Willow Metropark — Attraction in Huron Charter Township

The first time I visited a Metro Park was for a cross-country race when I was in 5th grade. It was there that I ran up the enormous hill at the Willow Metropark. Little did I know, that hill would become a familiar challenge, one I would conquer at least twice each season. I competed in cross-country from 5th to 12th grade, and the Metroparks were an integral part of my journey. As a young adult, I trained for a half marathon, using the Metroparks for my long runs and participating in races at Kensington Metropark. When I became a mother and gave birth to my oldest daughter, one of our first outings was to Lower Huron Metropark in Belleville for a family walk. In 2021, with a second baby at home and after battling breast cancer for two years, I found solace in Lower Huron Metropark. It became a place of healing. For six weeks, after each radiation appointment, I would head to the park for a jog, allowing the peaceful surroundings to help restore my spirit. In 2023, I trained once again for a half marathon, running along the beautiful, well-maintained trails that have always been my path. Then, in 2024, I took the leap and ran a full marathon. Lower Huron Metropark was once again my training ground, helping me accomplish something I once thought impossible. I’ve spent countless hours at the Metroparks, making memories with my two beautiful daughters. We love visiting the large "space park," as they’ve affectionately named it. We play in the streams, explore the trails, collect shells, bike around, and even go fishing together. The Metroparks have been there for me through so many stages of my life. They’ve been a place of growth, challenge, healing, and joy. I am grateful for the peace and beauty they provide, and I look forward to the many memories we’ll continue...

This is a beautiful park, and Im a regular bike rider here. I don't have anything bad to say about this place. It's clean and filled will life. But what I saw playout today angered me to my core!!! There was a track meet or whatever it's called and of course us riders as well. There was no flags or signage saaying that the runners would be on a small portion of the path. I saw one of the coaches literally grab a man by his neck while a group of people with the track meet yelled and cursed at him and called him all types of names! That coach physically grabbed this nice older man by his neck and called him an asshole!! He should have been punched in his face for touching him!! We can all have respect for each other in this space, the park is big enough. Maybe they should have put up flags blocking the path so we wouldn't have to ride through them. I ride here often and they chose someone who couldn't fight back, next time choose me!! I always enjoy my rides here because it's peaceful. But today was a disgrace. This won't stop me from returning but now ill be hyper vigilant for us regular riders. Im so sorry this man faced this...

Of the three metro parks in the area, Willow is the worst. The area is fine, but the personnel must be hated on by management, or told to frustrate people. I like visiting the parks, and I go to many of the metro parks in the area about every weekend, from these three out to Kensington. No issues for the most part. However, about every other visit to Willow, I get someone that has an issue with something and won't let me or my wife in the park. Happens regardless of driver or vehicle. Most often it seems to be an issue with the sticker; some want it one way, some another, and some want to take the sticker away because "it isn't valid if it isn't in the right spot." Emily, for instance, is probably the worst. She switches what she wants on the sticker requirements regularly, and even has the gall to tell me I couldn't enter because my truck has ditch lights (which are off, mind you) and it makes her life difficult. Don't know what it is with these people, but I'm done going to this park. The others are...