Goodyear Heights Metro Park

Goodyear Heights Metro Park is a 410-acre natural area located in Akron, Ohio. Established in 1930, the park was created on land donated by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and purchased from local resident Gilbert Waltz. It is part of the Summit Metro Parks system, which manages several parks in Summit County.

The park features diverse landscapes, including dense woodlands, open meadows, and a cattail marsh. Its sandy, acidic soils support unique plant species such as sassafras, sarsaparilla, and yellow birch trees. The park's Alder Pond and surrounding wetlands provide habitat for various wildlife, including waterfowl, turtles, and muskrats.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park offers several trails for visitors to explore. The Parcours Trail, a 1.8-mile loop, includes 20 exercise stations for those seeking a more active experience. The Alder Trail leads to a boardwalk through a cattail marsh, with a portion of the trail accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.

During World War II, the park was home to Victory Gardens along Newton Street. Today, it serves as a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and nature observation. The park also includes a lodge that can be rented for events, offering views of the surrounding natural areas.

Throughout the seasons, visitors can enjoy various activities in the park. In winter, sledding is a popular pastime, while spring brings a display of wildflowers, including white trillium and wild ginger in the floodplain woods.