Posted October 14, 20222 yr This could go a couple places, but since there isn't a Summit Metroparks thread and the Gorge Metropark is in Cuyahoga Falls I guess this is the best place. Meeting on Gorge Dam removal progress planned for Oct. 31 Emily Mills | Akron Beacon Journal Published 7:22 a.m. ET Oct. 13, 2022 Quote A community meeting is planned for Oct. 31 to discuss the progress on the project to remove the Gorge Dam from the Cuyahoga River. The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St., Cuyahoga Falls. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. During the meeting, Summit Metro Parks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other involved agencies will present a project status update.
October 14, 20222 yr Author May have a recency bias, posting two stories on them in one day, but maybe Summit Metroparks deserves their own thread... Summit Metro Parks completes phase 3 of multi-purpose Freedom Trail in Akron By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com Published: Oct. 13, 2022, 11:39 a.m. Quote AKRON, Ohio – Summit Metro Parks this week announced phase 3 of the Freedom Trail, which runs from Eastwood Avenue to East Mill Street in Akron, is now complete. The paved, multi-purpose trail is suitable for bikers and walkers. It follow an unused railroad corridor on land owned by Metro Regional Transit Authority, the University of Akron and Summit Metro Parks, according to the park district. Once complete, the trail will span nearly 10 miles–from the Portage County line in Tallmadge to the Towpath Trail in downtown Akron.
October 26, 20222 yr Author Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition breaks ground on Summit Lake Trail in Akron Published: Oct. 25, 2022, 3:55 p.m. By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com Quote AKRON, Ohio – The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition on Tuesday held a groundbreaking celebration for the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail. The nearly three-mile multi-purpose trail will link the eastern and western neighborhoods surrounding Summit Lake and connect to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail will be accessible for hikers, walkers and bicyclists. ... The trail is the first of several projects planned to help revitalize Summit Lake as part of the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 initiative. The lake was once a hub for recreation, but by the early 20th century, it was used as a dumping ground for factory waste, according to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Since then, the water quality of the lake has improved, and a 2017 Knight Foundation-commissioned environmental assessment of the lake deemed it acceptable for many recreational activities. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2022/10/ohio-erie-canalway-coalition-breaks-ground-on-summit-lake-trail-in-akron.html
November 1, 20222 yr Tremendous video on the Gorge Dam removal project When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
December 5, 20222 yr Author Ohio will contribute $25 million toward Gorge Dam removal AUTHOR Zaria Johnson PUBLISHED December 3, 2022 "Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday the state will contribute $25 million towards the Cuyahoga River Gorge Dam Removal Project." "At a November community meeting, Summit Metro Parks estimated that the cost of removing the Gorge Dam would be $20 million. However, before the dam can be taken down, a disposal area for sediment trapped behind the dam will need to be built and a sediment remediation project needs to take place. That part of the project is estimated to cost $100 million, with 65% of funding coming from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and 35% coming from the state. The sediment remediation is projected to begin in 2024." https://www.ideastream.org/news/ohio-will-contribute-25-million-towards-gorge-dam-removal
December 5, 20222 yr 27 minutes ago, Luke_S said: Ohio will contribute $25 million toward Gorge Dam removal AUTHOR Zaria Johnson PUBLISHED December 3, 2022 "Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday the state will contribute $25 million towards the Cuyahoga River Gorge Dam Removal Project." "At a November community meeting, Summit Metro Parks estimated that the cost of removing the Gorge Dam would be $20 million. However, before the dam can be taken down, a disposal area for sediment trapped behind the dam will need to be built and a sediment remediation project needs to take place. That part of the project is estimated to cost $100 million, with 65% of funding coming from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and 35% coming from the state. The sediment remediation is projected to begin in 2024." https://www.ideastream.org/news/ohio-will-contribute-25-million-towards-gorge-dam-removal $100 million?!!!
December 5, 20222 yr Author 2 minutes ago, marty15 said: $100 million?!!! Removing, relocating, and treating/containing 832,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment that has accumulated behind the dam. Better get moving though, the cost is only going up. https://www.ideastream.org/news/price-tag-for-gorge-dam-removal-is-expected-to-exceed-estimates
December 7, 20222 yr Author Summit Metro Parks takes first steps in Gorge Dam removal project AUTHOR Zaria Johnson PUBLISHED December 6, 2022 Quote The Gorge Dam removal project began Monday with the removal of trees in a former de facto dumpsite at Cascade Valley Metro Park. The 35-acre space in the Chuckery Area of the park will be used to hold approximately 900,000 cubic meters of contaminated sediment that rests behind the Gorge Dam in the Cuyahoga River. It’s important that the river is free of the sediment before the dam is removed to avoid any harm to aquatic life, said Elaine Marsh, watershed specialist with Summit Metro Parks . https://www.ideastream.org/news/summit-metro-parks-takes-first-steps-in-gorge-dam-removal-project
December 7, 20222 yr They may want to take a long hard look at this as the removal of the Station Street Dam in Brecksville has pretty much drained the canal in large parts of CVNP. The pumps aren't even coming close to keeping up.
