Overbrook Road Ravine Park

Throughout our nearly four years of traveling, we’ve returned to Columbus, Ohio - where our son Carl and his family live - a number of times. During each of those visits, we are constantly impressed by the family-friendly atmosphere here. Part of what makes this community so attractive is its system of 19 parks in and around the city. Organized in 1945 and overseen by a Board of Park Commissioners (three citizens appointed for three year terms), these parks encompass more than 27,000 acres, extending through seven counties in Central Ohio (plus the Hocking Hills area). One of these green spaces is the Overbrook Road Ravine Park in the Clintonville neighborhood, one of the most topographically diverse areas in Columbus. This 10.8 acre park is literally in Carl’s backyard, making it quite easy for us to explore. According to one pundit, this park looks like something out of the Amazon Jungle. While that may or may not be an accurate description, we’ve always enjoyed walking through the Overbrook Ravine, watching its wildlife, and just relaxing.

DISCLAIMER; Not all of the pictures included here are of my doing. Some were taken by our daughter-in-law, Valerie, who has a great eye for photography (among many other artistic talents).

Once a summer home retreat for professors at nearby Ohio State University, Clintonville is a North-Central Columbus, Ohio neighborhood. Considered to be one of the most topographically diverse areas, it is home to one of our favorite green spaces.

Running alongside the Adena Brook (named for the Adena Culture that inhabited this area between 800 B.C. To 100 A.D.), the 10.8 acre Overbrook Road Ravine Park is a nature preserve that backs up to our son Carl and his family’s home.

This is a very relaxing spot.

You almost forget that you are in an urban environment.

When the flowers are in full bloom, they carpet the
ground around throughout the ravine...

...making the area look spectacular!

Even the fallen trees contribute to the beauty of this area.

Equally impressive is the wildlife that inhabit this area...

...where practically everyday you can see something different..

...even in the backyards of the homes that border the park.

Mother Nature has the tendency of providing surprises when you least expect it.

While walking “Charlie”, the family dog, we saw this swing hanging from a tree along the side of the ravine and just had to try it out.