Cleveland Metroparks: Second Century of Stewardship hosted by ACG Cleveland

Event Details

When:

November 4, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM EST

Where:

Location Name

The Patrick S. Parker Sailing Center

Location Address

5555 N. Marginal Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44114
United States

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Overview

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REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Cleveland’s iconic “Emerald Necklace” is now 109 years old—and its role in our community has never been more significant. From preserving thousands of acres of natural resources to providing exceptional recreational opportunities, the Cleveland Metroparks continues to shape the quality of life and economic vitality of Northeast Ohio.

Join Brian M. Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, for an inside look at the Park District’s Second Century of Stewardship Plan and its vision for the next generation of Metroparks. Brian will share insights into the organization’s evolving priorities, recent accomplishments and upcoming initiatives across its parks, golf courses and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The conversation will explore how Metroparks is investing in the future of Northeast Ohio through conservation, recreation, tourism, community connections and strategic development—while preserving the natural assets that make our region such a special place to live, work and do business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of Northeast Ohio’s prominent civic leaders about the future of one of the region’s most treasured assets.

Speakers

Brian Zimmerman

Cleveland Metroparks

Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Metroparks, Brian Zimmerman is responsible for the management of over 24,000 acres of green space in Northeast Ohio including 18 park reservations, eight golf courses, and the nationally-acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Brian leads the Park District’s highest rate of land acquisition under any Cleveland Metroparks leader in the park’s 104-year history aside from founder William Stinchcomb. Since Brian assumed the role of CEO in 2010, the Park District has acquired nearly 3,000 acres for preservation and conservation. The significant park growth includes the acquisition and transformation of nearly 750 acres of lakefront beaches and park land along Lake Erie into safe, clean attractions for the community, establishing the lakefront as a regional destination. Over the last decade, Brian has strategically expanded park access to 49 communities across six counties and added more than 40 miles of new paved and natural surface trails, bringing the park's trail network to more than 320 miles of trails.

As CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, Brian also has overseen the transformation of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into a nationally-recognized facility for animal care and wildlife conservation. Under his leadership, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and non-profit Cleveland Zoological Society have invested $35 million in larger and more complex animal habitats, including African Elephant Crossing, Rosebrough Tiger Passage, Asian Highlands and the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve.

He is graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to serving as Cleveland Metroparks' sixth leader in its 104-year history, Brian was Chief of Operations for the Milwaukee County Parks, Recreation and Culture department.

Brian enjoys golf, traveling, especially to see Big 10 college football games, and spending time with his family, including wife Jill, son Carter and their Weimaraner, Eli. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys hiking and boating.

Hosted by: ACG

Chapter

Cleveland

Event Materials

COST:

YACG: $

Member: $

Non-Member: $