December 7, 20222 yr Author 8 minutes ago, E Rocc said: They may want to take a long hard look at this as the removal of the Station Street Dam in Brecksville has pretty much drained the canal in large parts of CVNP. The pumps aren't even coming close to keeping up. The Gorge Dam doesn't doesn't feed the canal. Even if it did I think a free-flowing Cuyahoga is more valuable than feeding a canal. If not only for the environmental and ecological benefits of a free flowing river, removing this dam will expose a long run of class II - V rapids which will be a huge draw for kayakers to the region.
December 9, 20222 yr I was reading about this because it was announced the state was kicking in dollars. I live in Cincy and have never been up here before but this is a very exciting project. These dam removals are so important to the ecology of the region. Here is a really great video, the best I've ever seen of it's kind, talking about it's removal / the process and benefits:
December 13, 20222 yr Author 5 minutes ago, Ethan said: 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! There was! I don't believe this was the first time either for Summit metro parks, tho their video is much harder to see. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmG4KVCoMoJ/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=
May 4, 20232 yr Author Cuyahoga Falls aims to become 'Kayak-hoga Falls' for whitewater fans May 04, 2023 05:45 AM DAN SHINGLER Quote Once the dam is down, the falls themselves will still be the only Class V section, Howdyshell said. The entire section of whitewater will be increased from less than half a mile to more than two miles. It's a given that removing the dam will improve the health and the flow of the river, and that it will create a lot longer stretch of whitewater for local enthusiasts to enjoy. But no one really knows for sure just how good the new whitewater will be. Howdyshell and others have been poring over old photos to try to determine where and how good the newly exposed rapids will be, but the photos are very old, and there aren't many. They're eager to see what they get. But no one doubts the improved river will have vastly better kayaking and whitewater rafting. It's part of the city's plan to overhaul its downtown and a newly renovated Front Street with restaurants, parks, river access and other features. Cuyahoga Falls plans to become a national destination for whitewater enthusiasts, Walters said. https://www.crainscleveland.com/akron-news/urban-whitewater-hot-spot-emerging-cuyahoga-river Edited May 4, 20232 yr by Luke_S
May 4, 20232 yr That's a no-brainer. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 6, 20231 yr Author From burning river to fish aplenty: Summit Metro Parks continues Cuyahoga River monitoring efforts Published: Jul. 06, 2023, 4:36 p.m. By Megan Becka "The park district’s most recent acquisition of land along the Cuyahoga River is the purchase of the former Valley View Golf Course in 2016. Now known as the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, the 200-acre property includes a one-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga River and serves as the connecting piece for three adjacent metro parks: Cascade Valley, Gorge and Sand Run. The addition brings the total of uninterrupted green space the parks encompass to 1,800 acres, which is critical to local wildlife. The park district purchased the property for $4 million and has invested $6 million in grant funding into restoring the land and river to a more natural area. Once a dairy farm, the property’s wetlands were modified to create Valley View Golf Course, which operated for 50 years. Restoring the river’s floodplain to a more natural state was a critical part of improving the overall health of the river, Johnson said. ... To restore the floodplain along its stretch of the river, the park district cut down the riverbanks 6-8 feet to the base level of the river over a 60-acre area. Previously constructed levees were removed as well. Hundreds of boulder clusters and woody structures were added to the floodplain to provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic life, and hundreds of native trees such as swamp white oak, pin oak and sycamore were planted along the floodplain." https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2023/07/from-burning-river-to-fish-aplenty-summit-metro-parks-continues-cuyahoga-river-monitoring-efforts.html
July 13, 20231 yr On 7/6/2023 at 6:30 PM, Luke_S said: From burning river to fish aplenty: Summit Metro Parks continues Cuyahoga River monitoring efforts Published: Jul. 06, 2023, 4:36 p.m. By Megan Becka "The park district’s most recent acquisition of land along the Cuyahoga River is the purchase of the former Valley View Golf Course in 2016. Now known as the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, the 200-acre property includes a one-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga River and serves as the connecting piece for three adjacent metro parks: Cascade Valley, Gorge and Sand Run. The addition brings the total of uninterrupted green space the parks encompass to 1,800 acres, which is critical to local wildlife. The park district purchased the property for $4 million and has invested $6 million in grant funding into restoring the land and river to a more natural area. Once a dairy farm, the property’s wetlands were modified to create Valley View Golf Course, which operated for 50 years. Restoring the river’s floodplain to a more natural state was a critical part of improving the overall health of the river, Johnson said. ... To restore the floodplain along its stretch of the river, the park district cut down the riverbanks 6-8 feet to the base level of the river over a 60-acre area. Previously constructed levees were removed as well. Hundreds of boulder clusters and woody structures were added to the floodplain to provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic life, and hundreds of native trees such as swamp white oak, pin oak and sycamore were planted along the floodplain." https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2023/07/from-burning-river-to-fish-aplenty-summit-metro-parks-continues-cuyahoga-river-monitoring-efforts.html Dead golf courses make me happy.
