Rep. Brennan Provides Sponsor Testimony on Legislation to Recognize Cleveland Metroparks as "Ohio's Emerald Necklace"
COLUMBUS – State Reps. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) and Michael Dovilla (R-Berea) Wednesday provided sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 402, a bill that would recognize the Cleveland Metroparks system as “Ohio’s Emerald Necklace” in state law, celebrating more than a century of conservation, education, outdoor recreation, and public access to green space across Northeast Ohio.
“Cleveland Metroparks is one of the finest regional park systems in the nation,” said Rep. Brennan. “This honorary designation recognizes the Metroparks’ century-long legacy of conservation, recreation, and community engagement that has shaped the identity of Northeast Ohio.”
Established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks is the oldest park district in Ohio. What began with just three acres in the Rocky River Valley has grown into a 25,000-acre system of 18 park reservations spanning Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina counties. The park system—affectionately known as the “Emerald Necklace”—welcomes more than 19M visitors annually and features:
- Over 325 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding;
- Nine golf courses, including championship and par-3 layouts;
- Eight lakefront parks offering swimming, boating, and fishing;
- A nationally acclaimed zoo; and
- And its own dedicated Metroparks Police Department.
Beyond their natural beauty, the Metroparks serve as an economic and cultural engine for the region—enhancing property values, attracting tourism, supporting local businesses, and improving air and water quality through sustainable land management.
“House Bill 402 simply acknowledges what generations of Ohioans already know: that the Cleveland Metroparks are a defining part of our state’s identity—an ‘Emerald Necklace’ that symbolizes health, vitality, and natural beauty,” continued Rep. Brennan.
The bill carries no cost to the state, as the designation is purely honorary. Any future signage or materials would only be pursued through cooperative public-private efforts.
“For me, this legislation is personal,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “As someone who has spent countless hours running, hiking, swimming, and biking through the Metroparks—and who represents communities directly served by this system—I know firsthand how essential these spaces are to our physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life.”
House Bill 402 now awaits a second hearing before the Ohio House Natural Resources Committee.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Reps. Brennan and Dovilla providing sponsor testimony is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.