Cleveland Metroparks today marked the grand opening of Karen’s Way Play Space in Huntington Reservation. The new, nearly one-acre children’s play space incorporates an expansive nature-based design that pays homage to the historic lakefront reservation.

Highlights of Karen’s Way Play Space include a willow tunnel, slide, log tables and chairs, climbing structures, an interactive water play area and separate swing sets for ages 2-5 and 5-12. The play area also includes a twin 50-foot-long kid-friendly zipline. Both the swing set and zipline feature ADA inclusive seating and the slide is accessible due to its unique embankment design.

“Karen’s Way Play Space is the latest addition to Huntington Reservation and makes this historic lakefront park even more of a destination for families,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “The expansive play space will help our youngest generations connect with the natural world.”

Additional features of the play space were designed to highlight areas of the reservation on a smaller scale including a mini-playhouse, stage and musical play components in recognition of the nearby BAYArts. The play space also incorporates extensive sandstone seating throughout as well as stroller parking.

Karen’s Way Play Space connects to the recently updated Noshery concessions building, Sunset Picnic Plaza and nearby restrooms by a paved accessible path. The project was designed in house by Cleveland Metroparks Planning & Design team, was built by Cleveland Metroparks Construction team and was fully funded through a generous gift by Karen’s Way Inc.

The project follows additional play spaces added to the Park District including the award-winning Lindsey Family Play Space that opened in Edgewater Park in 2021 and Andrews Nature Play Area in Brecksville Reservation in 2022.

The approximately 103-acre Huntington Reservation, located in the City of Bay Village, attracts approximately 900,000 recreational visitors each year to experience its breathtaking lakefront views, swimming, food and drinks from the Noshery, hiking trails and more. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com.