August 18, 20231 yr Author Summit Metro Parks to be recognized on CNN for its transformation of former golf course Craig Webb Akron Beacon Journal Aug. 17, 2023 Quote Summit Metro Parks is getting some national attention for its work to transform a former golf course into a county park. The park district announced Thursday that CNN recently visited the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park to do a story about the transformation of the Valley View Golf Club into park land. The segment will be part of CNN's Call to Earth series − www.cnn.com/interactive/call-to-earth/ − that focuses on the environment. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2023/08/17/summit-metro-parks-recognized-cnn-transformation-former-golf-course-park/70610275007/
August 31, 20231 yr Author Sound of Ideas: Roughly $130 million to be spent on the removal of the Gorge Dam in Cuyahoga Falls By Drew Maziasz Published August 31, 2023 Listen here. State and local agencies have been in the process of removing dams along the Cuyahoga River since the 1990s. The dams were originally used to feed water into the lock system, produce hydroelectric power, and irrigate farmland. But many of those uses also led to more polluted waters and cut off residents from enjoying what the Cuyahoga River has to offer. With a new source of funding secured for its removal, the Gorge Dam in Cuyahoga Falls is the latest dam set to be removed. It’s expected to be fully demolished by some time in 2026. Proponents of its removal say the dam coming down will improve water quality in that stretch of the river, as well as allowing more recreation activities, like kayaking and fishing. Thursday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we’ll discuss the removal of the Gorge Dam with some of the parties involved. The Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will be with us, as well as the Chief of Conservation for the Summit County Metro Parks. Later in the program, we’ll launch a new installment of our “Sound of Us” community storytelling initiative. This latest series of stories, “Living on the Spectrum” focuses on individuals on the autism spectrum. Finally, we’ll bring you another installment of our music podcast “Shuffle.” This week Amanda Rabinowitz sits down and talks with Canton area singer-songwriter Anya Van Rose.
August 31, 20231 yr Great news! Besides opening that stretch of river to a more habitable environment for aquatic life it has the benefit of creating a whitewater recreational draw. That could pull in kayakers near and far. Just another cool thing for the region.
September 26, 20231 yr Author Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition to hold ribbon cutting for Summit Lake Trail in Akron By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com Sep. 25, 2023 "The 2.75-mile multi-purpose trail connects eastern and western Summit Lake communities and serves as a connector to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The Summit Lake Trail is the first Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project to be completed at Summit Lake, according to the organization. ... The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail is part of the Summit Lake Vision Plan, a resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project that aims to create an accessible, equitable and welcoming park for residents and visitors. The Summit Lake Vision Plan received more than $10 million in funding from the city, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, County of Summit, Ohio & Erie Canalway, State of Ohio, Akron Community Foundation and individual donors, according to the release. Akron Civic Commons 2.0 is overseen by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, in partnership with the city of Akron, which serves as the fiscal agent and project manager for the Summit Lake Vision Plan and Lock 3 Park renovations." https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2023/09/ohio-erie-canalway-coalition-to-hold-ribbon-cutting-for-summit-lake-trail-in-akron.html
October 18, 20231 yr Author Gorge Dam Public Meeting: - When: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 @ 6:00pm - 7:30pm - Where: Akron-Summit County Public Library -60 S. High St., Akron - With: U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, City of Akron, and other stakeholders Members of the public are invited to attend a community update on the process to remove a 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam within Gorge Metro Park. The dam is one of the largest unresolved impediments to restoring the water quality of the Cuyahoga River and its removal will improve river ecology, create recreational opportunities and drive economic benefits within the local community. On Wednesday, October 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch (60 S. High St., Akron), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Ohio EPA, City of Akron and other stakeholders will present a project status update. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available at the garage at 40 S. High St. or the surface lot at 71 S. High St. Additional parking information can be found online: downtownakron.com/getting-around/parking The meeting will also be live-streamed and available for later viewing at youtube.com/summitmetroparks Now in its seventh year, the dam removal project is managed by a group of partners that includes the City of Akron, City of Cuyahoga Falls, FirstEnergy, County of Summit, Summit County Council, Summit Metro Parks, The University of Akron, Ohio EPA, Ohio Lake Erie Commission and U.S. EPA. Learn more about the effort to remove the Gorge Dam and sign up for email updates at bitl.ly/freethefalls. https://www.facebook.com/events/akron-summit-county-public-library/gorge-dam-public-meeting/985698416059302/
