Community Information Sheet for April 8, 2024 Eclipse
Rob Montgomery
On April 8th, Cuyahoga County communities will be in the path of the total solar eclipse – promising nearly four minutes of darkness in the middle of the afternoon as the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, an event that won’t happen here again until the year 2444. It is anticipated that we will have many visitors to the region. This will more than likely result in parking, traffic and related issues. We anticipate a significant number of residents and visitors will find their way to our parks. We encourage residents to travel on foot or by bicycle, if possible. Kindness, respect and patience will be the words of the day. Below you will find important information regarding City operations for that day. While we are anticipating large crowds it is all weather dependent, of course.
911 is for emergency calls only, not for information purposes. Questions should be directed to 440-331-0600 or 440-331-1234.
Refuse collection will be delayed one day the week of April 8, as it will be difficult to safely collect refuse during the eclipse traffic.
Service Dept personnel will be deployed to our parks to serve as park attendants for the day. In addition, Rocky River Police Department personnel will also have a presence in the parks.
The Rocky River Police Department’s Bike Patrol will be out and about in the City of Rocky River, as well as the Marine Patrol on the river and lakeshore. Click here for boating safety tips.
Rocky River Police will not enforce the overnight parking ban on City streets, but will enforce the no parking on the fire hydrant side of the street.
Cellphone systems may be overloaded during the eclipse and thus may be inoperable.
City parks will be closed the night prior to April 8 with no overnight parking or camping in the parks allowed; they will be opened at approximately 6:30 a.m. on April 8. Restrooms will be open and operating, as well as additional port-o-potties and trash receptacles.
All tents, shelters, and the like are prohibited in the parks.
No amplification devices are permitted in the parks.
Dogs must be kept on a 6’ leash while in city parks.
Park space is on a first come-first served basis.
Alcohol use in City parks, public property, or on the public streets is not permitted.
The sale of items on public property is prohibited.
No personal fireworks. This includes novelty fireworks such as sparklers and smoke bombs.
If you are hosting a party and plan to use valet parking, the valets are not permitted to park on the city streets, but need to have appropriate parking accommodations on private property.
The City is not allowing any block parties or food trucks.
Any City run construction projects will be on hold and no work will be performed on them on April 8.
If you are planning to have work done at your home that day, you may want to consider rescheduling.
The Building Department will not be scheduling inspections that day.
City Hall offices will be open, but will be closed to the public beginning at noon.
The Recreation Department will be open normal hours, hosting an open gym. Group fitness classes will be canceled.
The Senior Center will close at 1 pm. There are no transportation services available through the Senior Center on April 8.
City Council has cancelled their meeting the evening of April 8.