The grounds at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens will open to the public Friday, April 24, for walking in the gardens, as a service to the community during the pandemic.
Only the gardens and grounds will be open, and the number of guests will be limited to maintain a safe environment. Going forward, hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 to 10 a.m. for seniors, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all guests. The usual admission fee has been waived, although donations will be accepted. Stan Hywet is located at 714 North Portage Path, in Akron.
All guests must adhere to current CDC social distancing guidelines by staying six feet from other guests while they tour the gardens. The Manor House and all other buildings, including restrooms, will remain closed.
Over the past few weeks, conversations with community leaders began for Stan Hywet to consider opening its grounds as a park, giving the public another option while providing enough area to practice social distancing.
With the weather improving, parks and other outdoor spaces have begun to see larger crowds, increasing the need for more options for people to spread out safely during the pandemic. “We are just happy to be able to be a safe resource for the community to get outside and enjoy some relief from the current situation,” said Sean M. Joyce, president & executive director of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. “Stan Hywet is a beautiful place, and we believe that if F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling were still living here today, they’d find a way to help the community during this crisis.
“The gardens are blooming, so we’re delighted that we can share Stan Hywet with the public for garden walks. We look forward to the day when we can open the estate to include Manor House tours and public programs,” Joyce added.
Stan Hywet worked with state and local officials to create a plan that is safe for staff and guests, as well as beneficial to the public during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I am excited to participate with Stan Hywet, Summit County Public Health and Councilwoman Bethany McKenney to offer our residents another opportunity to safely enjoy the outdoors,” says State Representative Bill Roemer. “Stan Hywet’s renowned gardens are unrivaled greenspace in Northeast Ohio and I feel this is a perfect site for my constituents to get out and about in these times of social distancing.”
For info, visit www.stanhywet.org.