October 22, 20231 yr Author I understand the benefits of these programs, and we are lucky that ODNR operates the fishery program that it does, but I would like to see more resources put into creating self sustaining fisheries. Obviously removing the Gorge Dam will improve ecosystem of the river—from oxygenation levels, water temp, and pollutants. My understanding, though, is that the Cuyahoga, with it's silty riverbed, will never be a breading river for trout. The Rocky and Chagrin Rivers are better candidates for this but are not free flowing rivers with obsolete dams and fords intact. Last I checked with Cleveland Metroparks there is absolutely no plan to make either of these rivers free flowing (and I know the dams in Berea on the Rocky could not be removed). It's also worth noting that the last population of brook trout in Ohio is located in the headwaters of the Chagrin River. Over 1,000 trout released into the Cuyahoga River on Friday By: Maya Morita Posted Oct 20, 2023 "Twelve hundred trout were released into the Cuyahoga River at Water Works Park on Friday. ... Additionally, 30 of the fish are tagged, and trackers will be used to see how long they live. ... The tagged trout will also aid researchers in knowing how the health of the Cuyahoga River will be impacted by the removal of the Gorge Dam." https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/over-1-000-trout-released-into-the-cuyahoga-river-on-friday
October 23, 20231 yr I am not a biologist but I suspect they are using rainbow trout in this context because they move around a lot in cold winter water versus natives like smallmouth bass. Plus anglers love catching and eating rainbows, so it’s two birds with one stone. They surely won’t last long between anglers, predators like musky and the eventual warmer water next year. The Chagrin is already stocked with steelhead trout and they go all the way up the east branch and up the main branch to Chagrin Falls, where the waterfall prevents them from getting to the prime brook trout streams. I know the state and local parks especially Geauga are very focused on protecting those endangered native brook trout, so I hope we won’t see stocking of rainbows anywhere near them. I know Lake County just removed the dam at Daniels Park. The dam in Gates Mills was taken out by nature 10 years ago. That river is pretty open at this point? Edited October 23, 20231 yr by coneflower
October 23, 20231 yr Author 9 hours ago, coneflower said: I am not a biologist but I suspect they are using rainbow trout in this context because they move around a lot in cold winter water versus natives like smallmouth bass. Plus anglers love catching and eating rainbows, so it’s two birds with one stone. They surely won’t last long between anglers, predators like musky and the eventual warmer water next year. The Chagrin is already stocked with steelhead trout and they go all the way up the east branch and up the main branch to Chagrin Falls, where the waterfall prevents them from getting to the prime brook trout streams. I know the state and local parks especially Geauga are very focused on protecting those endangered native brook trout, so I hope we won’t see stocking of rainbows anywhere near them. I know Lake County just removed the dam at Daniels Park. The dam in Gates Mills was taken out by nature 10 years ago. That river is pretty open at this point? I'm aware that the Chagrin is stocked with steelhead, but that is because ODNR is releasing 90k annually into the Chagrin River, along with the Vermilion, Rocky, Grand and Ashtabula rivers and Conneaut Creek. My point is that though we are lucky that ODNR has the fishery program it does, I would like to see more resources put into improving the water quality of rivers suitable to independently and naturally sustaining steelhead populations. According to the ODNR's Boater Access and Amenities map two dams remain on the Chagrin River, both down stream of the falls. Though the low head dam at Johnnycake Ridge Rd looks like its washed out and probably doesn't have a huge effect on the river any more. (Just a heads up, I recommend using the map on your desktop, it doesn't work for me on mobile). And my only point in mentioning the brook trout in the Chagrin was to point out that, at least up stream, the river is able to naturally support a trout population. My understanding, it wouldn't do any good to stock steelhead at a point on the river where they would not be able to access Lake Erie.
October 23, 20231 yr Sadly, in Ohio our rivers aren’t friendly to natural reproduction of steelhead. Trout spawn on gravel river bottoms that are common out West. Like you mentioned, the Cuyahoga isn’t suited for it, but neither is the Chagrin, etc. There are small tributaries of all the rivers where conditions exist for some natural reproduction like the rebuilt stream at Wilson Mills Road and I’m sure along the Cuyahoga, but there is not enough habitat throughout our region to sustain our trout population naturally like in Michigan or Wisconsin, where ODNR gets our eggs. The brook trout aren’t technically in the Chagrin River. They are upstream in spring-fed creeks that eventually flow into the Chagrin. Those streams are more like small Appalachian streams you’d find in Western PA or West Virginia, as they are mostly protected from flashy urban runoff by large forests and the springs keep the water really cold.
