Privacy Notice

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Thank you for your interest in Cleveland Metroparks and welcome to our Privacy Notice. This Privacy Notice describes the types of personal information that Cleveland Metroparks and its respective third parties collect, how we use it, how and when it may be shared, and the rights and choices you have with respect to your information. Specifically, this Privacy Notice describes (i) the types of information we may collect from you when you use any of our websites (collectively, “Website”), the Cleveland Metroparks Mobile Application (“App”), when you otherwise engage with us or visit our parks (collectively referred to as “Services”), (ii) our practices for using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information, and (iii) the rights and responsibilities you may have with respect to such information.

By providing us with personal information, or by using the Services, you signify your assent to this Privacy Notice and consent to the collection and use of information in the manner described herein.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

For purposes of this Privacy Notice, the term “personal information” refers to any information that, either alone or in conjunction with other data, can be used to distinguish or identify a particular individual and that is subject to, or otherwise afforded protection under, an applicable law, statute, or regulation governing data privacy or security.

PUBLIC RECORDS

Subject to certain statutory exemptions, the documents and records maintained by Cleveland Metroparks, including electronic data, are considered public records under Ohio law. Therefore, any information, including personal information, you submit to Cleveland Metroparks, including through the Services, may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to a public record request. For instructions on how to submit a public records request, please visit this webpage(Opens in a new window)

THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Cleveland Metroparks collects personal information and other data under a broad range of circumstances. When you do not provide personal information to us (as requested), you may not be able to use the Services, we may not be able to provide you the services you need, and/or we may not be able to complete a transaction, and you agree that Cleveland Metroparks will not be liable or otherwise responsible for any actions resulting therefrom. Generally, we collect the following categories and types of personal information and data directly from you when you use the Services or otherwise engage with us:

TECHNICAL DATA

The Services employ certain tools and technologies to collect additional personal information and technical data, including usage data, metadata, device data, location data, cookies, and tracking data (collectively, “Technical Data”), which is described as follows:

Usage Data: When you access and use the Services, we may automatically collect details of your access to and use of the Services, including traffic data, usage logs, and other communication data, and the resources that you access and use on or through the Services (e.g., browsing history, search history). We may also collect information about your device and internet connection, including the device’s unique device identifier (e.g., device type, IMEI, Wi-Fi MAC, IP address), operating system, browser type, and mobile network information. The Services may collect “diagnostic” data related to your use of the Services, such as crash data and logs, performance data (e.g., launch time, hang rate, or energy use), and any other data collected for the purposes of measuring technical diagnostics.

Metadata and Device Data: The Services may access metadata and other information associated with files stored on your device, such as photographs, audio and video clips, personal contacts, and address book information.

Location Data: We may collect information about the imprecise or approximate location of your device, such as information derived from your device (e.g., based on a browser or device’s IP address). We may also use location-based technology when you are in or around our parks or when you use our Services to collect information about the presence of your device, if your Bluetooth is turned on, and your device settings allow for this. For most mobile devices, you can disable the collection of location information by turning off location services on your device. If you block the use of location data, some parts of the Services may become inaccessible or not function properly.

Proximity Data: We may collect information about the distance between your device and other devices or beacons (e.g., via Bluetooth signals or Wi-Fi pings) if your Bluetooth is turned on, and your device settings allow for this. For most mobile devices, you can disable the collection of proximity information by turning off Bluetooth and location services on your device.

Geolocation Data: We may collect information about the precise, real-time location of your device (e.g., GPS latitude and longitude), consistent with your device settings. We may also use location-based technology in or around our parks to collect information about the presence of your device, if your Bluetooth is turned on and your device settings allow for this. We may collect this location information or derive it from your GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other location-based technology for purposes of facilitating the Services, such as to provide you with information about Services and attractions near you, to enable you to remotely order and pay for our Services, or so that you may have certain products or services provided to you by a third-party vendor. 

You can choose whether to allow the Services to collect and use information about your device’s location. If you block the use of location data, some parts of the Services may become inaccessible or not function properly. For most mobile devices, you can disable the collection of geolocation information by turning off location services on your device. If you have any questions about how to prevent Cleveland Metroparks from collecting your geolocation, we recommend you contact your mobile device service provider or the device manufacturer. Certain Cleveland Metroparks Mobile App features and some Cleveland Metroparks Services may not work properly without information about your location. You can re-enable the collection of geolocation information, at any time, by turning on location services on your device.Cookies and Tracking Data: We use “cookies” and other tracking technologies within the Services. A cookie is a small file placed on your smartphone or other device. It may be possible to refuse to accept cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your smartphone or device. However, if you select this setting, some parts of the Services may become inaccessible or not function properly. For more information, see the “Cookies” section below. In addition, the Services may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit us to analyze data on your use of the Services (e.g., recording the popularity of certain content and verifying system and server integrity). The Services may collect data about the advertisements you have seen or engaged.

