Metro Parks looks to summer

Programming, new buildings and summer fun are on the minds of the Lorain County Metro Parks staff.

During a Metro Parks Board of Directors meeting March 18, they gave an update about how programs will look in the next few months.

“We continue to work with the health district (Lorain County Public Health) on (safety) protocols, and we remain guardedly optimistic that our facilities and programs will be allowed to return to full or close to capacity as we head toward summer,” said Jim Ziemnik, director/secretary of the Lorain County Metro Parks.

Reservations for events within the Metro Parks are expected to continue with the novel coronavirus pandemic restrictions in place, Ziemnik said.

As more vaccines are given to residents and

restrictions are lifted, he said the staff will keep a close eye on monitoring the reservations during March, April and May.

In June, Ziemnik said he believes there could be changes in event space and capacity depending on the next wave of the virus.

“We are slowly, but surely, returning,” he said. “But, we know these things change from day-to-day.”

With Splash Zone in Oberlin reopening this summer and the raptor amphitheatre in Lagrange well underway, Ziemnik said future events and programming are looking pretty good.

However, he said the Metro Parks are prepared for any last minute changes.

“We learned our lesson things change day-to-day,” he said.

Additionally, there are plans for concrete repairs at Lakeview Park, Henry’s Barn and the butterfly house.

With plans for an architect underway, the butterfly house is set to open by early June in time for Father’s Day.

It’s going to be in the same spot as the old one.

The previous house had molding at the base of the posts and the Board of Directors wanted to put a new, slightly larger house, Ziemnik said.

The staff is striving to make the Metro Parks sites enjoyable for everyone, he said.

“It’s more accommodating of the public and circulations; it’s a good accommodation,” Ziemnik said. “... As our parks continue to get record numbers and record visitation, we’re pleased to make that happen.”