MEDIA CONTACT



Jill Snyder

Visitor Engagement Manager

614-403-4480

snyder@metroparks.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2023

Rebuilt fire tower set to open to visitors at Scioto Grove Metro Park with views of downtown Columbus.

GROVE CITY, August 10, 2023 - Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks (Metro Parks) is excited to announce the opening of the fire tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City, Ohio. A grand opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 15 at 10:00am. Members of the public are encouraged to join us to climb to the top of the tower to view the city and surrounding parklands as well as enjoy refreshments and hear remarks from Tim Moloney, Metro Parks Executive Director. 

The fire tower was known as the Keystone Fire Lookout from Jackson, Ohio. The decommissioned fire tower was donated by an anonymous private landowner, and Metro Parks contracted with Jagger Construction to dismantle and relocate the fire tower from Jackson to Scioto Grove Metro Park. The top of the tower was rebuilt to allow visitors to climb nearly 100 feet up and safely take in the views of Grove City and downtown Columbus. Metro Parks staff refurbished it with new stair tread, windows and more. The tower will be open for the public during daylight hours starting August 15, 2023.

Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620-acre park along the Scioto River, featuring over seven miles of trails, playgrounds, a 3D archery course, several overlook decks and more. The park is a great destination for paddlers, anglers and people wanting to see waterfowl and other wildlife.

The grand opening ceremony will occur across from the drone field at Scioto Grove Metro Park, located at 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, Ohio 43123.

Note to Media: Image photo credit to Dan Kaderly. Please contact snyder@metroparks.net for additional images.

For any media or interview requests of any Metro Parks team members, board members or volunteers, please contact Jill Snyder directly at snyder@metroparks.net or 614-403-4480.

Founded in 1945, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks (Metro Parks) is a public agency serving the citizens of central Ohio by providing a regional park district with a mission to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature.

With more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,500 acres of land in seven central Ohio counties, Metro Parks features 20 outstanding parks that host a variety of free educational programs, and allow guests of all ages to enjoy nature, wildlife, outdoor adventure events, and the opportunity to reserve beautiful outdoor venues for their special occasions.

The primary source of funding for Metro Parks is the 10-year, 0.95-mill levy approved by Franklin County voters every ten years, which provides a sound financial base for operating and improving existing parks as well as acquiring additional land for future preservation.

To learn more about Metro Parks, visit metroparks.net.

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