Welcome to MetroParks of Butler County!

 

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MetroParks.... SAVING GREEN SPACES, WILDLIFE, CLEAN AIR AND WATER FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!

For the Press Release regarding MetroParks' need for Reliable funding and the Park Levy Fact Sheet, please click on Press Releases on the left tool bar.

Please visit www.peopleforourparks.org or
email to: campaign@peopleforourparks.org
!

NOTICE:  THE PIONEER GROUP HAS CANCELED THE ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12TH (NATURE DAYS) AND OCTOBER 2-3 (PIONEER DAYS) DUE TO CONFLICTS WITH OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS ALREADY SCHEDULED. THEY APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE!

See you on Sept 4th and 5th at "THIS OLD FARM DAYS"... look under events to the right and click on link for more details! Hope to see you there-fun for the whole family!

 NOTICE TO VISITORS:  Due to staff reductions, the Administrative Office of MetroParks of Butler County has new office hours.  The office will now be open to the public and accepting phone calls Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm only.  For your convenience, you can purchase annual motor vehicle permits and reserve picnic shelters and some overnight facilities on-line.  

 

Save the dates next year for the
 2011 Crazy Cardboard Regatta!
Friday, July 22nd and Saturday, July 23rd, 2011!

 

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                The 2010 Crazy Cardboard Regatta
With crowds estimated at over 5,000 over the 2-day event and 24 boats participating, the Crazy Cardboard Regatta was a resounding success! "This shows what can happen when a call goes out to the community and the community answers!" said MetroParks of Butler County Marketing Coordinator, Susan Stretch. The inaugural event kicked off Friday evening at 5:00 pm and featured live bands (Jump 'n Jive Show Band and Stormy Weather) and food vendors serving up delicious treats from burgers and crepes to pizza and ice cream! "Thank heavens the only 'stormy weather' was on stage this weekend!' Stretch said. The event resumed on Saturday at 11am with opening ceremonies at noon featuring local Claire Meunchen singing the National Anthem and then the races began. Local sponsors also added to the great success of the event. Proceeds will go towards the Voice of America Park playground fund held at the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.

The challenge to build a boat from cardboard and paddle it 200 yards on the lake course was met by most of the boats; only a few sank right away, but most were able to carry 2-6 passengers the entire length to the finish and the cheers of the crowds. After the last boat as pulled or carried from the water, the final results for speed were in:

1st place Youth Division, Class I: Ship Shape Ape with Nick Kanaly, Jake Schwarz and Luke Schwarz aboard
2nd place Youth Division, Class I: Floatilla the Bun with Andrew Kanaly and Austin Leiber aboard

1st place Open Division, Class I: Elemonator with Sam Richmond
2nd place Open Division, Class I: The Gator with Kyle Jones
3rd place Open Division, Class I: Still Crazy with Ed Lemon

Other awards given were:
Most Creative: Catamarran with Tom Post and Briana Post
Best Team Spirit: Boats and Hose by the West Chester firefighters
Best Overall Design: Dragon's Pride by Jacob Baumgarte & Janet Bockey
Judge's Pick: Ship Shape Ape by Nick Kanaly, Jack Schwarz & Luke Schwarz
Best Sinking (aka Titanic Award): The Georgia Pacific boat "The Yellow Submarine"

On Friday evening, people attending the event were able to vote on their favorite boat and the boat with the most votes was:
Dragon's Pride by Jacob Baumgarte and Janet Bockey

"This was just the first year and it was really incredible what the participants were able to create. Judging from the laughter and smiles, everyone was a winner at this event including the spectators!" Stretch said.  "With a lot of people already planning on what they are going to do next year, how could we not do it again?"

For information on next year's event, including the date and building guidelines/rules, please check back to the website at a later date.  The committee will be reviewing the 1st annual event and making plans so that next year will be even bigger and better! Start making plans and get a group together for your boat today!

Check out this great video of the Crazy Cardboard Regatta thanks to Dean Miuccio Productions!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLkjA0wBV48

The Crazy Cardboard Regatta would like to recognize and thank these fine businesses and organizations for their partnership/sponsorship... if you would like to be a part of this great event next  year, please send an email to stretchs@butlercountyohio.org:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Staybridge.jpg  Staybridge is where to stay for the event! Call 513-874-1900 to make your
reservations today!

 

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SMART MOW: Have you noticed some park areas that are not being mowed any more? With a 20% reduction in the 2010 operating budget, MetroParks has chosen to designate some areas as "Smart Mow".  While this approach may reduce the amount of park space available to visitors and appear "unkempt", it will save the park system $40,000 for 2010. We ask for patience and understanding while measures are taken to reduce expenses that allow some other park areas to remain open.  

 

 

 

 

  Sign of the times.... 

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**Look for the new additions to MetroParks' signs throughout the county!  Thanks to donated funds, guests will be able to identify MetroParks and find them more easily now. 

And we are grateful for the wonderful volunteers from Bayer Becker who helped install the new signs as part of Earth Day!  THANK YOU TO METROPARKS' FRIENDS AT BAYER BECKER!!
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“MetroParks are naturally appealing!”
 MetroParks of Butler County was established in 1955 in accordance with state law for the purpose of preserving and restoring areas of outstanding natural significance within the county.  MetroParks currently manages over 3,000 acres of land in over 20 parks throughout the county.  MetroParks offers active recreational opportunities such as hiking, walking and jogging, fishing, boating, camping in a wide variety of beautiful and convenient settings.  There are also opportunities for more passive recreation such as visiting interesting historical sites and natural areas recognized as important to wildlife.      

  **Note:  MetroParks of Butler County is not supported by any local dedicated taxes, so a motor vehicle permit is required to bring a motor vehicle into the parks.  The fee ranges from $5 for a daily pass and $10 for the 2010 calendar year.  This minimal annual fee helps to keep the parks safe and clean so please remember to purchase one before you visit a park.  Permits are available to purchase online, at the MetroParks' administrative headquarters, staff at entrance booths or any Ranger.

And don't forget to give the gift of parks for a full year.... permits make GREAT gifts... it's even the perfect gift for that person who "has everything"!

ATTENTION VISITORS:Due to funding issues the following park areas are closed for daily use until further notice:

Woodsdale Regional ParkAntenen Nature PreserveUpper Indian Creek Preserve -Springfield Road entrance and upper area trailsGilmore Ponds Interpretive Preserve(The river access area located off Liberty-Fairfield Road is also closed indefinitely due to re-routing of roadway and bridge.)

If your club or organization would like to discuss the Adopt-A-Park program, please contact the MetroParks Administrative Office at 513-867-5835 or e-mail to metroparks@butlercountyohio.org.  Adopt-A-Park information can be found on the "Bookshelf" section of this website (see link at left).  Those present in closed park areas without authorization may be subject to citations and fines.

   j0433098.jpgMETROPARKS OF BUTLER COUNTY IS NOW TAKING ON-LINE RESERVATIONS!

TO RESERVE PICNIC SHELTERS OR PUBLIC-USE GROUP CAMPSITES SELECT THE "ON-LINE" RESERVATIONS BOX AT THE LEFT OF YOUR SCREEN. (Visitors must be 18 years of age or older to reserve a picnic shelter or campsite)

  

 

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Come to the parks and enjoy great views, outdoor facilities,

playgrounds, family fun, nature and more...

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of MetroParks of Butler County is to provide a superior park system that maximizes the community's quality of life through conservation, education, and recreation. 

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For your convenience, MetroParks of Butler County now accepts Mastercard and Visa payments at select locations.

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