Fairlawn Rotary Observatory

Fairlawn Rotary Observatory
Bath Nature Preserve
4160 Ira Road
Bath, Ohio
Email: summitcountyastronomy@gmail.com

Exterior of the Summit County Astronomy Club Observatory at the Bath Nature Preserve. Photo by James Guilford

It is a beautiful Universe. The Summit County Astronomy Club is a 501(C)3 organization to create curiosity about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through exploration of the Universe. Star gazing at Bath Nature Preserve on announced nights and solar observing at various locations. We are also on Facebook at” https://www.facebook.com/SummitCountyAstronomy/info

— Paraphrased from the group’s Meetup page

Located within the Bath Nature Preserve, the Fairlawn Rotary Observatory is operated by the Summit County Astronomy Club. The facility was dedicated June 10, 2018. It is a medium-sized building with roll-off roof exposing the sky to several pier-mounted telescopes installed within. Free public observing programs are available, announced and coordinated via Meetup.com.

During the summer of 2021, a second observatory building was added to the Fairlawn Rotary Observatory. Photo by James Guilford.
During the summer of 2021, a second observatory building was added to the Fairlawn Rotary Observatory. Photo by James Guilford.

In May 2021 work began to double the size of the facility, adding a second building to the observatory that summer.

Duck, or you’ll see stars! Clever highlight warns of low clearance under the roof run-off rails.
Fairlawn Rotary Observatory Interior -- Photo credit: Summit County Astronomy Club
Panoramic view of the observatory’s interior includes several telescopes on adjustable “elevator” piers. Photo Credit: Summit County Astronomy Club.