Having done another hike at Hinckley Reservation I realized I had not posted a review for one of…read morethe gems of the Cleveland Metroparks system. Hinckley offers as diverse a range of activities and some of the best view as any other park in the area. Most people know Hinckley from the annual Buzzard festival, the nice lake and the awesome ledges, but that is just scratching the surface. With the newly renovated dam and the lake refilled Hinckley Reservation is once again at its peak. I have often hiked at Hinckley, my most recent hike started at the Top of the Ledges picnic area, went down through the Ledges, along the North side of the Hinckley Lake Loop, on the Bridal Trails and then the Buckeye Trail back through the Ledges. If you are looking for some interesting hiking the Bridal Trails provide some nice variety from open fields, stream crossings, hills and narrow winding trails. Whipp's Ledges are some of the most impressive you will see; they provide multiple routes and views, plus there is actual rock climbing allowed. Less well known are Worden's Ledges on the other side of the park which while smaller still are lots of fun and they have some interesting carvings that are well worth visiting. The Lake provides the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. There is a nice boathouse where you can rent a boat at reasonable rate, and while not terribly challenging, the lake is picturesque and getting out on the water is always a great time. Although I have never taken advantage at the bottom of the dam there is a nice beach and swimming area. Hinckley Reservation is a wonderful asset and a great way to get outside and enjoy yourself. This is a large park with plenty to do and see. Never been disappointed with a visit here.

I love that this park is never boring. I start my visit at the park store. The employees are…read moreexceptionally nice, I think they love when people stop by and say hello. They had so many t-shirts and sweatshirts with the Cleveland Metro Park logos and scenery. I bought one months ago in pink with a squirrel on it. I also like their selection of plush toys, kids gifts, socks, etc. Please go in and have a cup of coffee and support the park. The trail is definitely an adventure as you walk around the park, and now IT's FULL OF WATER AGAIN!! As you walk look at the color of the trees, the trees that are barely hanging on, and the trees that became part of the waterscape! Beauty! As you get to the beach are and new dam you can appreciate all of the work put into getting this back and better than it was. So get your FITBIT, Apple Watch or any pedometer type technology and start steppin'. Say hello to my friends at the store. Let them know Cee Cee sent you! Lol

This is a decent park in Kent area. Was quite clean and had very nice views. There is a plethora of…read morethings for people to do with their significant others such as basketball, playground, etc and there are plenty of benches. I went here to socially distance meet a former colleague and this was a an excellent location to meet. Plenty of parking and there was a bathroom for use. Trains come by ever so often which is cool. All-in-all not a bad place.

Excellent park! Plenty of parking, lots of tables and seating. This is a great place to start your…read morewalk. There is a surprising amount of history in this area, and parts of the trail are on what used to be the Ohio Erie Canal. This park seems very well taken care of.

Whether your on foot, using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller this .41 of a mile paved path is…read moregreat for beginners. The trees gently hug this patch of Earth in a quiet, peaceful and soothing embrace that blocks out the suffocating businesses on 59 and homes surrounding the park. At first glance, you're greeted by a playground & gazebo but as you travel on you'll discover a shelter house (with grill included), volleyball court, workout station & a boardwalk that guides you through the swamp area. To the left of the wooden trail you'll find yourself in a nice neighborhood; the right loops you back to the beginning. The overall environment is very well kept & dog friendly ( as long as they're on a leash)too.

I LOVE the fact that this park is fully fenced in. Makes it feel safer. They also have a beautiful…read moreshelter, amazing play area for kids, and large soccer field. We held a birthday party for our daughter here and it was very easy and fun.

On my way to an unexpected dinner destination, the bright colors of a large play ground caught my…read moreattention. A fantastic place to bring young children, Phillps Park offers a 8 acre lot which includes a soccer field & pavilion with plenty of parking- a great place to have a party or reunion. Although I'm confused by the history of the park, it appears that there was once a very large structure at the back of the property; as there is a very muddy section with broken concrete & clay pipes...perhaps this used to be the tennis courts? This park is quiet and somewhat unknown as it sits on a side road. I found its hidden location to be peaceful & relaxing place to walk/play with the dogs. Although there are no paths, it is also a good place to exercise where you wont have to be worried about annoying bicyclists running you over or not having enough distance between you & other dog owners. Again, a good place for any occasion!

I would love to rate this park higher, as it's such a beautiful place, but the location pulls it…read moredown to a 3. Positives: it's gorgeous! Large soccer fields and open fields, a nice lake complete with a fishing dock, multiple areas with picnic tables and shade, two different kids play areas, benches and swings, a basketball court, and a hidden gem of a gazebo make this such a desirable park. Negatives: location! Its only entrance for vehicles is off of Silver Meadows BLVD, and this park is backed right up to the Silver Meadows apartments. There have been shootings in the past, there is definitely drug activity, and there have been robberies. It's not often, but it does happen. MY kids LOVE this park! We go there to feed the ducks and geese often. BUT this is a park that I do not bring my kids to unless I am concealed carrying.

