MEDIA CONTACTS:

BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263, rrr@clevelandmetroparks.com

ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com

    Fireworks, cookouts and family are some of the best parts of Fourth of July. Don't miss the opportunity to get out into nature before heading to the next family function.

    So why don't you celebrate the holiday with Cleveland Metroparks with the following Fourth of July programs and specials:

Red, White and Blue Hike

Thursday, July 4 � 10 - 11 a.m.

Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation

Enjoy this fun hike in search for wildlife that is red, white or blue, before the holiday picnics. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660.



Interdependence Day Hike

Thursday, July 4 � 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Watershed Stewardship Center parking lot � West Creek Reservation

Everyday, in so many ways, humans depend on nature. This hike along streamsides, meadow and woods will focus on the amazing interdependencies that are part of the natural environment. Watershed Stewardship Center is located off West Ridgewood Drive, between State and Broadview roads in Parma. For more information, call 440-887-1968.



    Add some green to your red, white and blue. Before you settle into the lawn chairs to enjoy the fireworks, get out and enjoy hitting the links at any of the eight Cleveland Metroparks golf courses!

    Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are open dawn to dusk on Thursday, July 4 - Independence Day.  And, as a bonus on July 4, junior golfers, ages 17 and under, are free after 1 p.m. with a paying adult.

    The eight Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are:

MANAKIKI GOLF COURSE - 18 hole, par 72 -

440-942-2500 - North Chagrin Reservation - 35501 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills

SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE - 18 hole, par 71 & Driving Range -

440-526-4285 - Brecksville Reservation - 9445 Brecksville Road, Brecksville

SHAWNEE HILLS GOLF COURSE - 18 hole, par 71, a Par 3 Course & Driving Range -

440-232-7184 - Bedford Reservation - 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford            

BIG MET GOLF COURSE - 18 hole, par 72 -

440-331-1070 - Rocky River Reservation - 4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park

SENECA GOLF COURSE - 18 hole, par 72 & 18 hole, par 71

440-526-0043 - Brecksville Reservation - 975 Valley Parkway, Broadview Heights

LITTLE MET GOLF COURSE - 9 hole, par 34 -

216-941-9672 - Rocky River Reservation - 18599 Old Lorain Road, Cleveland

MASTICK WOODS GOLF COURSE - 9 hole, par 31 -

216-267-5626 - Rocky River Reservation - 19900 Puritas Road, Cleveland

WASHINGTON GOLF COURSE - 9 hole, par 29 & Driving Range

216-641-1864 - Washington Reservation - 3841 Washington Park Blvd., Newburgh Hts.



    Tee reservations can be made 24/7 by visiting clevelandmetroparks.com or by calling 216-635-3673 (FORE). Tee reservations can be made up to 12 days in advance. Golfers can also obtain course rates and directions via online and phone.

    Don't miss the opportunity to relax and have fun this Fourth of July in Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!

-30-