October 27, 20222 yr A good read on how the Metroparks uses our tax dollars, as well as the economic return and community benefits. Don't forget to vote! Failure to pass Nov. 8 ballot levy could be devastating for Cleveland Metroparks Updated: Oct. 26, 2022, 11:32 a.m.|Published: Oct. 26, 2022, 11:29 a.m. "Otherwise, not only would new initiatives be sacrificed, but the ability of the park to operate and maintain its many green spaces, trails and nature centers, not to mention the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, would be seriously compromised, Metroparks officials said, though those specifics have not yet been identified. ... Potential cuts could occur throughout the system, resulting in reductions in staff, operations and maintenance, as well existing capital projects and the Metroparks Police, Gerling said. That would be the case even though the current levy would run through 2023 and the Metroparks would still have a chance to propose another levy next year. ... The Metroparks relies on its levy for more than 60% of its revenue, while various fees charged by the zoo, Metroparks’ eight golf courses, and other services account for another 25%. Grants and philanthropic donations make up the balance." https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/10/failure-to-pass-nov-8-ballot-levy-could-be-devastating-for-cleveland-metroparks.html
October 31, 20222 yr Anither step towards buying Hawthorne Country Club in Solon and turning adding it to South Chagrin Reservation. This is in the northwest part of Solon between the main industrial area and Bradford Heights , along the Metroparks Hawthorne Parkway (and not actually that close to South Chagrin Reservation, but whatever) The balance of the old CC is being redeveloped into senior living; mostly in condo townhomes. CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Metroparks is moving to expand South Chagrin Reservation in Solon by adding nearly 150 acres from a defunct golf course and returning it to its natural state as protected green space. The property, part of the Hawthorne Valley Country Club, would cost the park district more than $3.8 million for 149 acres. Park commissioners voted recently to acquire the property and to seek a state conservation grant that would cover more than half the cost. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
October 31, 20222 yr 38 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said: Anither step towards buying Hawthorne Country Club in Solon and turning adding it to South Chagrin Reservation. This is in the northwest part of Solon between the main industrial area and Bradford Heights , along the Metroparks Hawthorne Parkway (and not actually that close to South Chagrin Reservation, but whatever) The balance of the old CC is being redeveloped into senior living; mostly in condo townhomes. CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Metroparks is moving to expand South Chagrin Reservation in Solon by adding nearly 150 acres from a defunct golf course and returning it to its natural state as protected green space. The property, part of the Hawthorne Valley Country Club, would cost the park district more than $3.8 million for 149 acres. Park commissioners voted recently to acquire the property and to seek a state conservation grant that would cover more than half the cost. This is what they did with Astorhurst, reasonably well.
October 31, 20222 yr 6 minutes ago, E Rocc said: This is what they did with Astorhurst, reasonably well. Yes, that’s a GREAT park. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
October 31, 20222 yr 2 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said: Yes, that’s a GREAT park. Same with Acacia Reservation, which I recently visited for the first time. I loved being able to see the progress from golf course to natural area over the ten years since the Metroparks acquired it.
November 29, 20222 yr The widening project of RT82 in Brecksville was a silly waste of money, but the sidewalks were always a silver lining. And that lining seems to have gotten a little brighter. Brecksville will connect Cleveland Metroparks to Ohio 82 with a mile of trails, sidewalks Updated: Nov. 29, 2022, 12:04 p.m. | Published: Nov. 29, 2022, 11:54 a.m. By Bob Sandrick, special to cleveland.com Quote The city will build an asphalt trail through municipally owned Blossom Hill and a sidewalk on Oakes Road. Together, they will connect Cleveland Metroparks south of Oakes to Ohio 82 near Interstate 77. A third key element of the connection is a new sidewalk along Glenwood Trail -- which runs south-to-north from Oakes, across from Blossom Hill -- to Ohio 82, where sidewalks were recently installed during the roadway’s widening. City Engineer Gerry Wise told City Council in October that construction of the Blossom Hill trail and Oakes sidewalk is scheduled for 2023. The Glenwood sidewalk, a separate project, is part of a reconstruction of Glenwood that will start in January. https://www.cleveland.com/community/2022/11/brecksville-will-connect-cleveland-metroparks-to-ohio-82-with-a-mile-of-trails-sidewalks.html
December 13, 20222 yr Wildlife slowly returning to the metroparks! Bobcats were sighted this year for the first time in Cuyahoga County since they were extirpated in 1850. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmHrJgSL4So/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= I believe one was recently spotted in Summit Metroparks too!
