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Why Michael Zone Rec Center organizers say it's the 'best' place to watch the solar eclipse

Site manager Monica Lelutiu says the rec center has ample green space to allow the best position and best view of the sun.

CLEVELAND — On a cloudy day, Terminal Tower can be seen from the west side of Cleveland. That's why organizers at the Michael Zone Recreation Center on Lorain Avenue say it could be the best place to see the solar eclipse on April 8. 

Monica Lelutiu, site manager at the recreation center, says it's the perfect place for an eclipse watch party. 

"We're going to have games, activities, food," Lelutiu said.

She says Zone Rec has ample green space to allow the best position and best view of the sun.

"We are going to have a beautiful view at 3 o'clock," Lelutiu said. "It'll be straight on from here. We are going to have seating available."

RELATED: April 8 solar eclipse: These Ohio locations will spend the longest time in totality

A beautiful view Miles Siegel wants to share with his friends. 

"It's nice, because I will know everyone that's there with me because I come here a lot."

Zone Rec is a place where everyone knows your name, and it's what Siegal wants for his son when the drama in the sky begins.

"I have seen a lot Lake Erie, people like to see it over Lake Erie. But anywhere where there is some community will be fun to watch it," Siegal said.

The city of Cleveland has 21 recreation centers and will open up 17 locations to get in on the fun without costing you a dime. Watch parties at all rec centers are free and include a limited amount of eclipse glasses.

But pay close attention to this: At Zone Rec, parking is limited, though there are options. 

Partygoers can take the redline here and avoid traffic all together. The I-90 corridor runs right past it if you decide to take the chance and drive. 

Lelutiu says is as far west of metro Cleveland one could get to see the solar eclipse.

"This is a very large location, so I'm hoping we get as many as would like to be here," Lelutiu said. "So hopefully you can come as well."

The rec centers open during the eclipse include: 

  • Lonnie Burten
  • Collinwood
  • Cudell
  • Frederick Douglas
  • Estabrook
  • Fairfax
  • Gunning
  • Halloran
  • Hamilton
  • Glenville
  •  Kovacic
  • Thurgood Marshall
  • Zelma George
  • Woodland
  • Michael Zone
  • Stella Walsh 
  • Earle B. Turner

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