Prairie Oaks Metro Park

05/06/2026

Did you know what you wanted to be growing up? Was a park ranger on the list? Ranger Lacey & Ranger Brandon did a career day with Hilliard's Ridgewood Elementary School recently. Even if these students aren't prospective park rangers- they still got to have a great day learning about some of our local wildlife.

07/22/2025

06/30/2025

⚠️Road Closure Alert⚠️Beach Road/Lucas Road over Big Darby Creek will be closed for 90 days starting July 7, 2025, to repair the Big Darby Bridge. All entrances to the park will remain open.

Please follow the posted detours, or see the maps below with the detours highlighted in orange.

05/09/2025

The bridge over Big Darby Creek will be closed for a redecking project starting Monday, May 12, and lasting for about 2 weeks. Thanks in advance for your understanding!

08/02/2024

⚠️Dog Beach Notice⚠️The dog beach will be closed Tuesday, August 6th from 7am - 3:30pm for resurfacing. Thanks in advance for your understanding!

05/20/2022

Ranger Tip Thursday!
🆕 🚣 Know Before You Go 🌊 ‼️
We'll be doing a series of posts over the next couple weeks about paddling Big & Little Darby Creeks in an effort to not only help paddlers stay safe and informed, but also help protect its nationally renowned and protected ecosystem.

Third up: Metro Parks Public Canoe Access (Plus access at US Route 40) on Big Darby Creek.
There are 4 Metro Parks canoe access, 2 at Prairie Oaks Metro Park and 2 at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. We put US Route 40 on the map as well as it is a good middle point between Prairie Oaks and Battelle Darby Creek and public! If you noticed there is no "official" public access to Little Darby. Though, if you ask the locals there are a few put in spots around West Jefferson. Just make sure you're not trespassing or loitering. Check out ONDR's comprehensive Boater Access & Amenities tool in the comments 👇

🛶Prairie Oaks Metro Park Upper Darby Canoe Access - 4275 Amity Road Hilliard, OH 43026
🛶Prairie Oaks Metro Park Portage at Darby Bend Lakes - 2755 Amity Road Hilliard, OH 43026
🛶Underpass at US Route 40 24-36 Riverside Dr. Galloway, OH 43119 (39.947485, -83.236515)
⚠️Low-head Dam at Darby Dan Farms - You must portage!
🛶Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Canoe Access - 8465 Alkire Road Galloway, OH 43119
🛶Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Osprey Lake Area - 5800 Harrisburg-Georgesville Road Darbydale, OH 43123

Remember: the best water level to paddle Big Darby Creek
🚫Above 800 cfs - Danger! - Flooded Treacherous Conditions, No Launching from Canoe Access
⚠️800-400 cfs - Warning - High Water, Experienced Paddlers Only!
✅400-150 cfs - Optimal - Conditions are ideal for paddling.
🚫Below 150 - Low Water - Water is too low, NO LAUNCHING from Canoe Access many areas impassable, damage to habitat and wildlife likely.

For more information call the Rangers at 614-370-6254
Stay safe and happy paddling!

03/09/2022

Come work with us! We're hiring seasonal park techs and summer day camp counselors!

Grow into your new career with Metro Parks! Enjoy the outdoors working as a seasonal park technician 🌞 Hiring now, $15 per hour: https://bit.ly/2wS19U3

03/28/2021

Attention All Anglers !!!!! We need your help surveying the fish population in the park. By filling out the creel survey you will provide us with valuable data to measure the health and overall status of the population in our lakes and influence our fish stocking program. These surveys will be located in the bulletin boards at Darby Bend Lakes and Beaver Lake. After completing the survey please return them to the bulletin board or hand them to a Ranger!!!!

03/01/2021

01/20/2021

Give back while getting out! Metro Parks will be collecting donations for Mid-Ohio Food Collective during our January Winter Hikes. Stop by the Metro Parks table at the times below to drop off donations, get your Ticket to Travel booklet stamped, or pick up your Winter Hikes Patch. We'll be located at the shelter house near the restrooms in the Darby Bend Lakes Area!

Friday, 1/22, 3:30-5:30pm
Saturday, 1/23, 10am-12pm
Sunday, 1/24, 10am-12pm