Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day, and naturalists including “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek are eager to show you around your International Dark Sky Park!
For any programs requiring it, registration is already open at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
This fall’s guided night sky viewing is scheduled the following Fridays and Saturdays: October 11, 12, 25 and 26, November 8, 9, 22 and 23, and December 13 and 14 (naturalist-led) at Observatory Park’s main campus, as well as October 19, November 16 and December 21 (Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society volunteer-led) at Nassau Astronomical Station, accessed via a separate entrance at 10350 Clay Street.
Friday evening astronomy education will be offered on October 11 (Edgar Allan Poe’s Universe), November 8 (Make a Spectroscope) and December 13 (Ohio’s Ancient Skywatchers), while similar virtual programs will be presented the following Friday evenings via Zoom: October 25 (Poe) and November 22 (spectroscope).
Naturalist hikes at Observatory Park are scheduled this season for Sunday, October 13 (Howling with Coyotes), Thursday, October 17 (Full Moon Hike: The Hunter’s Moon), Friday, November 15 (Full Moon Hike: The Beaver Moon) and Sunday, December 15 (Full Moon Hike: The Bear Moon).
For young people ages 3 to 5 with an adult, space remains for Astrotots: Animals in Space on Friday, November 1. For young people in grades 6 through 12 (and actually anyone who wishes to join in), space also remains for Geauga Skywatchers: Navigate the Night Sky on Monday, October 7; register for the latter through Geauga County Public Library’s website.
And last but certainly not least, “Astro-Nat” Chris presents his awesome The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows on Sundays, October 27, November 24 and December 15. Bring the whole family to see what you can see on a dark night simply by looking up.
Geauga Park District’s mobile-friendly website is available 24/7 to learn more about Observatory Park, its features and its trails totaling almost four miles. By all means, enjoy!
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.
