Social: Metroparks Adventure Oct. 24

On Oct. 24, EPIC Toledo members headed to Oak Openings Preserve Metropark for a perfect fall evening of socializing, enjoying Earnest Brew Works beer and s’mores, and paying the Cannaley Treehouse Village a visit.

The evening began in a shelter near the Beach Ridge Singletrack Trail. The land features houses the new 12-mile trail for mountain bikes, with six bridges and obstacles, and various sightseeing opportunities. Inside, young professionals created their own trail mix at the trail mix bar, cracked open Earnest Brew Works favorites like the Crunchy Hippie and met with friends.

As the sun set and temperatures dropped, attendees headed outside to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Soon, Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk introduced the next activity: visiting the Cannaley Treehouse Village, which is nearing its expected completion in spring 2020. He explained how excited Metroparks affiliates are to have the treehouse village, which is the largest public treehouse village in the world, right here in Toledo.

Zenk then introduced Linda Najarian Cannaley, namesake for the treehouse village. She explained that the property on which the treehouse village now sits once belonged to her and her late husband, Jim Cannaley. Several years ago, unsure what to do with the land that her husband had accumulated after his passing, Cannaley sold the property to the Metroparks. Cannaley told EPIC Toledo members that, when Zenk had approached her about building a treehouse village on her former land, she was immediately gripped by the idea. She said it’s something her husband would have been proud to be part of.

The entire treehouse village was privately funded, and will feature five distinct treehouses once finished. Each treehouse represents part of the land’s history; a bike-themed treehouse and an equestrian-themed treehouse, for example.

Zenk then led the group to the site of the treehouse village, where EPIC members scaled the steps, peered inside windows and snapped pictures. The Cannaley Treehouse Village may not be open yet, but EPIC Toledo members – as well as visitors and residents throughout the Toledo region – are waiting in anticipation for the day to come.

Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk addresses EPIC Toledo members during the Oct. 24 social at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark.

Linda Najarian Cannaley discusses the history of the land and how the treehouse village came to be.