October 26, 20231 yr Author Cuyahoga River cleanup project gets $100 million in government, private funding Kim Palmer October 25th 2023 "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement to spend more than $100 million in federal, non-federal and private-industry money on the removal of contaminated sediments from the Cuyahoga River Gorge Dam and, ultimately, the dam itself. The plan to clean up nearly 875,000 cubic yards of such sediments from the waterway, announced Wednesday, Oct. 25, is a crucial step in the eventual removal of the Cuyahoga River from the list of 25 remaining U.S. Areas of Concern (AOCs) found across the Great Lakes basin. The Gorge Dam, which has been in place since 1912, is located along the river at a point between Cuyahoga Falls and Akron. The first stage of the project will address the contaminated sediments, and then the dam will be removed, returning a significant portion of the river to a free-flowing natural state." https://www.crainscleveland.com/politics-policy/cuyahoga-river-gorge-dam-removal-gets-100-million
October 26, 20231 yr Author Free the Falls Public Meeting - October 25th, 2023 Link below, meeting starts at the 22 minute mark. Speakers: (1) Lisa King – Summit Metro Parks Executive Director (2) Bill Zawiski – Ohio EPA Water Quality Supervisor (3) Dan Horrigan – Akron Mayor (4) Project Overview Video – 32:50 (5) Courtney Winter – US EPA Project Manager Nonfederal sponsors: Ohio EPA, City of Akron, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, FirstEnergy/Ohio Edison Company Cost Share Partners: Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Summit Metro Parks, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County Dam pool length is 1.5 miles long with sediment 1 – 34 feet deep, estimated to be ~875k cubic yards Sediment includes PCBs, PAHs, Oil/Grease, and Metals but is not so contaminated to be classified as regulatory or hazardous Preparation of the Chuckery Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park will be prepared during the winter of 2023/2024 to receive dredged material Dredging is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 and conclude in 2025 using a clamshell bucket on a barge Sediment will be processed near the former power plant then pumped along the Highbridge Trail to the Chuckery Area where it will be capped with soil and planted with native plants Removal of the dam is planned to begin in 2026 (6) Heather Ullinger – City of Akron Project Manager & Engineer (7) Q&A – 1:11:00 https://www.youtube.com/live/vX-qRZKOcmo?si=wtDSJXpB3LlJvzEK&t=1328 Edited October 26, 20231 yr by Luke_S
October 26, 20231 yr 3 hours ago, Luke_S said: Free the Falls Public Meeting - October 25th, 2023 Link below, meeting starts at the 22 minute mark. Speakers: (1) Lisa King – Summit Metro Parks Executive Director (2) Bill Zawiski – Ohio EPA Water Quality Supervisor (3) Dan Horrigan – Akron Mayor (4) Project Overview Video – 32:50 (5) Courtney Winter – US EPA Project Manager Nonfederal sponsors: Ohio EPA, City of Akron, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, FirstEnergy/Ohio Edison Company Cost Share Partners: Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Summit Metro Parks, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County Dam pool length is 1.5 miles long with sediment 1 – 34 feet deep, estimated to be ~875k cubic yards Sediment includes PCBs, PAHs, Oil/Grease, and Metals but is not so contaminated to be classified as regulatory or hazardous Preparation of the Chuckery Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park will be prepared during the winter of 2023/2024 to receive dredged material Dredging is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 and conclude in 2025 using a clamshell bucket on a barge Sediment will be processed near the former power plant then pumped along the Highbridge Trail to the Chuckery Area where it will be capped with soil and planted with native plants Removal of the dam is planned to begin in 2026 (6) Heather Ullinger – City of Akron Project Manager & Engineer (7) Q&A – 1:11:00 https://www.youtube.com/live/vX-qRZKOcmo?si=wtDSJXpB3LlJvzEK&t=1328 Here’s Ideastream’s coverage: https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2023-10-25/gorge-dam-removal-moving-forward-with-more-than-100-million-project-agreement The removal of the Gorge Dam is taking another step toward reality with the signing of a project agreement on Wednesday. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and four partners, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the city of Akron, FirstEnergy and the Ohio EPA, signed the more than $100 million agreement to remove nearly 900,000 cubic yards of sediment that sits behind the dam, according to the EPA. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
November 9, 20231 yr Author Sand Run Restoration Journey: Erosion control, wildlife habitat improvements and barrier removal bring new life to Sand Run Metro Park 11/9/2023 Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager Quote Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Sand Run Metro Park has long been cherished as a natural oasis by residents and visitors alike. With the infusion of $4 million in state and federal grants, this sprawling green space has undergone a remarkable transformation recently, thanks to the completion of an ambitious restoration project. With erosion control measures, enhanced wildlife habitats and the removal of fish migration barriers, the newly rejuvenated Sand Run Metro Park stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and environmental stewardship. ... The completion of the restoration project is cause for celebration, serving as a shining example of the positive impact of collaboration and dedicated environmental stewardship. This work will preserve park infrastructure and allow Sand Run Metro Park to continue to thrive for the next century, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and