Cleveland Metroparks has drone regulations which specify what, where, and when you can fly a drone in their regional parks. I created this page to provide some additional information about those sites, and distill their regulations page into a table that’s easy to understand and use. The least restrictive sites are listed toward the top of the table.
There are three sites specified for year-round flying, plus six golf course fairways listed as available for drone use in the winter (November 1 to March 15). Except for those sites, it is against Metroparks’ rules to fly drones anywhere in the parks. All drones must weigh less than 4.4 lbs (2 kg).
Beyond Metroparks’ rules there are FAA airspace restrictions, which means some of these sites can never be used. Known airspace restrictions are noted below. I do my best to keep this list up to date, but you should consult an app such as B4YouFly or Airmap or Kittyhawk for temporary airspace restrictions (NOTAMs, TFRs, etc) and the most current information.
| Site | Available | Map | Airspace | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polo Fields at South Chagrin Reservation | Year Round | (map) | - | - |
| Top O' Ledges at Hinkley Reservation | Year Round | (map) | - | - |
| Main Street Diamond at Mill Stream Run | Year Round | (map) | FAA Authorization Required (Hopkins). Max altitude 300 ft. AGL | See site notes. |
| Fairways at Seneca Golf Course | Nov 1 - Mar 15 | (map) | - | See golf course notes, below. |
| Fairways at Washington Golf Course | Nov 1 - Mar 15 | (map) | FAA Authorization Required (Burke) | See golf course notes, below. |
| Fairways at Little Met Golf Course | NOT ALLOWED | (map) | Authorization unavailable due to LAANC altitude limits. | |
| Fairways at Big Met Golf Course | NOT ALLOWED | (map) | Authorization unavailable due to LAANC altitude limits. | |
| Fairways at Mastick Woods Golf Course | NOT ALLOWED | (map) | Authorization unavailable due to LAANC altitude limits. | |
| Fairways at Shawnee Hills Golf Course | NOT ALLOWED | (map) | Drone Use Prohibited due to CVNP airspace restrictions. | - |
Golf Course Notes
When flying on golf courses, be sure to follow these additional restrictions:
- Must not interfere with any other users’ activities (snowshoeing, XC skiing, etc.)
- Not permitted from any course greens or tees
- Not permitted if course is open for golf
- Not permitted Mar 16 – Oct 31
- Not permitted at Sleepy Hollow or Manakiki courses
Map of Cleveland Metroparks Drone Sites
Green: No Restrictions
Yellow: Airspace Restrictions or Seasonal Restrictions
Red: Prohibited (See table for additional details.)
References
Cleveland Metroparks Drone Regulations
Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses