Photo: NASA
As the Mid-Willamette Valley prepares to welcome visitors for Monday's total solar eclipse, Marion County provides the following reminders and announcements:
Marion County Parks
Marion County parks will be open normal hours on Monday, August 21, with the exception of St. Louis Fish Ponds which will open at 6 a.m. All county parks are day use only and first come, first serve.
There is a $5 daily parking fee for all vehicles that park on the side of North Fork Road and in county parks accessed from North Fork Road including North Fork Park, Salmon Falls Park, Bear Creek Park day use parking and Lomker's Bridge day use area. Parking fee stations are located along North Fork Road and in each park.
Marion County reminds park visitors that the following safety rules apply:
* A burn ban was issued on August 1. No campfires or briquette barbecues are allowed in any county park; however, gas barbecues are allowed.
* Alcohol, glass containers and smoking are prohibited in all county parks.
* Discharge of firearms, ammunition, fireworks and other types of explosives are also prohibited in county parks.
For more information about Marion County parks, visit www.co.marion.or.us/PW/Parks.
Wheatland Ferry opening early August 21
On Monday, August 21, the Wheatland Ferry will open an hour early at 4:30 a.m. in coordination with local eclipse related events. For more information about hours, fees and operating status of either the Wheatland or Buena Vista ferries contact Marion County Public Works at (503) 588-5304 or visit www.co.marion.or.us/PW/ferries/Pages/default.aspx.
Marion County Disposal Sites
All Marion County disposal sites will be closed on Monday, August 21. This includes Salem-Keizer Recycling & Transfer Station, North Marion Recycling & Transfer Station and Brown's Island Demolition Landfill. All disposal sites will return to regular hours on Tuesday, August 22.
With the exception of the county disposal sites, Marion County business offices will be open regular hours on Monday, August 21.
Residential Garbage Service
Residential garbage service will be closed on Monday, August 21, for all of Marion County due to the eclipse. Service will be delayed by one day the balance of the week. For questions, contact your local garbage hauler or the Mid-Willamette Valley Garbage & Recycling Association at (503) 390-4000.