Drone flying for recreational purposes are allowed in all Metro Parks during park hours of operation, with the exception of any of the state Nature Preserves, and only at the discretion of the on-duty Park Rangers. At any time, a Park Ranger may ask you to pause, or to wait until the area is safe to fly your drone, and Metro Parks reserves the right to ask guests to cease any activity that may be unsafe, impact the experience of other visitors or impede park operations. In addition, you are also required to adhere to any FAA regulations regarding drones during your flight.
Prior to flying recreational drones, we ask that you contact our on-duty Park Rangers to check with them regarding safety concerns for wildlife that are sensitive to drones, and other guests, especially during high-volume visitation, special events and summer operations.
Metro Parks does have a designated drone field at Scioto Grove Metro Park (when entering the park turn right at the roundabout, the field is immediately on your right). This field is open to anyone wishing to fly a drone in that area and it is open daily during park hours of operation.
All other drone photography and filming for commercial or media use apply for a permit and be approved by Metro Parks, and first emailed to info@metroparks.net.
Filming: All filming (commercial, student, or otherwise, etc.) must apply for a permit and be approved by Metro Parks, and first emailed to info@metroparks.net.
Photography: Metro Parks does not currently require a permit for personal or commercial (non-media) photography, but all Metro Parks Rules & Regulations must be adhered to while onsite. Please take into consideration that other guests will be in the parks, so please do not block paths or trails.
All other drone photography and filming for commercial or media use apply for a permit and be approved by Metro Parks, and first emailed to info@metroparks.net.