AKRON, Ohio — With the historic total solar eclipse in Northeast Ohio just three weeks away on April 8, the city of Akron has announced its list of various sites for residents to enjoy the view.
The city plans to make available a mix of community centers, parks, plus a downtown location. According to a release from Akron City Hall, the eclipse event will start at 1:59 p.m. on April 8 as a partial eclipse and will last through 4:29 p.m. Summit County experience the total solar eclipse from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m.
Here is a breakdown of the various eclipse viewing sites in Akron. You can also view all of Akron's eclipse viewing sites on this map.
Community Centers:
The city of Akron plans to have nine community centers open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each center will have approximately 200 pairs of eclipse viewing glasses to distribute. The centers will be open to the public to use the restroom or warm up, but will not have programming for the day. Also, families are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs and spread out on the grounds of each center to view the eclipse.
- Ellet - 2449 Wedgewood Dr.
- Firestone Park - 1480 Girard St.
- Joy Park - 825 Fuller St.
- Kenmore - 880 Kenmore Blvd.
- Lawton Street - 1225 Lawton St.
- Mason Park - 700 E. Exchange St.
- Northwest - 1730 Shatto Ave.
- Reservoir Park - 1735 Hillside Ter.
- Summit Lake - 380 W. Crosier St.
Parks:
You can enjoy the total solar eclipse in one of four large parks in Akron. Registration is free, but will be limited to 300 guests at each site. You must be registered in order to attend the eclipse viewing at one of these park locations and be guaranteed a pair of glasses. Guests should also bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Click on the link to register.
- Patterson Park Ballfields - 955 Patterson Ave.
- Akron Fulton Airport Ballfields - 2125 Triplett Blvd.
- Copley Road Soccer Complex - 1806 Copley Rd.
- Prentiss Park - 1097 Battles Ave.
Downtown Akron:
The city will host an eclipse event in downtown Akron outside at 510 S. Main St. (the parking lot behind Spaghetti Warehouse). Capacity is limited to 2,500 guests and admission is limited to registered guests. Registration is free, but you will have the option to buy reserved parking for $10. Registered guests will also receive an eclipse bag with glasses and other items. Click here to register.
The event will include entertainment options such as a balloon artist and juggler, musicians, reptile show, DJ Jul, face painting, and more. There will be food and beverages available for purchase including alcoholic beverages.
“No matter where you are in the City of Akron, you’ll have a great view for the total Solar Eclipse,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik in a statement. “With safety as our top priority, it’s important to offer options for our residents close to home to experience this rare event. Akron Police and Akron Fire will be helping to keep traffic moving throughout the day as best as possible but residents and guests to our city are reminded not to park on the sides of highways or expressways. Instead, come to one of our many viewing options in the city and enjoy this amazing phenomenon that you can witness in the path of totality right here in Akron.”
The city of Akron says certain downtown city services will be limited in-person after 12 p.m.
More solar eclipse coverage:
- LIST: Solar eclipse events happening in Northeast Ohio on April 8
- April 8 solar eclipse in Ohio: Authorities address plans for public safety
- Cleveland becomes epicenter of upcoming total solar eclipse
- April 8 solar eclipse in Northeast Ohio: Cleveland Metropolitan School District decides to close for the day