An astronomy park named for the late astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn opens today in Hocking Hills State Park.
The John Glenn Astronomy Park's grand opening coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Friends of Hocking Hills State Park led development and funding of the park, raising 1.5 million of its 1.6 million dollar goal. Board president Julianne Burroughs says Glenn agreed to lend his name to the park shortly before passing away in December of 2016.
Among the highlights of the park, an enclosed 540-square-foot observatory featuring a retractable roof that allows night sky viewing.
Burroughs says the park and observatory are free to the public and accessible anytime aside from special events and programming. Visitors may also bring their own telescopes. She says her group hopes to help school districts fund field trips in the future.