Snowy Morning Walk in Firestone Metro Park

A light snow squall came through our area over night, depositing about an inch of heavy, wet snow on lawns, trees, shrubs, cars and houses. As I drove past the Firestone Metro Park on my way to the store early this morning, I was surprised to find myself thinking how beautiful everything looked, blanketed in that glistening, heavy snow. I told my husband I must surely be sick…as I absolutely detest snow! Yet, here I was, pulling over to snap photos of Firestone Country Club greens and trees, looking like they were covered with glittery marshmallow fluff.

Then, the “sickness” continued to worsen as I drove home, again past Firestone Country Club and Metro Park, thinking I needed to get out of my car and explore further. Alas, I was only wearing sneakers, which was not the proper footwear for muddy park pathways, so I settled for a quick pic from the Turtle Pond parking lot. That did not satisfy me, though, and upon returning home, I quickly unpacked the perishables, changed into my snow boots and headed back across the street to the Park.

It was evident by the fresh footprints in the mud that I wasn’t the first park visitor this morning, but, thankfully, I was the only visitor at the time. I decided to not only take some pictures with my phone, but to also made a video of my walk around the Turtle Pond. It’s spontaneous and goofy, but we are planning to move south soon, and I guess I wanted to have a memory of this bright, beautiful snowy morning, after having dealt with quite a few cold, dark, messy snowy days.

Maybe this is the last snow I will experience, and maybe that is why Mother Nature made it so special.

 

Firestone Metro Park, located in southern Akron, is 258 acres of wetland, meadow and forest with a canal, river, two ponds and swamp area.  These diverse habitats are home to a multitude of creatures, including turtles, fish, frogs, foxes, raccoons, muskrats, rabbits, osprey, ducks and herons, as well as host to seasonal wildflowers and berries.  There are dirt trails and floating walkways, weaving throughout the wetlands and woodlands, with picnic tables and charcoal grills peppered throughout the park for a casual meal.  Firestone Park also offers 2 larger shelter rental options, the Tuscarawas Shelter is a covered, picnic shelter with stone fireplace and the Coventry Oaks Pavilion is an indoor event hall with space for 150 guests.