I grew up around the Metroparks. From spending time with my grandparents at Lake St. Clair Metropark, to riding my mountain bike on the bike trails when they first opened at Stony Creek, to feeding the cutest birds out of my hand at Kensington (back when that was allowed), I have always loved the parks. Eventually, I even lived near a Metropark. I always felt it was such an important place to support. No matter the season, I spent hours enjoying everything my local Metroparks had to offer.

In the summer of 2025, all of that changed. I was in a catastrophic car crash that almost took everything from me. I had to learn how to walk, speak, feed myself, and do so many of the everyday things I had once taken for granted.

Summer 2026 has been all about healing. Part of that healing has meant getting outside and doing what I love most: enjoying nature.

When I learned about the Metroparks Trail Challenge, I thought it would be a realistic goal for me, especially because traveling great distances can be difficult. I might not complete the challenge by visiting every park, and that’s okay. What matters the most to me is that I’ve gotten to explore new parks and be outside in nature.

I’ve also been able to visit the parks with my family again, and that has been so meaningful. I’ve walked more than 10 miles at the Metroparks this summer. Last summer, I was in a wheelchair. If you had told me then that I would be able to do this next summer, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Healing can happen when you believe in yourself; and sometimes, with a little magic from the outdoors. -Megan