Holiday gnomes ‘invade’ a Dayton MetroPark

A Five Rivers MetroParks horticulturist has recently been up to some mischief at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

As many people have turned to the outdoors this year to help combat pandemic-related cabin fever, it’s good to shake things up once in a while to avoid park burnout — if there is such a thing. That’s why a clever horticulturist at Cox Arboretum created a little game of gnome hunting.

“Gnomes have invaded Cox Arboretum MetroPark and we need your help spotting them! There are seven gnomes hiding throughout the park — can your family find them?” posted Five Rivers to their Facebook page last week.

Gnomes have invaded Cox Arboretum MetroPark and we need your help spotting them! There are seven gnomes hiding...

Posted by Five Rivers MetroParks on Thursday, December 10, 2020

“I feel like I had no idea that people liked gnomes this much,” said Lauren Lemons, community outreach coordinator at Five Rivers MetroParks. “People have been really excited to get out to the park and try to find them all.”

The Facebook post encouraged park-goers to to take pictures of their adventures and to tag Five Rivers MetroParks. The MetroParks will continue to share some of the photos it receives on its social media.

Though Five Rivers did not say how long the gnomes would be out and about, people can follow the parks on www.facebook.com/fiveriversmetroparks to stay up-to-date on other fun activities.

Although the MetroParks are open, Five Rivers is following all directives and information from Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Montgomery County Health Department and the CDC. Current directives continue to limit public gatherings to 10 people or less, and for social distancing of at least six feet to be maintained, according to Five Rivers website.

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