At Scioto Audubon, the newest Metro Park, a 71-acre oasis in the heart of downtown. 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 preys. 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, jogging and scale one of the largest outdoor climbing walls in the United States available. 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. A shade structure with seating is available nearby the climbing wall, as well as sand volleyball courts and Neos, an interative electronic game.

For more information about the newest Metro Park, Scioto Audubon, click here.