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Rivergate Park
Rivergate Park is located directly adjacent to the Cuyahoga River in the center of Cleveland's industrial Flats and is the new home of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and the future location of a City of Cleveland skateboard park, a new 2.4 acre public park and Cleveland Metroparks' Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO), which will include a canoe/kayak launch facility and public rest rooms. The site is located adjacent to Hart Crane Park and to nearby Heritage Parks I and II, Settler's Landing Park and the future Canal Basin Park and Towpath Trail.
The project will significantly upgrade public access to the riverfront and improve the aesthetic appearance of the property. Reclamation of this site will also enhance the habitat of migratory birds which have been sighted near the Rivergate Park site. Retrofitting the former clubhouse of what was formerly a private marina into the new center for Cleveland Metroparks' IGO will bring significantly more people to the area, which is likely to educate visitors and stimulate interest in the river’s health and the surrounding habitat. Rivergate Park will be an important symbol of transforming the Flats as a regional destination and provide ecological restoration while serving the recreational needs of residents from both local neighborhoods and the broader northeast Ohio region.
Mill Creek Connector Trail
Cleveland Metroparks completed Phase I of the Mill Creek Connector Trail from the Towpath Trail through Bacci Park in Cuyahoga Heights in 2008. Phase II, anticipated for completion in 2013, will continue the trail just over one mile to the Warner Road/Garfield Boulevard intersection in Garfield Heights, where a trailhead is proposed to be developed. Construction of this segment of trail would help to ultimately link the existing three miles of all purpose trails in Garfield Park Reservation and Mill Creek Falls with the approximately seven miles of Towpath Trail within the Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation.
In 2008, Cleveland Metroparks received a National Scenic Byway grant in the amount of $400,000 towards the project. A Transportation Enhancement grant will provide an additional $600,000 towards the project, with the Park District providing the balance of $649,622. Acquisition of a small portion of the former General Chemical site will be required to assure that the project meets ADA standards. Project construction is expected to be completed in 2013.
Big Creek Water Quality Improvement Project
The proximity of a majority of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s main parking lot to Big Creek impacts both the quality and quantity of the stream. During rain events, stormwater from the eleven acres of impervious surface is discharged directly into Big Creek, thereby resulting in degraded water quality.
Cleveland Metroparks has received a grant award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for a water quality improvement project which will significantly reduce the negative water quality impacts from the Zoo parking lot on Big Creek and is consistent with the recommendations of several previous studies. The project would involve the installation of flow controlling outlet structures and an infiltration trench complex to temporarily store and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Big Creek. The project is expected to be completed in June of 2012.
Towpath Trail Extension
Design and engineering for extending the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail from its current terminus in Cuyahoga Heights to downtown Cleveland is currently underway. In partnership with Cuyahoga County and the city of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks will be responsible for the management, general maintenance and security of the Towpath Trail once it is completed. The planned destination point for the trail is the future Canal Basin Park, located under the Detroit Superior Bridge, directly adjacent to Heritage Park I and the Lorenzo Carter log cabin.
As a temporary measure until the permanent trail route is completed, Cleveland Metroparks and the city of Cleveland are installing sidewalks, sharrows and signage to guide trail users from the current Harvard Road trailhead to the Tremont neighborhood and ultimately to downtown Cleveland, once Innerbelt construction is completed through the area.
Cleveland Metroparks Reservation Concept Plans
As part of Cleveland Metroparks 2020: The Emerald Necklace Centennial Plan, Cleveland Metroparks is developing conceptual master plans for the reservations. During 2010 and 2011, a series of public open houses have been conducted. These sessions were designed to acquaint the community with the planning process and to solicit input about user concerns and interests. Over this period, staff has inventoried the existing conditions of the reservations with a particular emphasis on trails, natural resources, facilities and program services. Planning goals are in response to Cleveland Metroparks Strategic Plan and include the following:
- Protect and enhance environmental quality of core sensitive areas. Consider reduced activity and access in these areas and in limited instances exclosures for deer management.
- Provide additional opportunities for health, wellness and outdoor recreation activities (mountain bike trails, winter sports, family friendly fishing, camping, hiking, outdoor skills, water crafts, etc.).
- Increase collaborative programming with community partners and affiliates.
- Evaluate design improvements for activity areas to enhance synergies, efficiencies and visitor experiences.
- Improve circulation with way-finding, differentiation between uses, loop trails, reduction of vehicular congestion and designation of entry/arrival/orientation zones.
Currently, Cleveland Metroparks is conducting public open houses to share the preliminary reservation concept plans with the community. Input from these sessions as well as review with the Board of Park Commissioners will provide a basis for refinement of the concepts into the final plans. Completion of the process is anticipated by the end of 2012.
Cleveland Metroparks Strategic Plan
As part of Cleveland Metroparks 2020: The Emerald Necklace Centennial Plan, Cleveland Metroparks has developed a Strategic Plan to provide organization guidance and direction for the coming decade and beyond. An Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan is available on the web site via this link.
The Strategic Plan is the result of significant public input from community leaders and citizens through surveys, interviews, focus groups, open houses and work sessions. Cleveland Metroparks is very grateful for the thoughtful and enthusiastic participation by the great Cleveland community with this process as we look forward to the next century of service and stewardship.
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