CLEVELAND METROPARKS ASKS GUESTS TO PLAN AHEAD WHEN VISITING THIS FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY

As families and friends make plans to spend the Fourth of July together, Cleveland Metroparks wants to make sure all guests celebrate their Independence Day safely.
 
Cleveland Metroparks offers a wide variety of summer water recreation opportunities to enjoy over the holiday, including swimming, boating and water rentals. Guests are encouraged to download the free Cleveland Metroparks mobile app to plan ahead for their visit.

For guests visiting beaches and swimming areas, it’s recommended that guests only swim in designated swim areas during lifeguarded hours. Guests can plan in advance by visiting clevelandmetroparks.com/watersafety for safety tips, guarded locations and hours, and swimming conditions.
 
Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, row boats, canoes, paddleboats and pontoon boats are available to rent from the Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store. Guests are recommended to reserve their rental online in advance at clevelandmetroparks.com/waterrentals.
 
Due to the expected high visitation at Edgewater Park, all guests are encouraged to arrive at Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island, Wendy Park and all other marinas and yacht clubs by early afternoon. Vehicular access to park entrances will close as the parking lots reach capacity. Larger vehicles such as RVs, buses, and box trucks will not be permitted to park at Edgewater. All vehicular access will close at 9:30 p.m. Pedestrian access via tunnels on W. 65th and W. 76th Streets to Edgewater Park and the Wendy Park Bridge will remain open.
 
To further ensure everyone's safety this holiday weekend, Cleveland Metroparks Police ask that you do not park in undesignated areas, in picnic areas or in grassy areas/on medians.
 
For boaters on the holiday, please be aware of all locations with public boat launch access. Cleveland Metroparks offers public boat launch access at the Emerald Necklace Marina in Rocky River Reservation, Gordon Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation, Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Reservation as well as the Edgewater Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation.
 
New this year, boaters can also enjoy the new public boat docks along the Cuyahoga River in the City of Cleveland. Eighteen public day-slips located in Rivergate Park and Heritage Park will offer recreational boaters’ new opportunities to explore the city’s network of trails that connect to the waterfront, and nearby restaurants and entertainment venues. Users can pay an hourly rate for usage via an app.

Cleveland Metroparks Police will be present on foot, bikes, in patrol cruisers and on horseback to assist in parking and safety. In case of emergency, please notify Cleveland Metroparks Police Headquarters immediately by calling 440-333-4911 or 911. Non-life-threatening situations should be reported to Cleveland Metroparks Police at 440-331-5530.