December 14, 20222 yr First bobcat sighting in Cuyahoga county since 1850! When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 10, 20232 yr Just now, Ethan said: With the lakefront thread locked, this is probably the best place for this. https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/cleveland-mobile-home-park-closure-will-make-way-lakefront-park-expansion "The Euclid Beach Mobile Home Community on Cleveland's East Side is far too costly to maintain and should be closed to make way for a unified Euclid Creek Reservation — a lakefront green space that will rival Edgewater Park in size. That's the conclusion of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which purchased the 28.5-acre mobile home park in December 2021 to prevent a private developer from swooping in. Representatives from the land conservancy and OHM Advisors, a planning firm, presented their findings at a public meeting late Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Collinwood Recreation Center. The decision provides clarity to park residents, who have been living in limbo for more than a year. It also enables neighboring landowners, including the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cleveland Public Library, to start planning for the future of their properties." I'm glad to see this continue to move forward. When complete this will be a valuable asset. Cross posting this here as well.
February 20, 20232 yr Cleveland Metroparks to Buy Ironwood Golf Course in Hinckley Vince Grzegorek - Feb. 20, 2023 - Cleveland Scene "While the addition of another course to its portfolio, which currently stands at eight, will be welcome news to most regional golfers, the park system's interest is actually centered on environmental preservation: The purchase would allow the park to control more land along the East Branch of the Rocky River corridor."
March 10, 20232 yr Seems like a win-win. Decreases the city's obligations and allows Metroparks to create a more coherent park with better access for the community here. Cleveland looks to lease rest of Gordon Park to Metroparks Published: Mar. 10, 2023, 4:06 p.m. By Courtney Astolfi, cleveland.com "CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland will consider adding the portion of Gordon Park that’s south of the Shoreway to the city’s long-term lakefront lease with the Cleveland Metroparks. ... Under proposed changes to that 2013 lease agreement, Mayor Justin Bibb is looking to allow the Metroparks to operate the remainder of Gordon Park, which is about 48 acres and runs between East 72nd Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The move would essentially double the Metroparks’ presence in that part of the city, as the East 55th Street Marina and the northern portion of Gordon Park, both covered under the existing lease, comprise about 49 acres." https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2023/03/cleveland-looks-to-lease-rest-of-gordon-park-to-metroparks.html
May 13, 20232 yr Euclid Beach Pier Revived "It’s been said that history is carved in stone, but at the newly opened Euclid Beach Pier, it’s made from ironwork. Local artist Brinsley Tyrrell depicts three different eras of Euclid Beach Park across a trio of arches dotting the 315-foot pier: the original dance hall, the iconic amusement park and an homage to the park’s natural beauty with birds, butterflies and people fishing. Since opening at the end of May, the $2.5-million project has become a popular spot thanks to its spectacular lakefront views, a selfie-worthy Destination Cleveland sign and relaxing swimming area. “[The pier] is an amenity that had been in the park and fallen into disrepair,” says Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. “And it’s a unique chance for Clevelanders, young and old, to connect with their past and really think to the future of the park.”" https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/euclid-beach-pier-revived
May 18, 20232 yr Cross-posting from the Lakefront thread since this will be connecting a couple Metropark properties 4 minutes ago, Luke_S said: Euclid Beach Trail Connector, an 'Edgewater-like park,' one step closer to becoming reality https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/euclid-beach-trail-connector-becoming-reality/95-d1ff5d52-854a-4960-ae88-50c9b17332be
