Park district offers eclipse programming, safety tips and eclipse glasses for purchase
Summit Metro Parks is your guide to eclipse preparedness, offering free eclipse-focused programming leading up to the main event on April 8, 2024. Visitors are encouraged to attend a program to enhance their eclipse-viewing experience from the comfort of their homes.
Because Summit County is in the path of totality, authorities are anticipating a significant number of tourists. Residents and travelers should expect difficult travel conditions and extremely limited parking on eclipse day. Local residents are strongly encouraged to enjoy the eclipse from their own homes. Because Summit County and the Greater Akron area will be in the path of totality, the view from your own back yard will be as exquisite as any other countywide location!
Please remember to view the eclipse safely, through specialized eye protection for solar viewing (eclipse glasses). Viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. A limited quantity of eclipse glasses are available for purchase at Maple Leaf Gifts, the park district’s gift shop, located inside the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center (1828 Smith Rd., Akron). Eclipse glasses are $2, limit 10 per person. Please call for availability: 330-865-8065. You can also create your very own DIY cereal box eclipse viewer!
If visiting a Metro Park ahead of, during or following the eclipse, please keep in mind the importance of parking only in designated parking spaces and walking in areas meant for foot traffic, like marked trails and picnic areas. Outside of designated areas, vehicular and foot traffic can damage natural park resources and pose a serious safety hazard for visitors.
Drivers must stay on established roads and commercial vehicles are prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to review park rules and regulations in advance at https://www.summitmetroparks.org/rules-and-regulations.aspx.
For more information about the eclipse, including a list of eclipse programs, visit www.summitmetroparks.org/solar-eclipse-2024.aspx.