enjoy this natural gem for years to come. As we celebrate this extraordinary achievement, we also look to the future, which holds additional opportunities to improve this land for visitors and wildlife alike. Park staff are evaluating challenges posed by the vehicle ford, as well as working toward the completion of roadway removal and trail construction on the east end of Sand Run Parkway, between Portage Path and Merriman Road. With the financial support of state and federal grants, the park district’s transformative endeavor has breathed new life into Sand Run Metro Park. Let this remarkable achievement inspire us all to cherish and protect our natural treasures, recognizing that by working together, we can create a sustainable future for both the natural world around us and ourselves. Summit Metro Parks released a series of posts detailing these significant grant-funded improvements to protect the roads, trails and wildlife of a well-loved park. Read Part I, Part II, Part III and Part IV. The existing small culvert and Jogging Trail bridge will be removed and replaced with a larger culvert. The trail will pass over the new culvert, eliminating the need for a pedestrian bridge and creating a wildlife corridor under the roadway. https://metro-parks.medium.com/sand-run-restoration-journey-5516d16ec235 Edited November 9, 20231 yr by Luke_S
December 1, 20231 yr Author Summit Metro Parks breaks ground on kayak, canoe river access project at Valley View Area Published: Nov. 30, 2023 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio – Community members who want to explore the beauty of the Cuyahoga River via kayak or canoe will soon have a new access point: the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park. The park district recently broke ground on a river access project, which aims to increase public access. Additional project highlights in the works include a walking trail, a bike trail, scenic gardens, a natural play area for children, restrooms and a protected gathering barn with a fireplace, according to the park district. Though the goal of the riverfront project is about offering access to community members, the work aims to balance conservation and recreation, according to Summit Metro Parks Brand Manager Lindsay Smith. ... The river access projects in the works at Valley View are scheduled for completion in the spring of 2024 and are the culmination of nearly a decade of work to reclaim the property, which was formerly a golf course. The property was sold to the park in 2016 for $4 million. Since then, the park district has invested $6 million in grant funding into the property to restore it to a more natural area, according to Executive Director Lisa King. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2023/11/summit-metro-parks-breaks-ground-on-kayak-canoe-river-access-project-at-valley-view-area.html
December 19, 20231 yr Author A bobcat was caught on a trail cam at Liberty Park! The last reported sighting in Summit Metro Parks was December 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/C1DIbUcOVed/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
January 10, 20241 yr Author Summit Metro Parks buys downtown Akron property for central maintenance facility Published: Jan. 09, 2024 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com Quote AKRON, Ohio – Summit Metro Parks recently purchased a property in downtown Akron that will serve as its central maintenance facility. The park district bought the property, located at 505 S. Broadway St., for $3.1 million, according to Marketing and Public Relations Manager Claire Merrick. The property features buildings with square footage totaling 44,000 and sits on 4.5 acres of land. It also offers convenient access to major roads and parks throughout the county, as well as the park’s Freedom Trail. ... The park’s existing maintenance building on Sand Run Parkway will be repaired and used to house other park functions, including maintenance crews for Sand Run, Hampton Hills and O’Neil Woods Metro Parks, conservation staff, shipping and receiving and document retention, according to Merrick. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2024/01/summit-metro-parks-buys-downtown-akron-building-for-central-maintenance-facility.html
February 13, 20241 yr Author 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. ... Summit Metro Parks Freedom Trail (Phase IV) - $500,000 To finalize the project traveling from Mill Street at the University of Akron to the Towpath Trail. This project will link two major, multi-purpose trails in downtown Akron. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/clean-ohio-2024
February 28, 20241 yr Author River access dawns at Valley View Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager The transformation of the Valley View Area in Cascade Valley Metro Park heralds an exciting chapter in our community’s connection to nature. The park district has initiated a project that promises to create new outdoor experiences with construction of river access, poising Valley View to become an unforgettable hub for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Valley View has undergone a remarkable transformation since being acquired by the park district in 2016. This scenic spot along the Cuyahoga River now boasts one mile of restored river and 200 acres of pristine parkland, replete with hiking trails, scenic vistas and Himelright Lodge. This river access project will rejuvenate the land and kindle the community’s desire to experience and enjoy the river that flows through it. ... The Valley View riverfront project promises to be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. Upon its completion, expected in summer 2024, visitors will have access to a range of amenities designed to enhance their experience. A kayak and canoe put-in will set the stage for inspiring water adventures, while walking paths will invite exploration of the surrounding natural beauty. A restroom farmhouse and gathering barn with a fireplace will provide modern comforts and shelter from the elements, while honoring the land’s agricultural past. https://metro-parks.medium.com/river-access-dawns-at-valley-view-43c4befef83c
