CLEVELAND — Whether you spend your days at the beach, the park or even on the lake, expect to see crowds this holiday weekend. That's why the Cleveland Metroparks is encouraging visitors to plan ahead.

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland Metroparks is encouraging holiday weekend visitors to plan ahead

  • In light of Memorial Day weekend crowds, they suggest arriving to places like Edgewater, Whiskey Island and Wendy Park early and to understand that parking lots could be full

  • If there is an emergency at one of the parks, you can call the Metroparks police HQ at 440-333-4911 or contact 911

  • The parks are asking that all visitors do their part to keep their parks tidy

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer across the Emerald Necklace,” reads a Metroparks release. “With more than 25,000 acres to explore, families can enjoy the holiday weekend at a variety of locations with summer dining and concession openings and more.”

In light of Memorial Day weekend crowds, they suggest arriving to places like Edgewater, Whiskey Island and Wendy Park early and to understand that parking lots could be full.

If you are in need of assistance, the Cleveland Metroparks Police will be on patrol by foot, bike, horse and car. If there is an emergency at one of the parks, you can call the Metroparks police HQ at 440-333-4911 or contact 911. The parks direct non-life-threatening calls to 440-331-5530. Police urge visitors from parking in undesignated areas, picnic spots, grassy areas or on medians.

Memorial Day safety tips.

Boat launch access is available at the following locations:

  • Emerald Necklace Marina in Rocky River Reservation
  • Gordon Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation
  • Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Reservation
  • Edgewater Park Boat Launch in Lakefront Reservation

Additionally, the release notes there are public docks at Rivergate Park, along the Cuyahoga River “offering recreational boaters’ opportunities to explore the city’s network of trails that connect to the waterfront, and enjoy nearby Merwin’s Wharf.”

All that time in the sun may cause you to get a little hungry, or maybe you forgot an umbrella to block the sun. You’ll be able to grab food, drinks, and supplies at the various restaurants, shops and concessions that will be open this weekend, including the Edgewater Nature Shop.

Swimming is available at the following locations:

  • Huntington Beach
  • Wallace Lake
  • Edgewater Beach
  • Villa Angela
  • Ledge Pool

“It’s recommended that guests only swim during lifeguarded hours, which begin Saturday, June 1,” the release reads. “All patrons are required to follow Cleveland Metroparks Waterfront Rules and Regulations. Swimming and beach conditions are updated during guarded swimming hours and can be found at clevelandmetroparks.com/beaches.”

If you need to get between the east and west bank of the Flats over the weekend, consider the free eLCee2 Water Taxi service available Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m.

Finally, the parks are asking that all visitors do their part to keep their parks tidy.

“Cleveland Metroparks works hard to keep up with maintenance across the park district,” the release reads. “Guests are encouraged to ‘pack in, pack out’ by bringing a suitable trash bag to dispose items at home. Guests will be fined for littering.”