Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails Podcast

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with CrossCountry Mortgage Chief Brand Officer Laura Soave to explore the power of purpose-driven partnerships in shaping Northeast Ohio – from what drives community activations to a sneak peek of the transformative Primate Forest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Cleveland Metroparks serves as more than a place to exercise: it connects people, communities, and nature across Northeast Ohio. Go behind-the-scenes with Chief Operating Officer Joe Roszak as he explores how culture, innovation, partnerships and vision come together on a daily basis to drive Cleveland Metroparks forward.

Cleveland Metroparks is underway on some of the most transformative projects in its history. In this episode of Tales & Trails, Chief Planning and Design Officer Sean McDermott shares an inside look at projects that are reconnecting communities to nature, restoring historic landscapes, expanding access to Lake Erie and enhancing our Zoo.

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman goes behind-the-scenes with some of the partners behind the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center to explore how a bold public-private collaboration is transforming access to Lake Erie. Hear how leaders helped to break down barriers to create a vibrant new lakefront destination now open on Cleveland's lakefront.

Explore the extraordinary impact of nearly 7,000 annual volunteers across Cleveland Metroparks and the Zoo. From Trail and Zoo Ambassadors to watershed protection, hear inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how a culture of service continues to shape both the visitor experience and the future of Cleveland Metroparks in the latest episode of Tales & Trails.

Cleveland Metroparks offers some of the best public golf in the country. Hit the links with host Brian Zimmerman, Director of Golf Dave Donner and Senior Manager of Golf Clubhouse Operations Geoff Koller and hear the insider scoop on our nine courses and what's next for golf in the Emerald Necklace.

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO sits down with Jenn Grieser, Director of Natural Resources, to explore how her team conserves more than 25,000 acres across Northeast Ohio. From protecting forests and wetlands to pioneering innovations like floating wetlands and nature-based shoreline restoration, the Natural Resources Division works daily to ensure clean air, clean water and thriving wildlife.

Join Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman for a conversation with Chief of Police Kelly Stillman on the mission, history, and future of the Metroparks Police Department. With more than 100 state-certified officers safeguarding 25,000 acres and 43 million annual visitors, Chief Stillman shares insights into the department's work, challenges, and achievements. From major investigations to everyday safety, discover how his team keeps Cleveland's Emerald Necklace secure.

In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails, CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with longtime commissioner David Whitehead, who served from 1994 to 2011—one of the longest tenures in Cleveland Metroparks history. Together, they reflect on nearly two decades of transformative growth, including landmark park expansions, groundbreaking zoo habitats, and the enduring importance of conservation leadership.