May 25, 20232 yr Cleveland scored lowest on acreage, which should improve after the completion of Irishtown Bend, hopefully pushing our rank up a few notches. Trust for Public Land puts Cleveland at No. 26 in rankings of best parks Kim Palmer | May 25th 2023 "Parks within the city of Cleveland are among the best in the country, though they dropped slightly in the annual Trust for Public Land (TPL) ParkScore rankings. The 2023 rankings, released Wednesday, May 24, put Cleveland at No. 26 out of 100 U.S. cities measured by TPL. In 2022, Cleveland was No. 23 in the rankings. This year marked the first time in three years that Cleveland has seen a drop, rather than a gain, in the nonprofit TPL’s rankings of parks in the 100 most-populous U.S. cities. Cleveland received its highest marks in the area of park access, one of five categories that comprise the rankings. (The other categories are park amenities, investment, acreage and equity.) Cleveland received an overall score of 60.5 points out of a possible 100, based on an average of the five categories." https://www.crainscleveland.com/government/cleveland-no-26-out-100-national-city-park-rankings Here is the report from Trust for Public Land: https://www.tpl.org/city/cleveland-ohio
May 25, 20232 yr 3 hours ago, Luke_S said: Cleveland scored lowest on acreage, which should improve after the completion of Irishtown Bend, hopefully pushing our rank up a few notches. The trouble with this report, which credits Cleveland with 3,300 acres of parks is that it excludes Cleveland Metroparks' 24,000 acres. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
May 25, 20232 yr Just now, Dougal said: The trouble with this report, which credits Cleveland with 3,300 acres of parks is that it excludes Cleveland Metroparks' 24,000 acres. I haven't had a chance to dig into the Trust for Public Land's report yet, but it makes sense to me that they wouldn't include all of Metroparks' land. Their report is looking at parkland within the city, most of the Metroparks' land rings the city. If they aren't including any of the Metroparks' land then I would agree, their analysis is missing something. But from Crain's reporting it sounds like Metroparks' investments in its parks has affected the investment score, so I would think some of their land is being counted.
May 25, 20232 yr 1 minute ago, Luke_S said: I haven't had a chance to dig into the Trust for Public Land's report yet, but it makes sense to me that they wouldn't include all of Metroparks' land. Their report is looking at parkland within the city, most of the Metroparks' land rings the city. If they aren't including any of the Metroparks' land then I would agree, their analysis is missing something. But from Crain's reporting it sounds like Metroparks' investments in its parks has affected the investment score, so I would think some of their land is being counted. I think it's a false distinction (to the point of making Cleveland's score irrelevant to actual conditions) to limit the consideration to parks within a city's limits when very convenient Metroparks are widely available to all area residents. This quibble of mine probably applies to all cities with 100-year-old, obsolete municipal boundaries. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
May 25, 20232 yr 17 minutes ago, Dougal said: I think it's a false distinction (to the point of making Cleveland's score irrelevant to actual conditions) to limit the consideration to parks within a city's limits when very convenient Metroparks are widely available to all area residents. This quibble of mine probably applies to all cities with 100-year-old, obsolete municipal boundaries. They use the same metric for every city (as you point out). If we were talking about parks not included in the city borders due to weird swiss cheese enclaves and exclaves I might agree with you. But we're not, most of the Metroparks's fantastic parks are on the edge of suburbia. And a "very convenient" park to me means it is bikeable. 90% of the Metroparks's land area is not easily bikeable (for the average person) from any point in Cleveland. You basically need a car (or to live in the nearest suburbs) to access these parks. A lack of park acreage for Cleveland is a fair criticism. Largely because we don't really have a large park in the urban core. We have a multitude of fabulous parks ringing the metro area, but most of these are at the edge of the county not the edge of the city.
