A shopping center, a golf course and a landfill were some of the proposed or former uses for the scenic natural landscapes and waterways that make up West Creek Reservation. Hear from Derek Schafer, Executive Director of West Creek Conservancy, on how Cleveland Metroparks 16th park reservation came to be and where it’s headed.

First established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks has been a pioneer in the parks and recreation field since its inception. Hear from lead park historian Judy MacKeigan on park founder William Stinchcomb, turbulent and exuberant times for the Park District over the past century and unique finds, anecdotes and artifacts she’s uncovered over the past 15 years.

Katie Spotz is an endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author, world-record holder and a native of Northeast Ohio. When she’s not out competing in Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country or rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, she’s probably training in Cleveland Metroparks. Hear how Katie is testing her limits in the Emerald Necklace and abroad to raise awareness for safe drinking water projects around the world.

Emmy Award winning Fox 8 reporter Kenny Crumpton has been a staple on Cleveland television for over 25 years – and an avid outdoor enthusiast for even longer. When he’s not on television, he can be found exploring Cleveland Metroparks through biking, golfing, rock climbing & more. Hear from Kenny Crumpton and CEO Brian Zimmerman on his eccentric experiences in Cleveland, his adventures in the parks and what drives his long-term success while learning a tip or two about getting the most out of the Emerald Necklace.

For over 15 years, brewmaster and co-founder of Fat Head’s Brewery, Matt Cole, has been brewing award-winning beers that helped establish Cleveland as a craft beer city. Today Fat Head’s is recognized as among the best brewers of contemporary American-style IPAs and traditional German beers. But beyond a commitment to exceptional craft beers, is a commitment to community philanthropy – led by Matt Cole. Hear more about the long partnership between Fat Heads and Cleveland Metroparks and why Cole feels crafting products with purpose is an important component to the brand’s success.

Hear from Jackson Wolf, Cleveland Metroparks Trails Construction Manager, on trail design and construction, his favorite recent projects across the Emerald Necklace, and new trails underway in this bonus episode on the Art of the Trail.

Cleveland Metroparks features over 125 miles of paved trails that connect communities but arguably the most scenic trails in the Emerald Necklace are the remaining 210 miles of “natural surface trails” that meander through, climb up and bridge over some of the most primitive areas of the Park District. Hear from Jim Rodstrom, Director of Construction, on the art of building sustainable trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking & even for use by the wildlife that live here.

Cleveland Metroparks is a point of pride for the region but it’s also a driver of the tourism economy, attracting visitors and generating $616 million annually in direct visitor spending. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland, on how we work collaboratively to attract people to the region and its resources for the benefit of all.

It’s been over a decade since Cleveland Metroparks established management of Cleveland’s lakefront parks and rededicated them for public benefit. Hear Board of Park Commissioner Dan T. Moore on the challenges and opportunities of activating Cleveland’s lakefront and how it has helped transform the region.