Geauga Park District
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 guests around the International Dark Sky Park...
For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Autumn at Observatory Park
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 guests around the International Dark Sky Park.
For any programs requiring it, registration is open on the park district website under Programs & Activities. Filter by Astronomy for easy access.
Guided night sky viewing is scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11, 12, 25 and 26, Nov. 8, 9, 22 and 23, and Dec. 13 and 14 (naturalist-led) at Observatory Park’s main campus, as well as Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 (Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society volunteer-led) at Nassau Astronomical Station, accessed via a separate entrance at 10350 Clay St.
Friday evening astronomy education will be offered on Oct. 11 (Edgar Allan Poe’s Universe), Nov. 8 (Make a Spectroscope) and Dec. 13 (Ohio’s Ancient Skywatchers), while similar virtual programs will be presented the following Friday evenings via Zoom: Oct. 25 (Poe) and Nov. 22 (spectroscope).
Naturalist hikes at Observatory Park are scheduled Oct. 13 (Howling with Coyotes), Oct. 17 (Full Moon Hike: The Hunter’s Moon), Nov. 15 (Full Moon Hike: The Beaver Moon) and Dec. 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 Nov. 1.
Finally, “Astro-Nat” Chris presents his The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows on Oct. 27, Nov. 24 and Dec. 15. Bring the whole family to see what one 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 trails totaling almost four miles.
