The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
BACK ON THE FARM
Lake Metroparks Farmpark opens after more than 3 months
“The playground is open, barriers have been created and other protocols will also be observed, including remaining six feet apart.” — Executive Director Paul Palaygi
It’s been a long 98 days. That’s the amount of time Lake Metroparks Farmpark, one of the park system’s most popular sites, was closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Reopening June 19 with a modified schedule — Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, for now — and limited offerings, the property welcomed a steady stream of visitors, a little over 300, by midday.
The property will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice, noted Executive Director Paul Palaygi.
“Families are excited to get out and see the animals, so we’re glad we got the news to reopen, and we appreciate the help from the Lake County General Health District to maintain a system of social distancing,”
he said. “The playground is open, barriers have been created (at the admissions desk and gift shop) and other protocols will also be observed, including remaining six feet apart. We also encourage guests to bring their own hand sanitizer.”
One-way directional signage has also been placed on the grounds to provide guests with a safe viewing experience in the park. Face coverings are encouraged, but not required.
Despite restricted access at the park, the Trost family of Wickliffe enjoyed getting out to an old favorite spot, especially 3-year-old Erin, who was visiting for the first time.
“She likes animals so it was a lot of fun to bring her here to see them live,” said Sheryl Trost. “Her favorite part, other than the cows, especially the baby, was the border collies and the sheep. The kids like this a lot better than the zoo. It just feels more personal.”
That baby, in fact, is Eleanor, a red Holstein heifer calf born June 3. Farmpark Administrator Lee Homyock and staff helped
bring Eleanor out to greet the Trosts.
“I’m impressed,” said Erin, to the laughter and smiles of her family. “It’s very cool.”
With rain passing quickly earlier in the day, the weather turned sunny and mildly warm, an inviting factor, according to Homyock.
“The fear of storms chased a few people away, but throughout the day we’ve seen more people coming in, especially in the late afternoon,” he said. “We’re very happy people are enjoying themselves, and the interpreters are doing a great job.”
Regular Farmpark admission
will be charged for ages 2 and older. Farmpark members receive free entrance to the park. Memberships set to expire after March 1, 2020, will be extended 98 days.
Describing stages of reopening, Palaygi said action moving forward will be gauged on continued public interest.
“As it stands, we’re not sure about when we’ll have full access,” he added. “This has been a learning experience for everyone and we look forward to increasing access as time goes on.”
For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com/ farmpark.