Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails Podcast

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman goes behind-the-scenes with some of the partners behind the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center to explore how a bold public-private collaboration is transforming access to Lake Erie. Hear how leaders helped to break down barriers to create a vibrant new lakefront destination now open on Cleveland's lakefront.

Explore the extraordinary impact of nearly 7,000 annual volunteers across Cleveland Metroparks and the Zoo. From Trail and Zoo Ambassadors to watershed protection, hear inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how a culture of service continues to shape both the visitor experience and the future of Cleveland Metroparks in the latest episode of Tales & Trails.

Cleveland Metroparks offers some of the best public golf in the country. Hit the links with host Brian Zimmerman, Director of Golf Dave Donner and Senior Manager of Golf Clubhouse Operations Geoff Koller and hear the insider scoop on our nine courses and what's next for golf in the Emerald Necklace.

In this episode of Tales & Trails, Cleveland Metroparks CEO sits down with Jenn Grieser, Director of Natural Resources, to explore how her team conserves more than 25,000 acres across Northeast Ohio. From protecting forests and wetlands to pioneering innovations like floating wetlands and nature-based shoreline restoration, the Natural Resources Division works daily to ensure clean air, clean wate...

Join Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman for a conversation with Chief of Police Kelly Stillman on the mission, history, and future of the Metroparks Police Department. With more than 100 state-certified officers safeguarding 25,000 acres and 43 million annual visitors, Chief Stillman shares insights into the department's work, challenges, and achievements. From major investigations to everyd...

In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails, CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with longtime commissioner David Whitehead, who served from 1994 to 2011—one of the longest tenures in Cleveland Metroparks history. Together, they reflect on nearly two decades of transformative growth, including landmark park expansions, groundbreaking zoo habitats, and the enduring importance of conservation l...

Education and recreation programs across Cleveland Metroparks serve over a half million people each year. Hear from Mary Rouse, the Director of Outdoor Experiences, on how education connects people of all ages to nature as we take a deep dive into education philosophy, nature preschools, top adventures for families and more.

In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman connects with Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, President and CEO of MetroHealth, on how the Park District and public hospital system are partnering for a healthier region.

The Cleveland Zoological Society has been a proud nonprofit partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for nearly 70 years. Hear from Sarah Crupi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zoo Society, and Board Chair Christine Myeroff on recent improvements to the Zoo, why philanthropic and community support is so critical, and big plans ahead for the Zoo's 150th anniversary.

In this episode of Cleveland Metroparks Tales & Trails podcast, Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage joins us to explore how the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent partnership with Cleveland Metroparks celebrates the city's spirit on and off the court. From City Edition jerseys that honor the Emerald Necklace to community initiatives that plant trees and foster civic pride, Nic shares how sports, nat...

Yvette Ittu has been a regional leader for over 40 years at the intersection of finance, planning and government. On this episode of Tales & Trails, you can hear her story on the power of parks, people and public investment and how volunteerism and civic leadership is playing a major role in shaping the economic revitalization of our region.  

In this episode of Tales & Trails presented by KeyBank, Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman sits down with Trina Evans, Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center at KeyBank, to celebrate Key's remarkable 200-year milestone. From bringing back the beloved ZooKeys to championing STEM education, Trina reveals how KeyBank partners with the community to create a lasting impact through legacy...

Pat Jones has been a passionate advocate for the golf industry for 30 years and a business media executive for most of his adult life. Hear from Pat on this golf-centric episode where we swing into the growing game of golf, industry trends, tips from the pros & more.

A shopping center, a golf course and a landfill were some of the proposed or former uses for the scenic natural landscapes and waterways that make up West Creek Reservation. Hear from Derek Schafer, Executive Director of West Creek Conservancy, on how Cleveland Metroparks 16th park reservation came to be and where it's headed.

First established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks has been a pioneer in the parks and recreation field since its inception. Hear from lead park historian Judy MacKeigan on park founder William Stinchcomb, turbulent and exuberant times for the Park District over the past century and unique finds, anecdotes and artifacts she's uncovered over the past 15 years.  

Katie Spotz is an endurance athlete, charitable ambassador, author, world-record holder and a native of Northeast Ohio. When she's not out competing in Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country or rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, she's probably training in Cleveland Metroparks. Hear how Katie is testing her limits in the Emerald Necklace and abroad to raise awareness for safe drinking water...

Emmy Award winning Fox 8 reporter Kenny Crumpton has been a staple on Cleveland television for over 25 years – and an avid outdoor enthusiast for even longer. When he's not on television, he can be found exploring Cleveland Metroparks through biking, golfing, rock climbing & more. Hear from Kenny Crumpton and CEO Brian Zimmerman on his eccentric experiences in Cleveland, his adventures in the park...

For over 15 years, brewmaster and co-founder of Fat Head's Brewery, Matt Cole, has been brewing award-winning beers that helped establish Cleveland as a craft beer city. Today Fat Head's is recognized as among the best brewers of contemporary American-style IPAs and traditional German beers. But beyond a commitment to exceptional craft beers, is a commitment to community philanthropy – led by Matt...

Hear from Jackson Wolf, Cleveland Metroparks Trails Construction Manager, on trail design and construction, his favorite recent projects across the Emerald Necklace, and new trails underway in this bonus episode on the Art of the Trail.  

Cleveland Metroparks features over 125 miles of paved trails that connect communities but arguably the most scenic trails in the Emerald Necklace are the remaining 210 miles of "natural surface trails" that meander through, climb up and bridge over some of the most primitive areas of the Park District. Hear from Jim Rodstrom, Director of Construction, on the art of building sustainable trails for...

Cleveland Metroparks is a point of pride for the region but it's also a driver of the tourism economy, attracting visitors and generating $616 million annually in direct visitor spending. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland, on how we work collaboratively to attract people to the region and its resources for the benefit of all.  

It's been over a decade since Cleveland Metroparks established management of Cleveland's lakefront parks and rededicated them for public benefit. Hear Board of Park Commissioner Dan T. Moore on the challenges and opportunities of activating Cleveland's lakefront and how it has helped transform the region.  

In 2032, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo turns 150 years old. From its early beginnings to the sprawling 183 acres today, learn how zoos have changed physically, philosophically and purposefully to secure a future for wildlife around the world. Guest Dr. Chris Kuhar also goes in-depth on the Primate Forest, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's largest capital project in its history.

Learn about the vast network of trails throughout Cleveland Metroparks, the philosophy behind it, why it's important and what's to come in Tales & Trails Episode 2, "Everything Trails", featuring special guests Mary Cierebiej, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, and Mayor of Solon Eddy Kraus.

Over a century ago, the idea for the Ohio's first Park District was envisioned as an "Emerald Necklace" of greenspace encircling the city of Cleveland – providing the region with relaxation and respite to soften the quick rise of industry. Hear from CEO Brian Zimmerman and Board of Park Commissioner Bruce Rinker on what's changed for Cleveland Metroparks, what hasn't, and projects underway that ar...