watch the fireworks, bringing anywhere from 12,000 to 17,000 visitors to the 120 acre park.

Metro Park Rangers where out in large numbers to help facilitate traffic, parking and a safe environment.  Franklin County Sheriff Deputies where also out patrolling the park, including their bike squad and mounted units.  Overall the night went very well with very few incidents.  Several separated children were quickly reunited with their parents.  A few verbal disputes were peacefully resolved.  A small amount of alcohol and marijuana was confiscated.  One individual was asked to leave the park for conducting business on park property without a permit to do so, and one individual was arrested on outstanding warrants from another agency.

Thank you to all of the visitors who came out to enjoy the fireworks and celebrate Indendence Day in a safe and family oriented manner.

Metro Parks Rangers Assist in Arrest of Vehicle Break-in Suspect

While on Patrol of Scioto Audubon Metro Park during Red, White and Boom operations yesterday afternoon, observant Metro Parks Rangers identified a suspect in numerous vehicle break-ins throughout the Park District who was at Red, White and Boom recreating with his family.  Rangers were notified during shift change meeting and one Ranger close to the theft cases remembered the suspect had warrants for his arrest from other agencies for theft from vehicle and receiving stolen property.  Rangers verified the warrant was still active and contacted Columbus Police for assistance.  Columbus Police were very interested in assisting, as the individual is the suspect in many of the theft from vehicle cases in their jurisdiction.  Rangers were able to point the suspect out of the crowd for CPD who took him into custody without incident.

Perhaps you shouldn't recreate in the parks you steal from... Good job Rangers!

High Water Danger

With all of the rain Central Ohio has received in the last several days, the area rivers have swollen and some have reached out over their banks.  These rivers with high waters and fast flows attract the interest of kayakers and canoers.  However, these rivers are often underestimated and paddlers put themselves into dangerous situations.

Yesterday, a group of four kayakers put in the Alum Creek at the upper canoe access in Three Creeks Metro Parks.  Two of the four kayakers swamped there boats, one of which was separated from his group and out on his own.  He was able to hold onto a submerged log to keep his head above water and eventually fight his way through the swift current to shore.  His companions called 911 when he did not reach the take out point.  This initiated  a response from Rangers, CPD, CFD swift water rescue and CFD dive team, as well as the CPD helicopter.  Eventually the submerged kayak was found several miles downstream and rescuers feared the worst.  Happily, the man was found by patrolmen walking on the trail.

Last week, another swift water rescue was conducted on the rain swollen Big Darby Creek near Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.  A group of 9 kayakers need to be rescued from the creek when one of them tipped over and was clinging to a tree in swift water.   That woman was pulled from under the water in a log jam by fellow paddlers.  CPR was conducted until the fire department swift water rescue team arrived.  While this rescue did not occur in Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Rangers coordinated with, and assisted, the fire department in accessing the creek to begin rescue operations.

The Big Darby Creek, and any river for that matter, can be very dangerous during high water and swift flow rates.  Inexperienced paddlers should not attempt the trip during these types of conditions.

The Gardens are Wild

When people think of Inniswood Metro Gardens, flowers immediately come to mind. And flowers should.  Afterall, Innsiwood is a Metro Garden not a Metro Park,  Out of the total of 121 acres, about 40 of that is cultivated garden and mowed lawn.  And the gardens are spectacular.  A visit to Inniswood will not disappoint.  Actually, multiple visits to Innsiwood will not disappoint, as the gardens change a minimum of three times a year.  Tulips and daffodils in the Spring, seasonal displays in the Summer and mums in the Fall.  But you don't have to wait for the seasons to change, the gardens change constantly, new plants blooming as others begin to fade away, about every two weeks.

I spent 6.5 years working at Inniswood, and one thing that always amazes me is the amount of wildlife that can be seen at Inniswood, and how close you can get to it.  There were breeding pair of Cooper's hawks, red shoulder hawks, pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, and humming birds, tree swallows and bluebirds, all within decent camera range.  We have seen foxes, coyotes, muskrat, and mink.  Snapping turtles and painted turtles, spring peepers, american toads and tree frogs.  Don't forget the snakes; northern water snakes and  black rat snakes are common.  Do you like butterflies and insects?  They like Inniswood too.  We Rangers are pretty lucky to see such cool things while we are at work.

Northern Water Snake in the Sisters'
Garden Wetland

Visitors looking at a barred owl
in the Rock Garden

 

Brown legged grass carrying wasp
in the Cutting Garden

                               

Mink carrying a cotton tail rabbit near
the Circle Garden

                   

Vehicle Break-ins at Prairie Oaks Metro Park

Today there were two vehicles broken into at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.  While theft from vehicle is our most frequent law enforcement issue, it is not a problem isolated to Metro Parks.  In fact parks, gyms, and rec centers all across Central Ohio are having issues with theft from vehicles.  These places are targeted by thieves because people don't like to take their belongings on the trails, or into the gym, or to the pool, and leave them in their cars.  To help combat these thieves, please do not leave belongings in your vehicle.  This includes not only purses, briefcases and electronics, but ANY bag or item that looks like it could hold an item of value. Thieves have smashed windows to gain access to diaper bags and grocery tote bags, thinking they may hold items of value.  In some instances, change in the cup holder was the only item taken, or available to take for that matter.  Victims are left paying the deductible for a smashed window, which was broken out for $3.00 in change.  Click here for an information regarding keeping you and your valuables safe at your Metro Parks.

Defensive Driving

Metro Parks Ranger and Maintenance staff, did a little defensive driving training with the Summer Camp Counselors.  These Counselors will be driving passenger vans during Summer Camp operations, many of whom have never driven such big vehicles.  We put them through a maneuverability course to teach them proper mirror adjustment and usage, as well as to increase their spatial awareness of the vehicle.  The "Serpentine on a Curve" required them to weave in and out of the cones, forwards and backwards.  We are pleased to announce no cones were injured during the exercise.