The Services collect Technical Data on a consistent and reoccurring basis, unless your device settings are updated to prevent such collection. We use this Technical Data in accordance with the terms and disclosures set forth in this Privacy Notice.

Cookies: As part of the Services, we use cookies to store and, at times, track information about you. A cookie is a small amount of data that is sent to your browser and stored on your device’s hard drive. Generally, we use cookies to (i) remind us who you are and enable us to access your account information so you do not have to re-enter it; (ii) access your transaction history when you use the Services over time and engage in additional transactions; (iii) gather statistical information about usage by registered or unregistered users; (iv) research visiting patterns, and help target advertisements based on your interests; and (v) track progress and participation in promotions. Preference and options configurations in your browser determine if and how a cookie will be accepted. You may be able to change those configurations on your device. Please consult your specific browser instructions to learn more about these features. By changing your preferences, you may be able to accept all cookies, be notified when a cookie is set, or reject all cookies. If cookies are disabled, you may be required to re-enter your information in the Services more often and certain features of the Services may be unavailable or not function properly.

Additionally, we have integrated Google Analytics into our Website. The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA. Google Analytics is a web analytics service that uses cookies for the gathering, collection, and analysis of data about the behavior of Website visitors. Among other things, a web analysis service collects data on which website a user has come from (so-called “referring sites”), which subpages were accessed, and how often and for what period of time a page was viewed. Information gathered in this manner is mainly used to optimize a website and its content, and for tailored internet advertising to make the advertisements you see online more relevant to you. The information gathered by Google Analytics about your use of this website is usually transmitted to and stored in a Google server in the USA. Google might transfer the personal information collected via this procedure to third parties. More information about how Google may use your data can be found at: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en(Opens in a new window). You can view and adjust the information Google has collected about you by following this link: https://adssettings.google.com(Opens in a new window). Finally, you may opt out of this service and prevent the collection of the data generated by the Google Analytics cookie related to your use of the website (including your IP address) by Google as well as the processing of this data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en(Opens in a new window). This browser add-on informs Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data and information about website visits may be transmitted to Google Analytics.

Third-Party Collection and Tracking: When you visit the parks and when you use the Services, certain third parties may use automatic information collection technologies to collect information about you or your device. These third parties may include advertisers, advertising networks, and advertising servers; business analytics and location analytics companies; your mobile device manufacturer; and, your mobile service provider. These third parties may use tracking technologies to collect information about you when you are in or around the parks or use the Services. Certain third parties may collect aggregated geolocation and proximity data (if you have enabled your device to disclose location information), time and date information, and dwell time near points of interest, as determined through beacon, Wi-Fi, and other signals. The information they collect may be associated with your personal information or they may collect information, including personal information, about your online activities over time and across different websites, apps, and other Services websites. They may use this information to provide you with interest-based (behavioral) advertising or other targeted content. We do not control the tracking technologies employed by third parties or how they may be used. If you have any questions about an advertisement or other targeted content, you should contact the responsible third-party provider directly.

HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE INFORMATION

Cleveland Metroparks does not sell or rent the personal information that we collect without your permission. Generally, we use and disclose your information in the following manner:

• We rely upon third parties for important elements of our services, including the Services, and we will provide your personal information to certain third parties, such as service providers and contractors, payment processors, financial service providers so that they can do their job or provide you the services you have requested.
• We may share your personal information with third parties, such as other government agencies, to provide security services and protect against fraud.
• We may use your personal information to improve our marketing and promotional efforts, to statistically analyze usage of the parks and the Services, to improve our content and product offerings and to customize the content, layout, and services related to the Services.
• We may use your personal information to deliver information to you that, in some cases, is targeted to your interests. We may ask you to voluntarily provide us  with additional information regarding your personal or business interests, experience, or requests, which we may use to customize our services for you.
• We may use your personal information, including your email address, your mailing address, and telephone number, to contact you regarding administrative notices, new services, and communications relevant to your use of the Services. If you do not wish to receive these communications, please contact us at [email protected].
• We may also use or disclose your personal information to resolve disputes, investigate problems or concerns related to Cleveland Metroparks, or enforce this Privacy Notice, our Terms of Use or purchase agreements or other contracts.
• We may disclose or access your personal information whenever (i) we believe in good faith that the law so requires, (ii) we consider it necessary to maintain service and improve our products and services, including the Services, or (iii) we reasonably believe such disclosure furthers our legitimate interests.
• We may use your personal information for any other reason to which you provide consent or otherwise as set forth in this Privacy Notice.

We may remove personal identifiers from the personal information we collect and maintain in a de-identified and aggregate form. We may combine such de-identified information with other information to provide anonymous and aggregated statistical information for use by us or our service providers to improve our information, products, or services, including the Services. We may disclose such de-identified and aggregated information about you without restriction.