May 25, 20232 yr 2 hours ago, Dougal said: I think it's a false distinction (to the point of making Cleveland's score irrelevant to actual conditions) to limit the consideration to parks within a city's limits when very convenient Metroparks are widely available to all area residents. This quibble of mine probably applies to all cities with 100-year-old, obsolete municipal boundaries. Exactly!! I fully believe that Cleveland should be better marketed as NE Ohio or at least as Cleveland Metro instead of just "Cleveland"
August 3, 20231 yr More info on the West Creek Greenway can be found at West Creek's website, here. West Creek Greenway Plan to include Parma’s new South Park Connector Trail Updated: Aug. 02, 2023 By John Benson, special to cleveland.com Quote The West Creek Greenway Plan has been in the works for more than a quarter of a century. A vision of West Creek Conservancy Executive Director Derek Schafer, the proposed trail is designed to provide residents in Parma, Seven Hills, Independence and Brooklyn Heights with access to regional assets such as the Towpath Trail and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. ... The next step in what has become the addition of various puzzle pieces over the decades is the new South Park Connector Trail linking Grantwood Drive to Snow Road in Parma. https://www.cleveland.com/community/2023/08/west-creek-greenway-plan-to-include-parmas-new-south-park-connector-trail.html Edited August 3, 20231 yr by Luke_S
August 16, 20231 yr Several interesting developments in this months Metroparks agenda. 13 minutes ago, Ethan said: Big update in tomorrow's board meeting agenda for the Cleveland Metroparks. The Metroparks have agreed to purchase the Graincraft property for $3,500,000. This isn't a surprising development and it has been guessed by a few board members already. Personally I'm happy with this development. I'd like to see what the Metroparks can do with this area. Both park areas they are attempting to connect are subpar currently in my opinion, hopefully they are improved in this transformation. Hopefully this will include several road closures. If nothing else, this development virtually guarantees continuous riverfront boardwalk/trails from settlers landing to the Foundry. Additionally Catanese seafood property is currently under contract, but will be leased back to the current owners till May 15th 2024. 1 minute ago, Ethan said: The Metroparks are commiting to putting $2,800,000 for the Cheers project as part of a 20% local match portion of the funding. 4 minutes ago, Ethan said: From this month's agenda, the Metroparks is committing up to $5,000,000 for the Lakefront bikeway. This is primarily, if not exclusively, coming from the Mandel gift.
October 30, 20231 yr CLEVELAND METROPARKS BREAKS GROUND ON GARFIELD POND PROGRAM CENTER Posted: October 30, 2023 Quote Cleveland Metroparks today celebrated significant progress on the multi-year Garfield Pond Restoration Project. Officials today broke ground on the Garfield Pond Program Center, a planned 3,000 square foot facility that will serve as an education and recreation program hub in the heart of Garfield Park Reservation. Cleveland Metroparks also unveiled major progress on the restoration of the historic Garfield Pond and Wolf Creek. The new Garfield Pond Program Center will be a one-story, year-round reservable amenity for the public and park guests. The new structure, expected to open in summer 2024, is projected to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certified for its sustainable design and construction. The center and restored pond will return recreational opportunities to the reservation that were diminished a half century ago and establish Garfield Park Reservation as a hub for Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation programs as well as its Youth Outdoors program that strives to meet the needs of youth living in or near the city of Cleveland. ... Cleveland Metroparks today also announced significant progress on the restoration of the historic Garfield Pond that was a focal point for recreation in the reservation until the 1960s. The pond has been reformed and filled with water, with additional restoration continuing through summer 2024. Over the next several months, Cleveland Metroparks will be working to complete the restoration including enhancements to surrounding streams and wetlands and the addition of accessible trails, overlooks and fishing docks. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/news-press/2023/october-2023/cleveland-metroparks-breaks-ground-on-garfield-pon
November 6, 20231 yr CLEVELAND METROPARKS OPENS INITIAL PHASES OF TRANSFORMATIVE EUCLID CREEK GREENWAY Posted: November 6, 2023 Quote Cleveland Metroparks today celebrated the opening of the initial phases of the transformative Euclid Creek Greenway, a multi-phased trail project to improve connections to the lakefront and park access on the east side of Cleveland. As of today, guests can begin exploring the initial phases of the Euclid Creek Greenway including a half-mile all purpose trail connection from the intersection of Euclid Creek Parkway and Highland Road to Euclid Avenue and a nearly half-mile all purpose trail connection on the site of the former Euclid Central Middle School from Euclid Avenue to Chardon Road on its way to the lakefront. The completed portions of the trail also improve safety at the Highland Road entrance to Euclid Creek Reservation with new traffic and pedestrian signals in the city of Euclid. ... In addition to the new all purpose trail connection through the site of the former Euclid Central Middle School along Euclid Avenue, Cleveland Metroparks is actively restoring the former schoolgrounds into a 17-acre park with a large open greenspace as well as meadow and forest habitat. Cleveland Metroparks will also soon be adding a half-mile natural surface loop trail that will wind through the restored habitats. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/news-press/2023/november-2023/cleveland-metroparks-opens-initial-phases-of-trans