First of all, the "unsavory" apartment complex is simply diverse and low income. Dog feces is not…read moreas common as one reviewer implies, there is even a container for people to share plastic grocery bags to help unprepared dog owners. Goose turds are another issue altogether. Starting in the spring, be prepared to prevent your dog from eating the turds, if your dog is so inclined. Al Lease is great. We have a walking trail with multiple pathways around a cute little pond. The landscape is well maintained with fresh mulch and mowing accomplished regularly. Along the edge of the manicured areas one can see different flora and fauna including bunnies and even find wild raspberries during the summer. Every spring the geese and goslings spend much time around the park. One can reserve the pavilions for around $20/day through the P&R website. During the appropriate seasons, there are athletics, soccer and baseball are most common. Fishing is a common activity seen when the temperatures are right. There are 2 small playgrounds, one is well designed for younger children and the other is more suited for school age children. As for down sides, the wooden structures like the pavilions, the gazebo, and the deck over the water could use some maintenance. Occasionally the mosquitoes get out of hand. Given that the park has a pond, and marshes, this is expected. The City of Kent usually controls this with mosquito spraying but during the height of mosquito season, bring repellent just in case the spraying hasn't been done yet.

I would love to rate this park higher, as it's such a beautiful place, but the location pulls it…read moredown to a 3. Positives: it's gorgeous! Large soccer fields and open fields, a nice lake complete with a fishing dock, multiple areas with picnic tables and shade, two different kids play areas, benches and swings, a basketball court, and a hidden gem of a gazebo make this such a desirable park. Negatives: location! Its only entrance for vehicles is off of Silver Meadows BLVD, and this park is backed right up to the Silver Meadows apartments. There have been shootings in the past, there is definitely drug activity, and there have been robberies. It's not often, but it does happen. MY kids LOVE this park! We go there to feed the ducks and geese often. BUT this is a park that I do not bring my kids to unless I am concealed carrying.

This used to be my go to park whenever I was in a hurry to walk my dogs before work, it offers a…read morequiet, hidden path that loops around a small lake. There are plenty of pavilions to enjoy a picnic at, a childrens playground, sporting fields & a large basketball court. Because it is tucked away inside of a newer housing development, you can't see it from the main road nor would you even know it was there; there are no signs... I stopped going here so often because one of my dogs is a pure bred American Pitbull rescue & I wasn't crazy about the Silver Meadows (it butts up to the park as well) trash harassing me to buy my dog every time I'd visit. Or sizing me up & making comments about taking my dog while they got drunk; anyways, I guess if you're a dog owner don't go by yourself. Your best bet is to take State Route 59 (a.k.a W. Main Street) to the Don Joseph Toyota, there is a side street in between the dealerships called Stonewater Drive. If you take that straight back you will see 2 gravel parking lots & Stonewater Skate Park....there is a gravel path that goes directly behind all the houses that will lead you to the hidden park. There might be better directions but since the park doesn't have an actual address I'm not sure how to explain a way to get there otherwise.

Went here for some fishing & birding. Lots of recreational activities and massive. Pretty…read moreaccessible for those with differing needs. Can rent peddle boats or kayaks from the main building. Multiple entrances and playgrounds.

Walkers: Perfect trail for trying to get into shape again. The trail is not too demanding, but is a…read morehearty walk, relatively flat and you can enjoy the beautiful lake scenery, especially the trees, flowers, and woods, as you walk. The trail is mainly concrete at the onset, so this can be a little harder on your feet. What I enjoy most, is watching happy dogs, walking the trail with their owners! People are very friendly here and will say hello. This park is connected to a beautiful town, where people are that friendly, so don't be alarmed! On a Sunday afternoon, you will find lots of runners passing you and bicycles too, so just be careful and stay to the right.

Cascades Park is not your typical neighborhood patch of Earth; yes it has a baseball diamond &…read moreshelter house, but if offers so much more. In very congested surroundings, this cute little park offers an educational experience as well as pleasurable. Here you will find tree plaques throughout the trail that inform you about the local species. There is also a number of exercise stations, generous playground, a small fraction of ledges hugging a tiny stream and an adorable butterfly garden! With two trails to choose from, you think it would be impossible to get lost. However, the old carved map is slightly misleading. Whichever trail you decide to explore you'll begin at the same starting point ;straight ahead you'll see a tiny wooden bridge- this path leads you wandering around...you cannot distinct between path & surroundings as nothing is marked. If you avoid this & veer to the right, one trail loops around the park while the other eventually takes you through a series of backyards & a golf course. Each trail is made up of twisting roots & tiny gravel so if you have a decent stroller (avoid the trail with a street name & take the loop only) you should be able to enjoy the park without any hiccups.

Literally the biggest playground slides I've ever seen. My 4 year old looooves this place, and…read morethere's also a small play area good for toddlers. We love the wooded walking trail, too.