CLEVELAND — Cleveland Metroparks is taking steps to encourage social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including closing several roads to motorists to give park users more space for bicycling, running and hiking.
“Cleveland Metroparks has experienced a surge of park visitors over the past several weeks,” said Brian M. Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO. “We want to keep our parks open and be of service to the community during this difficult time but we need everyone to follow proper social distancing. These additional steps will effectively turn some of our roads into 20-foot-wide trails to encourage people to spread out and provide proper distance between other park users.”
According to a Metroparks news release, beginning Wednesday, the following roadways will be closed to motorists to allow for use by pedestrians and bicyclists:
Brecksville Reservation:
- Meadows Drive will be closed to motorists (open to pedestrians/bicyclists) between Chippewa Creek Drive and Valley Parkway
Rocky River Reservation:
- Valley Parkway will be closed to motorists (open to pedestrians/bicyclists) from Spafford Road to Berea Falls
- Hogsback Lane will be closed to motorists (open to pedestrians/bicyclists)
- Rockcliffe Drive will be closed to motorists (open to pedestrians/bicyclists)
South Chagrin Reservation:
- Hawthorn Parkway will be closed to motorists (open to pedestrians/bicyclists) between Route 91 and Arbor Lane
In addition, several outdoor areas and amenities where space is limited will be closed for the immediate future including:
- Edgewater Pier
- Euclid Beach Pier
- Fort Hill Stairs
- Squire’s Castle
- Restrictions to picnic areas
Parking lots will also have restrictions to help reduce crowds. Park guests are encouraged to check clevelandmetroparks.com to see updated major closures.
All upcoming events at Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Zoo remain canceled.
For more information on COVID-19’s impacts to the Metroparks system, click here.
