Brookside Reservation was one of the city of Cleveland's oldest neighborhood parks before its acquisition by Cleveland Metroparks in 1993. The land was purchased in 1894 and by the early 1900s, the area had become a center for recreation. Athletic events were popular at that time, and Brookside hosted one of the first city ice skating races in 1901. Still a recreation hub, the area now boasts baseball and football fields. The 135-acre reservation serves as a refuge for diverse wildlife in an urban setting. It is also an attractive spot for area picnickers and a resting site for walkers, cyclists and others who use the all purpose trail. An all purpose trail connects the reservation to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.