Cleveland Metroparks Furlough, Cut Salaries Of 650 Employees

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks said 650 employees have either been fully or partially furloughed, had their salaries reduced or been laid off because of the impact of the new coronavirus. Furloughed employees will continue to receive health benefits, the park system announced.

“Unfortunately, while our parks have remained open, many of our operations that serve as revenue sources have been significantly impacted and we have had to temporarily furlough many of our dedicated employees," said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. The park system has closed its restaurant, Merwin's Wharf, its nature shops and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

"Our employees are what have made Cleveland Metroparks one of the top park districts in the country but, with the mandatory closures and restrictions in place due to COVID-19, we are unable to offer many of our annual summer programs and events to the community," Zimmerman added.

The Cleveland Metroparks have taken several steps to cut costs, including suspending employee travel, deferring non-grant related spending and implementing a temporary hiring freeze. The park system is also cancelling its summer concert series and its summer camp offerings.

Anyone who registered for a summer camp program will receive a refund, the park system said.

Rental facilities at the park system will remain closed through Sept. 2020. The eLCee2 Water Taxi and Ledge Pool will also be closed throughout the 2020 season.

The Cleveland Metroparks reservations, marinas and golf courses remain open with safety measures in place to protect guests.

To support the Cleveland Metroparks, visit the park system's website.