Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer across the Emerald Necklace. With nearly 25,000 acres to explore, families can enjoy the holiday weekend at a variety of locations with summer concession openings, watercraft rentals and more! Cleveland Metroparks eLCee2 Water Taxi also returns with free rides to and from the East and West Bank of the Flats starting Friday, May 26.

Due to high visitation expected at lakefront parks this weekend, all guests are encouraged to arrive at lakefront parks including 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.
 
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. 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.

eLCee2 Water Taxi
Cleveland Metroparks eLCee2 Water Taxi service returns with free boat rides to and from the East and West Bank of the Flats Fridays 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
 
The 26-foot canopied Crosby yacht provides a connection to/from the East and West Bank of The Flats, under the Main Avenue Bridge. The water taxi is ADA accessible and dog friendly. With nearby trail connections, the water taxi provides guests greater access to recreational opportunities along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.
 
Water Rentals & Boating
Cleveland Metroparks offers a wide variety of summer water recreation opportunities, including swimming, boating and water rentals.
 
Water rentals kick-off at the Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store Friday, May 26. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, row boats, canoes, paddleboats and pontoon boats are available to rent. Guests are recommended to reserve their rental online in advance at clevelandmetroparks.com/waterrentals.
 
For boaters, 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 boating season, Cleveland Metroparks is soon opening the first 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. The project is supported in part by the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program.
 
Seasonal Dining, Concessions, Marinas and Edgewater Nature Shop Open
Stop by Cleveland Metroparks restaurants, concessions, and marinas this summer. In addition, Edgewater Nature Shop opens Friday, May 26. The Nature Shop is the perfect place to grab convenient beach supplies, beverages & snacks, or your favorite Cleveland Metroparks merchandise. In addition, the shop rents beach umbrellas, lounge chairs and cabanas on the weekends and holidays.
 
Restaurants:
 - Merwin’s Wharf: open Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
 - e55 on the lake: open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Concessions:

 - Edgewater Beach House: open daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Upstairs bar open weekdays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, noon – 8 p.m.           
 - The Noshery: open daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
 - Emerald Necklace Marina Cafe: open daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 - Wallace Lake: open daily beginning May 27, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 - Euclid Beach Concessions: open Saturday & Sunday beginning May 27, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 - Edgewater Pier: open Saturday & Sunday beginning May 27, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 - Buzzard’s Landing: open Friday – Sunday beginning May 27, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Marinas:
 - E.55th Marina: open daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 - Emerald Necklace Marina: open daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 - Wildwood Marina: open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
 - For all information on dining in Cleveland Metroparks, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/dining.

Swim Safety
Cleveland Metroparks offers swimming opportunities at several beaches and Ledge Pool. It’s recommended that guests only swim during lifeguarded hours, which begin Saturday, June 3. Swimming and beach conditions are updated during guarded swimming hours and can be found at clevelandmetroparks.com/beaches.
 
Lifeguarded Swimming hours and dates:

 - Edgewater Beach, Huntington Beach, Villa Angela Beach, Wallace Lake and Hinckley Lake Spillway: Guarded daily, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., June 3 through August 13
 - Ledge Pool: Guarded June 3 through August 13, Monday – Friday, Noon – 6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Keep Our Parks Clean
Cleveland Metroparks works hard to keep up with maintenance across the park district. We encourage guests to “pack in, pack out” bring a suitable trash bag for any disposable items you may have. Please help our team by taking home the disposable items you bring into the parks. Guests will be fined for littering.