“Where can I take my dog for a walk?”
Pets are allowed at the majority of our park locations. However, pets are not permitted at playgrounds, splash pads, gardens, or on beaches. Pets are also restricted from all indoor facilities, restrooms, and public programs/events (unless the program is dog-focused and previously noted). Restrictions are also in place at some outside park locations, see the list below.
Pets are not permitted at these outdoor locations:
Carlisle Reservation: Raptor Center
Century Park: Beach
Columbia Reservation: Briarwood Trail (from April 1 - June 30)
Lakeview Park: Beach and Rose Garden
Miller Nature Preserve: Outdoor Gardens and Butterfly House
Sandy Ridge Reservation: Wet Woods Trail and Marsh Loop Trail
Schoepfle Garden
Dogs must have current registration and rabies inoculation tags and be controlled at all times on a hand-held leash not more than six feet long. Owners must immediately clean up, remove, and dispose of (in a sanitary manner) any excrement left by their pet. Leaving pet waste bags along trails is considered littering and is a punishable offense.
“Am I allowed to go fishing in the Lorain County Metro Parks?”
Yes! Visitors are allowed to go fishing in our parks with some exceptions.
Park district ponds located at Caley Reservation, Carlisle Reservation: Duck Pond, and Indian Hollow: Royal Oaks are restricted to catch and release fishing only. All other ponds, rivers, creeks, and Lake Erie are open for catch and keep fishing within the limitations of regulations set forth by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Visit ohiodnr.gov for details. A complete list of parks and locations to fish is available to view by clicking the button below. An Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Waters may be closed to fishing as posted. Where fishing is permitted, it is subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio, except that the use of unattended hooks, traps, gigs, spears, or bows and arrows, fishing during hours the park is closed or in areas posted as such, is prohibited. Waters not controlled by state laws may be subject to special regulations. Ice fishing is prohibited on Park District waters.