June 12, 20241 yr Author Nimisila Campground in Green reopened after electrical upgrades Anthony Thompson Akron Beacon Journal June 11, 2024 The Nimisila Campground in the Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park has reopened, according to a release from Summit Metro Parks. The campground, which closed in fall 2023 for electrical upgrades, now offers 18 electric sites and 11 non-electric sites. Twelve non-electric sites were converted to electric, according to the release. ... Other improvements include adding electricity to four restroom facilities and the picnic shelter, in order to provide additional lighting. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/06/11/nimisila-campground-has-reopened-for-2024-season/74058934007/
June 12, 20241 yr Author The latest efforts to Free the Falls May 23, 2024 Visitors to Cascade Valley Metro Park will notice the Peck Road entrance, which leads to the renowned Signal Tree, is closed. This closure will continue for the next few years to accommodate two major water quality improvement projects: the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT) and Gorge Dam removal, also known as the initiative to “Free the Falls.” The NSIT project is a City of Akron initiative and is part of its ongoing efforts to improve Cuyahoga River water quality and prevent untreated sewage from entering the water. The Gorge Dam removal project includes preparing the sediment placement area, removing and disposing of contaminated sediment, and deconstructing the dam. As planning for the NSIT and Free the Falls projects has materialized into tangible progress, the landscape in Cascade Valley Metro Park has transitioned into a construction zone. While park visitors anxiously await the thrill of a free flowing river through Gorge Metro Park’s geological splendor, environmentalists anticipate vast improvement to the physical, biological and chemical integrity of the Cuyahoga, the construction vehicles that will make it all possible are rumbling through the park. While the NSIT project construction continues, an even bigger water quality improvement project is just beginning. After years of intensive planning and collaborative efforts to remove the Gorge Dam, the U.S. EPA secured funding to implement the sediment management portion of the project. Summit Metro Parks prepared the sediment placement site by clearing a 40-acre area adjacent to Peck Road. The City of Akron will structure this site so it can receive the sediment. Once site preparations are complete and the contractor’s schedule is accepted, sediment from the dam pool will be pumped to this location, stabilized, capped with native soil and reforested. https://metro-parks.medium.com/the-latest-efforts-to-free-the-falls-d0155bd9684d
July 12, 2024Jul 12 Author Summit Metro Parks opens new jogging trail extension July 11, 2024 GREATER AKRON — Visitors can now enjoy the East End, a stretch of roadway that Summit Metro Parks converted into an extension of the park district’s most popular trail. Located in Sand Run Metro Park, the East End (section of Sand Run Parkway between Portage Path and Merriman Road) was permanently closed to vehicles in spring 2022 to protect wildlife and allow for future trail connections. The East End project is the most recent phase of the efforts to restore and protect Sand Run Metro Park. Improvements include protection of natural resources and infrastructure improvements, which included removal of a culvert, placement of a pedestrian bridge, narrowing the road to trail width and removal of roadway elements. The new extension of the jogging trail will connect users to the Valley Link and Towpath trails near Big Bend. https://www.akron.com/articles/summit-metro-parks-opens-new-jogging-trail-extension/
July 31, 2024Jul 31 Author Summit Metro Parks unveils new amenities at Cascade Valley’s Valley View Area (photos) Published: Jul. 30, 2024 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio – Summit Metro Parks on Tuesday celebrated the addition of new amenities at the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, located at 1212 Cuyahoga St. ... The additions are part of the park district’s commitment to offering access while prioritizing conservation, according to the park district. The recently completed work was funded in part by several grants: $450,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $98,000 from Ohio Capital Improvement Community Park, Recreation and Conservation Project Funds and up to $100,000 from the Akron Garden Club, according to the park district. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2024/07/summit-metro-parks-unveils-new-amenities-at-cascade-valleys-valley-view-area-photos.html
January 17Jan 17 Author 7 enhancements planned for Summit Metro Parks’ Silver Creek: Details Published: Jan. 16, 2025 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio – Summit Metro Parks is planning several enhancements to Silver Creek Metro Park in the next few years. ... Silver Creek was selected for improvements because the park district eliminated swimming at the park during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Mark Szeremet, the park district’s chief of planning and development. Recent park improvements include the addition of Miner’s Trail, new boat docks and renovations to the Big Oak Area parking lot and restroom building. Future projects planned include: • Naturalizing the beach area • Expanding native habitats • Updating the lake house • Adding and renovating shelters and restrooms • Installing a new, natural play area with water access • Expanding Miner’s Trail • Enhancing boating access The park district is estimating that adding an observation deck will cost approximately $78,000 and the cost to naturalize the beach will be $80,000. The cost of the playground area/water access is $315,000. The park district will seek grant funding opportunities to offset the costs of the playground and access to the water, according to Marketing & Public Relations Manager Claire Merrick. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2025/01/7-enhancements-planned-for-summit-metro-parks-silver-creek-details.html Edited January 17Jan 17 by Luke_S
