KIRTLAND, Ohio — After a three-month hiatus, the Lake Metroparks Farmpark has reopened this weekend.
“Farmpark is not Farmpark without the guests. It really isn’t. It’s just a regular farm,” said event manager Andy McGovern.
All month long, visitors can view maple sugaring demonstrations and mingle with the animals at the newly redesigned Well Bred Shed.
“Baby animals and maple sugar in Northeast Ohio are a sign of spring,” McGovern said.
Back in November, the Farmpark closed its doors because of COVID-19 protocols. Ohio’s wintry temperatures made it a less-than-ideal visiting spot and the indoor areas of the park weren’t equipped to handle guests.
So, the Lake Metroparks retrofitted various areas to accommodate social distancing and they’re now showing off their new digs.
“It’s been 109 days since we closed in November,” said Farmpark Administrator Lee Homyock. “We ripped down walls, rebuilt pens and installed a lot of plexiglass.”
Greeting guests this spring are 10 piglets that are less than two weeks old, four calves and 24 lambs.
“You get a sunny day like today, even though it’s a little cold, you get people here and they just want to come enjoy the baby animals,” McGovern said.
Farmpark’s mission is to provide a connection to our agricultural roots while helping people understand where our food and clothing come from.
“Farming is definitely not an easy job,” livestock manager Layne Lassnick said. “It’s really important to educate the public about what goes on in agriculture. Especially because, you know, farmers make our food.”
Back again are the popular maple sugaring demonstrations. Maple sugaring will take place in and around the Woodland Center throughout the month of March. Maple syrup, candy and maple stirs will be available for sale.
Guests 10 years or older are required to wear face coverings when indoors and one-way directional signage will provide visitors with a safe viewing experience.
The park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
