Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest Reservation In The Cleveland Metroparks Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 14, 2022
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Nikki Rhoades
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
All in all, the magnificent Cleveland Metroparks preserves more than 24,000 acres of greenspace for the public to enjoy. This magnificent landscape encompasses massive reservations like Rocky River Reservation and North Chagrin Reservation, both of which stretch across more than 2,100 acres. While these behemoths are fan-favorite hiking spots, the Cleveland Metroparks also has a few tiny reservations that belong on your radar. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the absolute tiniest: Washington Reservation in Newburgh Heights. At just 59 acres, this petite park is dwarfed by its sibling parks… but it’s every bit as charming.
You've just stumbled upon one of the best-kept secrets in the Cleveland Metroparks.
Believe it or not, this tiny park is surprisingly historic. It was once an amusement park, and it opened as a city park in 1899. Since 1995, it has been under the ownership of the Cleveland Metroparks, where it attracts and entertains nature lovers.
It may be tiny at just 59 acres, but it's filled to the brim with the same magic that makes every other Metroparks reservation so special.
For golf fans, the park is a gold mine. There's an Audubon Certified nine-hole golf course on-site, plus a 30-station driving range to help you work on your form.
The golf facilities opened on-site in 2006, and it's truly the perfect addition to the park. Eco-friendly management methods ensure low environmental impact, so the extracurriculars can peacefully coexist with local wildlife.
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Golfers in particular will appreciate the intimacy of this park, as its course is lovely and filled with birdsong.
The on-site Washington Park Horticultural Center, which provides vocational education to local high schoolers, doesn't hurt the landscape, either. In fact, skills like landscape management and equipment repair may be to the park's benefit!
For the everyday nature lover, there's one lovely paved trail that is calling your name.
Though it's not particularly long, this trail is full of beauty. Plus, it exists at the edge of the golf course, so hikers and golfers won't disturb each other too much.
Though petite, there's much to see jam-packed into this condensed landscape. From a permanent memorial to temporary visitors passing through, the landscape is full of surprises.
You'll love exploring two Cleveland Metroparks landscapes in one day! There's endless beauty in both, and each has its own unique history to highlight.
Look for it at 4408 Pallister Dr, Cleveland, OH 44105.
There’s an endless amount of beauty hiding in the Cleveland Metroparks. While much of it is tucked away in sprawling campuses, the modest 59-acre Washington Reservation in Newburgh Heights has its own boast-worthy beauty. Have you ever visited this tiny Cleveland Metroparks reservation? Share your thoughts and photos with us in the comments!