November 9, 20231 yr Cleveland Metroparks officially takes control of Ironwood Golf Course JOE SCALZO November 09, 2023 Quote Cleveland Metroparks has begun management of the 18-hole public golf course located at 445 State Road in Hinckley Township near the Metroparks’ Sleepy Hollow and Seneca properties. The Metroparks’ Board of Park Commissioners voted in January to purchase the course for $3 million and keep it open for at least 10 years. Cleveland Metroparks now oversees nine courses. ... In addition to remaining a public course, the Metroparks’ acquisition ensures permanent protection of portions of the East Branch of the Rocky River. The course is located in an area that supports groundwater-driven primary headwater streams and Category 3 wetlands, making it a critical area to the health of the Rocky River and building upon the existing protections of the river and its tributaries through Hinckley, Mill Stream Run, Brecksville and Rocky River reservations, the organization said. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-metroparks-begins-managing-ironwood-golf-course
November 22, 20231 yr Floating wetlands enhance the lakefront at Gordon Park as part of the CHEERS project BY GRANT SEGALL NOVEMBER 22, 2023 When Cleveland’s sporadic sunshine makes Lake Erie gleam, it’s easy for onlookers not to notice 10 little rubber mats floating in the shadow of Gordon Park’s concrete bulkhead. But the fresh soil and baby plants on the new mats — in essence, floating wetlands — are a modest early step in an ambitious, decades-long CHEERS (Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy) project, which aims to make the lakefront more natural and more accessible to east side neighborhoods. These mats are 19.5 feet long, 9.5 feet wide and about 8 feet deep. They’re miniscule compared to the 75 to 80 acres of shoreline officials plan to add from the East 55th Street Marina through Gordon Park in the project. But park experts say the mats will play a valuable supporting role in making the harbor greener and prettier. https://thelandcle.org/stories/floating-wetlands-enhance-the-lakefront-at-gordon-park-as-part-of-the-cheers-project/
December 12, 20231 yr Metroparks will open floating nature center on barge at Wildwood Marina in Euclid. https://www.clevescene.com/news/metroparks-will-open-floating-nature-center-on-barge-225-recently-moved-to-wildwood-marina-in-euclid-43291536?fbclid=IwAR1FqUlCQxECVG0vOMI0L0jTixeOnMSpfkrKULz4ZOBmiZ6NGNsgm6QUCno
December 14, 20231 yr Cleveland Metroparks now preserves more than 25,000 acres with the transfer of over 100 acres from West Creek Conservancy to West Creek Reservation in Parma! The West Creek Conservancy team has put a lot of time and effort into making their founding vision a reality, preserving greenspace within the dense urban setting of Parma and creating greenways to connect that space with other green assets. As the organization has grown it has extended its mission beyond Parma to help preserve spaces throughout Northeast Ohio and has created strong partnerships with park districts and conservation organizations throughout the region. Feel free to reach out to me if you're interested in getting involved or supporting their work. Cleveland Metroparks grows to more than 25,000 acres with latest additions Author: Chris Beeble Published: December 14, 2023 Quote CLEVELAND — In its 106th year, the Cleveland Metroparks announced the expansion of their footprint in Northeast Ohio to more than 25,000 acres across 49 different communities. Starting from a small, three-acre plot in the early 1900s, the Metroparks reached the current milestone with the addition of over 100 acres in West Creek Reservation in the Parma area, "Cleveland Metroparks continues to prioritize strategic acquisitions that connect communities and protect our region’s natural resources in the vision of the Emerald Necklace that was established more than a century ago," Cleveland CEO Brian M. Zimmerman said in a statement. "With this significant expansion of West Creek Reservation thanks to the support and partnership of the West Creek Conservancy, Cleveland Metroparks has passed a major milestone 106 years in the making with the protection and conservation of more than 25,000 acres of parks across 49 communities." Since Zimmerman's arrival to the Metroparks in 2010, the organization says it has grown upwards of 18%, or more than 4,000 acres. Specifically, the new additions in West Creek will bring with them a planned expansion of the reservation's trail network as well as a future greenway link to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/northeast-ohio/cleveland-metroparks-expands-25000-acres-throughout-49-communities/95-cd6a323a-23d0-4786-8200-d7ece93500e2 Edited December 14, 20231 yr by Luke_S
December 14, 20231 yr 48 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said: Is the Metroparks the best-run institution in NE Ohio? In the public sector, probably.
