Columbia Parks and Rec preparing for eclipse events

Several events will take place at Columbia parks this weekend leading up to the solar eclipse on Monday.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Griggs said this weekend is one of the easier events for the department because most of the planning was done by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“They’re just kind of making use of the park and we’re just providing a lot of supporting activities leading up to the event,” he said.

Griggs said still most department staff will be working throughout the weekend. He said it’s hard to compare the eclipse event with other park events due to the unknown.

“We don’t know if we’re going to have 40,000 people or 400,000 people, so it’s going to be a unique event for us,” he said. “We’re preparing for a lot of people, but I don’t think you can totally prepare for a once in a lifetime event.”

An extra cell tower has been set up at Cosmo Park to help with cell service throughout the weekend. Parks and Rec officials said 16 Columbia police officers will be at the park Sunday and Monday.

Free shuttles will run from Columbia Mall to Cosmo Park on Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.