January 17Jan 17 Author Summit Metro Parks’ upgraded parcours trails offer all-season exercise journeys Published: Jan. 16, 2025 By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio – If winter weather has you feeling a bit stir crazy, consider checking out one of the recently renovated parcours trails at Akron’s Goodyear Heights Metro Park and Sand Run Metro Park. Parcours (the French word for journey) trails consist of a path that includes exercise equipment or obstacles installed at various points. Each station has a beginner and “par” level indicated on its sign to offer fitness options for beginners through experienced users. Signage instructs trail users on what to do at each station, along with prompts to walk or run between stations. Exercises include stretching, jumping over rocks or using the chin-up bars, for example. ... Upgrades included $13,000 for station equipment for both trails. Sand Run Metro Park trail improvements also included a permanent reroute of part of the trail onto the East End section of the jogging trail. The East End project, which included a new bridge, roadway pavement removal, grading, stream and wetland area restorations, and trail surfacing totaled $1.1 million. The park district received a $175,000 grant from Clean Ohio to help fund construction costs, according to Marketing & Public Relations Manager Claire Merrick. https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2025/01/summit-metro-parks-upgraded-parcours-trails-offer-all-season-exercise-journeys.html
February 17Feb 17 Author I've heard work on the Gorge Dam has been halted as a result of the pause in federal funds.
March 5Mar 5 Author Western Reserve Land Conservancy donates 87 acres for new Summit Metro Park in Copley Author: Anna Meyer Published: March 4, 2025 COPLEY, Ohio — Summit Metro Parks has announced a donation of 87 acres of land from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, set to become the district's 17th Metro Park on Boughton Road in Copley. The land, which was once home to the historic Boughton Farm, was acquired by the Land Conservancy in late 2024. The Boughton family, who had owned the property since the 1850s, agreed to sell it to ensure it remains a green space for the community. ... The newly donated property consists of fields, wetlands, forests and streams and is expected to be restored before it opens as a Metro Park. The restoration process, funded by H2Ohio, will be led by the Land Conservancy in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, as well as Summit Metro Parks conservation staff. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/summit-county/summit-metro-parks-copley-township-akron-western-reserve-land-conservancy-donates-87-acres/95-13826cd9-cf90-4609-91c6-8614dd6c7375
March 18Mar 18 Author Cuyahoga River dam removal at the Gorge delayed by federal spending freeze Phil Keren March 17, 2025 Local leaders say the anticipated removal of the Gorge Metro Park Dam is another step in a years-long process to restore the Cuyahoga River to its natural state, as well as make it cleaner and friendlier to aquatic life. When this project will go forward recently became less clear following the Unleashing American Energy Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20. In a statement released Jan. 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it “has paused all funding actions related to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act at this time.” The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was providing a substantial amount of the funding for a sediment removal project that must happen in the river prior to the removal of the dam. While the U.S. EPA is in charge of the sediment removal work, the city of Akron is leading the project to take down the dam. An Akron official said their work has been paused. https://theportager.com/cuyahoga-river-dam-removal-at-the-gorge-delayed-by-federal-spending-freeze/
March 18Mar 18 This doofus will go down in history as the most dangerous and most destructive president in our history. It's astonishing to me that he got elected. It tells me that the only person more unpopular is anyone running as a Democrat. We can't get any lower than where we are. Or can we?
May 1May 1 Author Part of Gorge Metro Park to close for next phase of dam removalBY Lydia Taylor AkronPUBLISHED 30, 2025Starting June 2, Summit Metro Parks will close the Highbridge Trail area of Gorge Metro Park. Summit Metro Parks also said the remaining areas of the park will close later this summer and are expected to remain closed for several years.This is part of Phase 2 of the "Free the Falls" project, in which a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contractor will prepare to remove the built-up sediment behind the dam. The dredged sediment will be transported to be safely stored. ...Phase 3 will be the removal of the concrete dam structure, and Phase 4 will be restoring the river channel through the park and security landscape to its natural state. https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/cleveland/news/2025/04/30/ohio-gorge-dam-removal
May 28May 28 Author Not much in the way of new information here, but a pretty comprehensive summary of the work remaining and what that timeline looks like.https://signalakron.org/impending-gorge-dam-removal-on-the-cuyahoga-a-victory-for-the-river/
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