December 14, 20231 yr The way Ohio does regional parks is, as a whole, noticeably better than surrounding states. Didn't know what I had until it was gone. NY had decent county parks and the ones in Pittsburgh are alright at best.
January 2, 20241 yr Cleveland Metroparks pays $3.5 million to bag Flats' Grain Craft flour mill site STAN BULLARD January 02, 2024 Quote Cleveland Metroparks is the new owner of the former flour mill at 1630 Merwin Ave. in the Cleveland Flats that has been idly gathering dust since it was shut in 2020. The 3-acre property transferred Dec 27, according to Cuyahoga County land records. It includes 360 feet on the bank of the Cuyahoga River. Metroparks said it paid $3.5 million for the site. ... Jeff Tolman, Metroparks communications and outreach manager, wrote in an emailed statement, "The acquisition, which includes 1.1 acres of riverfront property, presents a meaningful opportunity to further the Vision for the Valley in partnership with the city of Cleveland and secure public access of riverfront greenspace for generations to come." https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/cleveland-metroparks-bags-flats-flour-mill-property-35-million
January 2, 20241 yr On 12/14/2023 at 4:24 PM, GrassIsGreener said: The way Ohio does regional parks is, as a whole, noticeably better than surrounding states. Didn't know what I had until it was gone. NY had decent county parks and the ones in Pittsburgh are alright at best. I would argue that NY's and PA's STATE parks are far better than most of Ohio's. Thankful that the Cleveland Metroparks are so well run.
January 3, 20241 yr 4 hours ago, Foraker said: I would argue that NY's and PA's STATE parks are far better than most of Ohio's. Thankful that the Cleveland Metroparks are so well run. Both states have a few more landmark natural areas (Ohiopyle, Cook Forest, Ricketts Glen, Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls, Letchworth, etc.) than Ohio. Ohio is making many positive moves systemwide, and especially at its flagship Hocking Hills. Ohio really excels at state park lodges, with ten total within state parks. Big resort lodges do not seem to be a thing at PA or NY state parks as much as I'm aware.
January 3, 20241 yr 19 hours ago, Foraker said: I would argue that NY's and PA's STATE parks are far better than most of Ohio's. Thankful that the Cleveland Metroparks are so well run. I said "regional" parks, i.e. metro/county parks, not state parks. And even then I've lived in all 3 states and wouldn't say that PA/NY state parks are "far" better. In fact, in terms of facilities I don't notice a ton of difference. But, again, that isn't even what I was talking about in the first place so it's irrelevant.
January 3, 20241 yr Are PA/NY state parks free? I know a lot of states require you to pay to use their state parks but all of our state parks and most of our county park networks are free. “To an Ohio resident - wherever he lives - some other part of his state seems unreal.”