SECURITY

We employ reasonable security methods to prevent unauthorized access to, maintain accuracy about, and ensure correct use of, your personal information. We use third-party payment processors and/or financial service providers to process credit card transactions through the Services and the third-party payment processors and/or financial service providers are responsible for complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. If you establish an account with us through the Services, your account information and profile will be password-protected. We recommend that you do not divulge your password to anyone. Our staff will never ask you for your password in an unsolicited telephone call or in an unsolicited email. Remember to sign out of your account and close your browser window when you have finished your session.

Whenever you voluntarily disclose personal information online (e.g., on message boards, through email or in chat areas) that information can be collected and used by others. No data transmission over the Internet or any wireless network can be guaranteed to be perfectly secure. As a result, although we try to protect your personal information, we cannot ensure or guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us, and you do so at your own risk. In the event you believe your username and/or password to our Services has been compromised, you must contact us immediately with respect to the same and immediately change your username and/or password.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are permitted, and hereby agree, to only provide personal information to us if such personal information is accurate, reliable, and relevant to our relationship with you and only to the extent such disclosure will not violate any applicable data protection law, statute, or regulation or infringe upon any individual’s data privacy rights or privileges. IF YOU PROVIDE US WITH ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF OR A THIRD PARTY, YOU EXPRESSLY REPRESENT AND WARRANT TO US THAT (I) YOU HAVE THE FULL RIGHT AND AUTHORITY TO DISCLOSE SUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION TO US, (II) WE CAN USE SUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PRIVACY NOTICE, AND (III) YOU ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH HEREIN. You also agree to fully reimburse us for any damages, losses, or expenses that arise based on your violation of your representations, warranties, and responsibilities set forth in this Privacy Notice.

DATA RETENTION

Information, including personal information, that is provided to, or otherwise collected by, Cleveland Metroparks is subject to our records retention schedules, which may be accessed here(Opens in a new window). Cleveland Metroparks’ administrative office based in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States and the personal information that we collect and process is retained and stored in the United States. Please be aware that Ohio and the United States may not provide the same level of protection of personal information as in your country, state, or jurisdiction of residence.

UPDATING AND DELETING YOUR ACCOUNT

You can use features within the Services to correct, delete, or deactivate your account. However, Cleveland Metroparks is a government agency, and even if you delete or deactivate your account, we may need to retain copies of your records, including your personal information, to satisfy legal and regulatory obligations or defend or promote our interests.

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 YEARS OLD

The Services are not intended for children under the age of sixteen (16) and such children should never provide Cleveland Metroparks with personal information, without the express, verifiable consent of your parent or guardian. If such a child has provided us with personal information without parental or guardian consent, the parent or guardian should contact us about the same.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to ensure that every person has access to information related to our products and services, including this Privacy Notice. Please contact us if you would like this Privacy Notice provided in an alternative format and we will seek to meet your needs.

USER CONTRIBUTIONS

In certain circumstances, you may be able to provide information for publication or display (“Posted”) on public areas of the Services (collectively, “User Contributions”). Your User Contributions are Posted and transmitted to others at your own risk. Additionally, we cannot control the actions of third parties who have access to your User Contributions. Therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee that your User Contributions will not be viewed by unauthorized persons.

ONLINE EVENTS AND TELECONFERENCING

We host and use video teleconferencing platforms to facilitate the Services and conferences, meetings, training events, and other programs. We often use online platforms that are owned and administered by third-party service providers (e.g., Zoom, Cisco, or Microsoft). Please be aware that our video teleconferencing may record the content, sessions, conversations, and discussions thereon, and such records may be stored or retained by us or our third-party service providers. By participating in these events and video teleconferencing, or by using the Services, you hereby consent to the collection and retention of any information provided therein, and hereby consent to the recording of such activities.

THIRD PARTY PRACTICES

The privacy practices and policies of an advertiser, payment processor, promotional service, and any other third party that you may contact through our Services may differ from our Privacy Notice. We encourage you to read any applicable third-party Privacy Notice before responding to an offer or dealing with a third-party. As a resource to you, the Services may include links to third-party websites. For the avoidance of doubt, our Privacy Notice does not apply to such third-party websites, and you should contact such third parties directly for information regarding their privacy policies.

CHANGES TO THE PRIVACY NOTICE

We may, in our sole discretion, amend and update this Privacy Notice to reflect changing legal, regulatory or operational requirements or to account for our legitimate interests. If we make material changes to this Privacy Notice, we will notify you of the same by changing the “Last Updated” date identified above to reflect the date in which the changes have been made and are effective. If you do not accept any of the changes we make to this Privacy Notice, you must immediately discontinue your use of the Services and deactivate your account with us.

CONTACT US

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Notice, please email Cleveland Metroparks at [email protected] or mail us at the following address: The Cleveland Metroparks, ATTN: Data Privacy, 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144.