Address:          400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215

Hours:             6:30am to 10pm April through September
6:30am to 8pm October through March

A friend suggested I check out the field day that their church singles group scheduled at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. I showed up prepared to take pictures of what I considered field day type activities (three-legged race, tug of war, sack races, etc.). Of all the activities, the obstacle course left a lasting memory. The course consists of nine obstacles: tire run and flip, tunnel crawl, cargo climb, balance beam, belly crawl, monkey bars, over under log jumps (the intent is to jump over one log that is a few feet tall then go under the next log and so on), wall climb, and log run. I observed many people taking advantage of the course: children, teens, those who appeared to be concentrating on strength training, mature people, families, etc. Some choose to concentrate on one obstacle, others attempt to complete the entire course. Since nobody is punching a clock and it is first come first serve, the amount of time an individual wants to spend at the obstacle course varies.

Sidebar: I have gone to the park at least 5 times to take pictures of those using the obstacle course. This is the obstacle that most people attempt. This is also the obstacle that most men attempt to flex their muscles. There are a few concrete balls that are extremely heavy. I viewed several young men who could barely lift them. I also viewed two older men attempt to lift the concrete balls, who I was thankful when they stopped attempting to lift them. I was one minute from dialing 911 for them.

Sidebar:  Of the 15 people I saw attempt the balance beam, only 3 were successful. When I asked why most people are not successful, the reason given was the lack of tread on their shoes. A person who was able to run across the balance beam told me the trick is to lean forward and be deliberate on each step. Here’s my mature lady advice: skip this one; especially, if you don’t have good health insurance.

Sidebar:  I only saw two people and one young child (who appeared to be about 4) attempt the belly crawl. It looks like this obstacle would cause a person to use muscles they ordinarily wouldn’t use. My mature self would probably skip this one as I don’t like the feel of dirt or dust on my skin. The field group used it as a hop scotch obstacle instead of a belly crawl.

Sidebar:  In my opinion, this is another obstacle to skip if you don’t have good health insurance, and you are competitive. It looks like this obstacle can go bad quick. One miss step and there goes an ankle or worse.

My take on Scioto Audubon Metro Park Obstacle Course:

It is wonderful that the obstacle course is free to all who want to use it. It makes me wish for younger days when I would have attempted most of the obstacles. My suggestion is to go see it for yourself and even try it. This is an activity for the young and the young at heart.