January 3, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, BigDipper 80 said: Are PA/NY state parks free? I know a lot of states require you to pay to use their state parks but all of our state parks and most of our county park networks are free. Yes
January 3, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, BigDipper 80 said: Are PA/NY state parks free? I know a lot of states require you to pay to use their state parks but all of our state parks and most of our county park networks are free. All NY state parks are free to enter but you generally have to pay for parking, so I'm not sure I would call that "free" given that most are nearly impossible to get to without a car. From NYS website: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/ Quote Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee between $6 and $10 dollars for day use. Parks may also charge additional fees for such amenities as pools and picnic shelter reservations. Historic sites generally charge an admission fee between $1 and $6. For more information about park and historic site fees and hours, including when fees are charged, please contact the facility directly. There are no entry fees for PA state parks, including parking. Edited January 3, 20241 yr by GrassIsGreener Spacing
February 9, 20241 yr Posted in the Cleveland Soccer Stadium thread, but x-posting here as well Just now, Luke_S said: Metroparks to be potential intermediary for downtown soccer stadium JOE SCALZO February 09, 2024 https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/metroparks-be-potential-soccer-stadium-intermediary
February 13, 20241 yr FOURTEEN OHIO COMMUNITIES RECEIVE ODNR GRANT FUNDING FOR NEW February 12, 2024 From creating new routes to connecting existing paths, trails will be constructed around Ohio with the help of grants from the Clean Ohio Trail Fund—distributed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Fourteen communities will receive $6.2 million for new projects. ... Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Greenway (Phase III) - $385,000 To add 3,150 feet of new 10-foot-wide all-purpose trail to extend the trail from Chardon Road to St. Clair Avenue. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/clean-ohio-2024 Edited February 13, 20241 yr by Luke_S
February 13, 20241 yr More ODNR grants coming to Cleveland Metroparks ODNR AWARDS MORE THAN $250,000 FOR LOCAL BOATING EDUCATION PROGRAMS February 08, 2024 Ten organizations across Ohio will receive up to $30,000 each to strengthen or enhance local boating education programs for youth and adult residents. The grants, awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), add up to $250,582.87. ... The Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation program provides human-powered, natural resource-based educational outdoor experiences. The program will use $30,000 in grant funding to purchase four sailboats, ten paddleboards, and two kayak storage/transport carts. Training expenses for staff to work with the American Canoe Association (ACA) to have two staff certified in ACA Kayak Instructor Trainer course certification will also be covered. (Cuyahoga County) https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/local-boat-ed-grants-24
February 14, 20241 yr Cross posting these Metroparks board meeting updates here. 13 minutes ago, Ethan said: Some updates bike trails updates from the Metroparks board meeting. Nothing major, several trails, Solon to South Chagrin, Raise East Side Trails, and West Park to Kams continue to move forward, receive funding, etc. 32 minutes ago, Ethan said: Cool nugget in the Metroparks Board Meeting for this month, one that lays the building blocks for something very cool in the future. Tldr: The Metroparks is looking to run utilities to the Old Coast Guard Station.
February 15, 20241 yr ^ verrrry interesting. could a solution to what to do with the coast guard staion have finally been found? stay tuned! 💥👍
April 6, 20241 yr Metroparks eyeing fall debut for Wallace Lake improvements: Around The Town Apr. 05, 2024 By Rich Heileman, Sun News Upgrade plans include an outdoor classroom and recreation education area and an ADA kayak launch. Metroparks, for the first time this year, is offering watercraft rentals, including single and tandem kayaks, at Wallace Lake. Project architect Ryan Denker said the improvements, which are expected to be completed in the fall, will also include accessible space for outdoor recreation-based programs. The proximity of the classroom space to the lake itself will allow for hands-on environmental programs. https://www.cleveland.com/berea/2024/04/metroparks-eyes-fall-debut-for-wallace-lake-improvements-around-the-town.html
