Tales & Trails

Tales and Trails, a podcast hosted by Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman, goes behind-the-scenes on wide-ranging topics from wildlife and animal care, scenic destinations and hidden gems, upcoming projects and more. Premiering the first Monday of each month, episodes will feature Brian accompanied by special guests across the Park District's award-winning team as well as key community partners and leaders in Northeast Ohio.

Episodes

From Landfill to Landmark: The Story of West Creek Reservation

August 3, 2025 • 49 mins

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.

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Park Secrets & Founding Stories: A Century of Cleveland Metroparks

July 6, 2025 • 51 mins

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.

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Pushing Limits, Making Waves: Katie Spotz’s Journey for Clean Water

June 1, 2025 • 40 mins

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 awa...

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Kickin’ it with Kenny in the Parks!

May 4, 2025 • 37 mins

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 Clevel...

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Pints & Parks: Brewing Partnerships with Purpose

April 6, 2025 • 18 mins

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 com...

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The Art of the Trail (Part 2)

March 10, 2025 • 12 mins

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.

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The Art of the Trail

February 28, 2025 • 18 mins

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 b...

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Parks to Prosperity: Building Northeast Ohio through Outdoor Tourism

February 2, 2025 • 18 mins

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 b...

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Activating Cleveland’s Lakefront

January 6, 2025 • 16 mins

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.

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The Future Zoo

December 1, 2024 • 26 mins

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 capi...

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Everything Trails

November 1, 2024 • 27 mins

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.

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How it Started, How it’s Going: Building an Emerald Necklace

September 27, 2024 • 22 mins

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 are bringing back the past to shape t...

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Transcript

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