Water Taxi returns with free service to and from the East and West Bank of the Flats
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, and Cleveland Metroparks wants to make sure all guests celebrate safely. With more than 24,000 acres to explore, families can enjoy the holiday weekend at a variety of locations. Cleveland Metroparks eLCee2 Water Taxi also returns with free rides to and from the East and West Bank of the Flats starting Saturday, May 29.
Due to the expected high visitation at Edgewater Park this weekend, all guests are encouraged to arrive at Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island, Wendy Park and all other marinas and yacht clubs by early afternoon. Vehicular access to park entrances will close as the parking lots reach capacity.
Cleveland Metroparks Police will be present on foot, bikes, in patrol cruisers and on horseback to assist in parking and safety. In case of emergency, please notify Cleveland Metroparks Police Headquarters immediately by calling
440-333-4911 or 911. Non-life-threatening situations should be reported to Cleveland Metroparks Police at
440-331-5530. To further ensure everyone's safety this holiday weekend, Cleveland Metroparks Police ask that you do not park in undesignated areas, in picnic areas or in grassy areas/on medians.
Keep Our Parks Clean
Cleveland Metroparks works hard to keep up with maintenance across the park district. We encourage guests to “pack in, pack out” bring a suitable trash bag for any disposable items you may have. Please help our team by taking home the disposable items you bring into the parks. Guests will be fined for littering.
eLCee2 Water Taxi
Cleveland Metroparks eLCee2 Water Taxi service returns with free boat rides to and from the East and West Bank of the Flats on Saturdays & Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.
The 26-foot canopied Crosby yacht provides a connection to/from the East and West Bank of The Flats, under the Main Avenue Bridge. The water taxi is ADA accessible and dog friendly. With nearby trail connections, the water taxi provides guests greater access to recreational opportunities along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.
Water Rentals & Boat Safety
Cleveland Metroparks offers a wide variety of summer water recreation opportunities, including swimming, boating and water rentals.
Water rentals kick-off at the Hinckley Lake Boathouse and Store Friday, May 28. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available to rent. Reservations must be completed online at
clevelandmetroparks.com/waterrentals. No walk-up rentals are permitted.
For paddlers enjoying the Cuyahoga River, be on the lookout for freighters navigating the river. NEVER stay in the middle of the river when a freighter is approaching. A freighter’s thrusters allow it to turn and can be very dangerous to paddlers. For paddlers’ safety, it is best to monitor the location of freighters using a handheld VHF radio and/or AIS system (such as marinetraffic.com-online or as an app). Once a freighters’ location is known, paddlers should ideally get out of the water and watch them pass. If not possible, get to one of the designated passing zones.
For boaters, please be aware of all locations with public boat launch access. Cleveland Metroparks offers public boat launch access at the Emerald Necklace Marina in Rocky River Reservation, Gordon Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation, Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Reservation as well as the Edgewater Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation.
Swim Safety
Cleveland Metroparks offers swimming opportunities at several beaches and Ledge Pool. It’s recommended that guests only swim during lifeguarded hours, which begin Saturday, June 5. Swimming and beach conditions are updated during guarded swimming hours and can be found at
clevelandmetroparks.com/beaches.
Guarded Swimming hours and dates:
- Edgewater Beach, Huntington Beach, Villa Angela Beach: daily, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., June 5 through August 8, then Saturday & Sunday only through and including Labor Day
- Ledge Pool: daily noon - 6 p.m., June 5 through August 15
- Hinckley Lake Spillway: Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., June 5 through August 8
- Wallace Lake: Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., June 5 through August 8
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