Safety Tips For July 4th In Cleveland Metroparks

CLEVELAND — With the July 4th holiday quickly approaching, the Cleveland Metroparks are expecting an influx of visitors. Park officials are asking visitors to follow health and safety guidelines throughout the weekend.

“Cleveland Metroparks is a great place to reconnect with family and nature this holiday weekend and I encourage visitors to experience all of our 18 park reservations,” said Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. “We ask our guests to help preserve the parks by planning ahead and following ‘pack in, pack out’ etiquette, taking any disposable items with them.”

Group gatherings of more than 10 people are discouraged at the park systems and visitors are encouraged to wear masks. All guests must also follow CDC guidelines and stay socially distant.

Anyone going to Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island, Wendy Park or one of the park system's marinas or yacht clubs, should arrive by the early afternoon. Vehicle access to park entrances will close and reopen based on capacity. Parking on undesignated spots — like grass or picnic areas — will be discouraged this weekend. Police will monitor for cars parking illegally.

Public boat launch access is available at the Emerald Necklace Marina at the Rocky River Reservation, Gordon Park Boat Launch in the Lakefront Reservation, Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Reservation and Edgewater Park Boat Launch.

"An annual or daily boat ramp launch pass is required of all motorized watercraft that are launched via trailer. Daily passes are available for $5 by credit card payment at the kiosks located near the boat launches. Annual passes are available at clevelandmetroparks.com," the park system said.