2025 Outdoor Inclusive Adventures (OIA)

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks and the YMCA of Central Ohio are hosting a day of fun and inclusive activities for the whole family! Children, teens, and young adults (those with and without special health care needs or disabilities) are invited to Prairie Oaks Metro Park (Darby Bend Lake) to join us for outdoor fun, physical activity, and networking!

Highlights and Activities Planned

• Kayaking/Canoeing - Trained volunteers and instructors from Adaptive Sports Connection. Scheduled boating slots will be every 30 min, and available to sign up on a first-come, first-served basis. You're welcome to sign up for a slot later in the day, do other activities, and return at your appointment time to reduce your waiting in line. NOTE: Priority scheduling will go to families of children with disabilities as this is the primary community this event is aiming to support. More paddling opportunities are offered year-round with Metro Parks please visit their website for details.
• Fishing - Instruction will be provided by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Fishing supplies are provided.
• Lunch - Provided by Adventure Bite Cuisine.
• Family Hike and Creeking* - Creeking supplies are provided.
• Stockhands Horses for Healing
• Live Animals from Ohio Wildlife Center
• Nature craft and interactive display from Metro Parks
• Lawn Games and Sensory Play
• Character Meet 'n' Greet with Magical Adventures Parties
• Giveaways
• Raffle to raise donations for

* indicates the activity has limited hours. Please note: Activities are subject to change. All activities except boating are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

By registering for this event, you are hereby agreeing to the following terms and conditions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11yqpIjJenPwt7kcCRVTL7QNPDkvOYzPj/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jA0KzKR0DEI6zOHZshAnhARcMWPAyeA3/view?usp=sharing

Location and Directions

Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park (2755 Amity Road, Hilliard, OH 43026). Please note, the parking for Darby Bend Lake is NOT in the main park. Google Maps or your GPS may take you just down the road from the entrance to our event. Driving Directions: From I-270, take I-70 west to the West Jefferson/Plain City exit. Turn right onto Plain City-Georgesville Road/State Route 142. Go about 2.25 miles to Lucas Road (passing the main park entrance) and turn right. Go across Big Darby Creek and turn right at the stop sign onto Amity Road. The entrance is about 0.5 miles on the right.

Notes and Reminders

• No experience is required! Activity supplies will be provided
• Parents/Guardians must stay with their child (or adult in need of care) at all times. We encourage family participation!
• In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. Many individual activities are weather-dependent. Please check facebook.com/ECRNplus (you don't need to have a Facebook profile to see our public posts) or call 614.300.7867 the day of the event for the latest updates.
• We recommend everyone wear sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Due to the health and safety of our participants, this event is strictly a NO SMOKING event.
• Restrooms are available but do not have running water. We will have a changing station at the event.
• Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes ideal for the weather.
• If Canoeing/Kayaking or Creeking, please wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet along with a change of clothes and a towel, as you desire.
• This is an outdoor event and you will need to either bring/wear bug spray. Make sure you do tick checks as well.
• OIA '25 is an "open-house" style format. Feel free to arrive and leave on a schedule that best fits your family!
• The park does NOT have running water. Please bring what you need (preferably in a reusable bottle).

Interested in volunteering? Amazing volunteers are the key to the success of OIA! Please email [email protected] for more information or to sign up!

DID YOU KNOW that OIA and ALL of the YMCA of Central Ohio's monthly family events and programs are provided at no cost? We rely on grants and donations from folks who share our love for strengthening families.

YMCA Family Support Mailing List: Join our mailing list to stay informed about our Family Support events, resource sessions, and more! All events are FREE and open to families and children of all ages and abilities!

Join us in helping kids and families flourish in our community, Delight us with a tax-deductible gift of any amount: https://givebutter.com/YMCA-of-Central-Ohio-2025 All proceeds raised from your gift will directly benefit children and families.

FAQ's

1. Who is organizing this event?

OIA is brought to you by Metro Parks and the YMCA of Central Ohio.

2. What should we bring with us?

Lunch will be served at the OIA, but you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch/snacks. Reusable water bottle– Park has no running water, water coolers/refill stations available. Sun and bug protection– Hat, sunglasses, lotion, spray, etc. Closed– toe shoes, towel, & change of clothes (if boating/or creeking).

3. Do I need experience to participate? Do I need my own supplies?

No experience is required. We will provide safety instructions and supplies.

4. How do I sign up for a boating appointment?

Sign up at Boating Area #1 (Multiples/Solo). Availability is first come-first served. To serve more families, we are limiting each rider to one trip on the water.

5. How long are boating time slots?

Approximately 30 minutes total. 15-20 min on the water with the remainder for jacket fitting/safety/instruction. Should our appointment rotations run behind schedule, please be patient as we work hard to ensure each participant feels comfortable prior to push-off.

6. Do I get to choose what type of boat our family uses?

No. For safety and efficiency, our staff/volunteers will choose your style of boat. Many factors affect boat selection. The majority of boats will need at least two paddlers (adult/teen). If you don’t have two paddlers in your party we’ll do our best to provide a volunteer to assist.

7. What activities can be enjoyed by my child who uses and wheelchair?

We strive to include children of all abilities! While the natural park does not give us ADA standards, we are happy our event is ‘wheelchair friendly’. Wheelchairs and strollers can be successfully pushed with minimal effort. For boating, if your child can be safely removed from the chair with assistance, we would love to explore some boating options. Unfortunately, we do not yet have use of adaptive boating equipment.

8. Can I smoke at the event? Can I bring my dog?

No smoking is permitted. With the exception of service/therapy dogs, we ask that you not bring your family pet.

9. What if the weather becomes poor? Will you cancel?

In the event of inclement weather, we will need to cancel. Water conditions must be safe for boats as well as creeking. For the latest weather updates, please checkthat OIA and ALL of the YMCA Community Strengthening's (YCS) Facebook page (facebook.com/ECRNplus) or call 614.300.7867.

10. Can I drop off my child at the event?

No. Every child or adult in need of assistance must stay with their responsible party at all times. We encourage family participation.

11. Will you be hosting this event again? Other programs like this?

We sure hope so! Each month, that OIA and ALL of the YMCA Community Strengthening (YCS) offers no-cost, inclusive social and recreational events for families of children who have special health care needs and/or disabilities, alongside their family and peers. In addition, Metro Parks also offers a wide array of programs and activities across Central Ohio. ‘Like’ and follow our Facebook pages for announcements.

12. It’s the day of the event, and I need help! Who can I ask?

YMCA Community Strengthening (YCS) , Metro Parks, and AKA staff/volunteers will be clearly identified and should be able to assist. Rangers will also be walking the grounds. If you are unable to find someone to help, please call Cassie Kranz at 614.300.7867. In an emergency, call the Park Ranger at 614.208.4321.

Host or Publisher YMCA- Early Childhood Resource Network+