Phase two of Glass City Metropark project opens to the public

Toledo’s east side is practically unrecognizable.

TOLEDO, Ohio — It has been years in the making, and this past weekend, phase two of Glass City Metropark opened to the public! And you’re probably wondering, wasn’t the park already open? The answer to that question would be yes, phase one.

However, phase two includes the introduction of this 40 foot climbing structure, water play features, a kayak cove into the Maumee, an interactive boardwalk, the addition of The Ribbon’s roller rink, and a restaurant, The Garden by Poco Piatti, which can be found in Market Hall, a 9,500-square-foot building that also houses skate rental, restrooms, and changing rooms.

It can’t be understated just how big a deal this is for east Toledo, in particular, as this side of the river hasn’t experienced much excitement since the closure of the Toledo Sports Arena in 2007. And following its demolition, the neighborhood was left with what was quite literally a road to nowhere.

And now, it’ll be a place for generations of Toledoans to connect to nature, while also enjoying great views of downtown from a restaurant down the way, apartments, and the continuing construction of the Glass City Riverwalk.