Geauga Park District unveils spring events at Observatory Park

Editorial staff, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Apr. 23—Geauga Park District has unveiled events taking place this spring at Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St. in Montville Township.

The park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. now through Memorial Day, then 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. through Labor Day, and naturalists including Chris Mentrek, are eager to show visitors around the International Dark Sky Park this spring, the district stated in a news release.

To kick off the warmer weather, outdoor movie nights return to Observatory Park this spring beginning with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (PG-13) on June 24. Costumes are welcome and attendees should bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments, the release stated.

The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m., moving indoors in case of inclement weather.

For those who want to try out a variety of park telescopes to view the night sky, walk-up guided night sky viewing will be held the following Fridays and Saturdays from dark until 11 p.m.: April 28 and 29, May 12, 26 and 27, and June 9, 10 and 23.

If cloudy, there will be a planetarium show instead.

Additionally, members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will host walk-up night sky viewing at Nassau Astronomical Station, accessed by a different entrance to the park, the following Saturdays from dark until 11 p.m.: April 22, May 20 and June 17. Nassau nights are cancelled by cloudy weather, though, so so it is recommended people check the district's website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, and social media before coming out.

Summer Solstice Day is June 21, and Geauga Park District will be celebrating this year with a full day of special themed programming. At Observatory Park, registration is still open for a Sunrise Walk at 6 a.m. and a Solar Noon Walk at 1 p.m.

For those with horses, register to ride this park during a morning or afternoon Horseback Trail Ride on June 18.

Registration is also required for Friday evening astronomy programs, followed by weather-dependent night sky viewings, on the topics of "Lewis & Clark's Nine Stars" on May 12 or virtually on May 26 and "The Universe in 10 Stars" on June 9 or virtually on June 23. Links to participate in virtual programs are emailed before the programs themselves, the release stated.

Mentrek will present his Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows inside the Robert McCullough Science Center the following Sundays at both 2 and 3 p.m.: April 30, May 28 and June 25. Register for your 45-minute time slot while there's still space.