Highbanks features a variety of habitats, including older-growth forest, steep-sided ravines and the Olentangy River, attracting diverse species like pileated woodpeckers and Louisiana waterthrushes.

The fifth metro park to be established was Highbanks in 1973. The 1,200-acre park with its 14 miles of trails sits on the west side of U.S. 23, just three miles north of I-270. I was 11 when ...