Welcome to the 4th annual Outdoor Inclusive Adventures!  #OIA19


Join us to get outdoors, get active, and PLAY! Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, YMCA of Central Ohio (ECRN+), along with American Kayaking Association 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/disabilities) are invited to Prairie Oaks Metro Park to join us for outdoor fun, physical activity, and networking!

Highlights and Activities Planned:

• Kayaking/Canoeing - Trained volunteers and instructors from the American Kayaking Association. 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 around with Metro Parks or AKA, please visit their website for details. 
  

• Fishing - Instruction will be provided by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Fishing supplies are provided.

• Meet Therapy horses from Stockhands Horses for Healing. Feed, lead, and interact! 

• Hot dog lunch and light refreshments* from ECRN+ and partners 

• Dance Preformances* from Chance To Dance
  

• Family Hike and Creeking* - Creeking supplies are provided. Hike and creeking on your own. 

• Live Animals from Ohio Wildlife Center
  

• Nature craft and interactive display from Metro Parks

• Lawn games and sensory play  

• Touch a Truck and Meet 'n' Greet with local First Responders*-  (Norwich Township Fire Department + Hilliard Division of Police (dependent on emergency calls)

• Character Meet 'n' Greet with The Royals Project

• A Gaga Pit, Giant Connect Four, and more fun provided by the YMCA Fun Factory! 

• Giveaways - Every family that checks in at registration will receive a giveaway from the YMCA and/or Metro Parks.

* indicates the activity has limited hours

Please note: Activities are subject to change. All activities except Kayaking are available on a first come, first served basis. 

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS:

Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
2755 Amity Road, Hilliard, OH 43026

Please note, our meetup point is NOT in the main park. Google Maps or your GPS may take you just down the road from the entrance to our meetup. 

Click here for step by step directions to the entrance of the Park 

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. Entrance is about 0.5 miles on right.

NOTES & 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 cancelled. 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. 

• 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 19 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 key to the success of OIA! Please email Cassie Kranz at ckranz@ymcacolumbus.org for more information or to sign up! 

DID YOU KNOW that OIA and ALL of ECRN+'s monthly family events are provided at no-cost ? We rely on grants and donations from folks who share our love for strengthening families who have children with special needs.

Join us in helping kids and families flourish in our community, Delight us with a tax deductible gift of any amount: https://ymcacolumbus.org/ecrn/donate  ♥  All proceeds raised from your gift will directly benefit children with delays, disabilities, or special needs along with their families.