April 26, 20241 yr Small projects that aren't all that flashy can still have a huge impact. This connector is only 1/3 of a mile but will give residents of Fairview Park safe pedestrian access to Rocky River Reservation. CLEVELAND METROPARKS UNVEILS MASTICK ROAD CONNECTOR TRAIL Posted: April 25, 2024 Quote Cleveland Metroparks today celebrated the highly anticipated opening of the Mastick Road Connector Trail. The one third of a mile long trail offers a new connection from the city of Fairview Park to Rocky River Reservation, linking more than 3,700 residents who live within a mile, as well as Fairview Park’s civic center, library, and several schools. Guests can access the trail near the intersection of Eaton and Mastick Roads in Fairview Park and travel into the reservation to the intersection of Valley Parkway and Mastick Road. ... The trail was constructed in two segments around the bridge by the Schirmer Construction Company of North Olmsted. Cleveland Metroparks received a $500,000 grant for the trail through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Ohio Trails Fund towards the $2.3M project and Fairview Park secured $125,000 in grant funding for the trail crossing atop Mastick Hill from Cuyahoga County Community Development Block Grant funding. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/news-press/2024/april-2024/cleveland-metroparks-unveils-mastick-road-connecto Edited April 26, 20241 yr by Luke_S
April 29, 20241 yr Independent of the CHEERS plans, this trail will have a huge impact on east-side neighborhoods. And putting the infrastructure in place before CHEERS is realized will only extend that park's reach when it's realized. New multipurpose trail to connect Cleveland's near East Side to lakefront, Downtown Ideastream Public Media | By Zaria Johnson Published April 29, 2024 A new multi-use lakefront trail will soon allow walkers and bikers to easily get from Cleveland’s St. Clair Superior and Glenville neighborhoods on the East Side to Downtown. The North Marginal trail will extend from East 9th Street to East 55th Street running adjacent to the Lake Erie shoreline along North Marginal Road, connecting features like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Gordon Park and the Harrison Dillard bikeway. ... The two-mile trail will improve access to the lakefront to neighborhoods that currently lack it, said Nichole English, planning and programming administrator for Cuyahoga County Public Works. https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2024-04-29/new-multipurpose-trail-to-connect-clevelands-near-east-side-to-lakefront-downtown
April 30, 20241 yr The Sunday Metro section of the PD mentioned that the Garfield Blvd. Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in May or June (I couldn't find other confirmation on the project status). The new multipurpose trail will connect the Mill Creek Connector Trail (built ~7 years back) on Warner to Garfield Park Reservation. These are great projects to see move forward. It will: Fill a "gap" in the regional bicycle trail network Connect another Metropark Reservation directly to the towpath trail network Reduce overbuilt roadway infrastructure Invest in inner ring suburbs
May 23, 20241 yr Cleveland Metroparks lands key riverfront parcels in the Flats Stan Bullard May 23rd 2024 Catching more properties for plans to boost burgeoning public use of the Cuyahoga River and Flats, Cleveland Metroparks has closed on buying the key Catanese Classic Seafoods property at 1600 Merwin Road. ... The purchase of the property, totaling a little more than 27,000 square feet, gives the park district another 1/2 acre, or 250 feet, of the riverbank. The property adjoins the closed former Grain Craft flour mill, with intact grain silos, the park acquired for $3.5 million last December. Farther west on the winding river’s Columbus Peninsula, it already operates a pier at Rivergate Park and the Merwin’s Wharf restaurant. https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/cleveland-metroparks-lands-key-riverfront-parcels-flats
June 22, 2024Jun 22 The Metroparks has installed what I believe is their first disc golf course - https://www.dgcoursereview.com/courses/the-cardinal-dgc.14329. I played it yesterday and was amazed by the quality and thoughtfulness of the design. It appears to be an abandoned golf course. The tees have not been poured yet, but are boxed in and graveled. The signage is fantastic, making the course easy to navigate. Edited June 22, 2024Jun 22 by Balkmusic
June 25, 2024Jun 25 Cleveland Metroparks lands its biggest federal grant ever for East Side trail projects Crain's Staff June 25th 2024 Cleveland Metroparks has received a whopping $19.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that will be used to fully fund two East Side trail projects. In a press release announcing the grants, the Metroparks said those projects — the Slavic Village Downtown Connector North and the Morgana Run Extension — are key in supplying trail access to residents on the East Side and are part of the Cuyahoga Greenways Plan. ... “The Slavic Village Downtown Connector North will establish 1.7 miles of trail from E. 14th Street and Orange Avenue in Downtown Cleveland to the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Roseville Court. The Slavic Village Downtown Connector, including future phases, will total 3.2 miles and connect Washington Reservation to Downtown Cleveland while also connecting to the existing 2.1-mile Morgana Run Trail in Slavic Village. The nearly 1-mile Morgana Run Extension will complete the Morgana Run Trail to connect users from the Slavic Village Downtown Connector to Mill Creek Falls and Mill Creek Connector Trail in Garfield Park Reservation at Warner and Turney Roads, and on to the Towpath Trail.” https://www.crainscleveland.com/politics-policy/cleveland-metroparks-given-195-million-federal-grant
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