Cleveland Metroparks Unveils New Projects in 2017 - Cleveland Article

The park system, which locals refer to as the “Emerald Necklace” due to its 23,000 acres that geographically encircle the city, has been busy dramatically transforming Cleveland the past few years.

In 2013, the Cleveland Metroparks made the bold move to acquire more than 480 acres of lakefront property that flanks downtown Cleveland. The park system broke the property up into two reservations – (1) the Lakefront Reservation and (2) the Euclid Creek Reservation. And, then it began a series of monumental upgrades and improvements to these areas that boast everything from beaches and fishing piers to boat docks and walking trails.

The Lakefront Reservation is home to the famous Edgewater Beach, a west side property that boasts 6,000 feet of beautiful Lake Erie shoreline. Located just three miles from Downtown Cleveland, the park offers sprawling views of Lake Erie and the city of Cleveland, as well as a 900-foot swimming beach, playground, reservable pavilions, fishing piers and a boat dock.

And, after the millions of dollars of improvements that the Cleveland Metroparks has pumped into the area, Edgewater Beach has quickly become one of the hottest outdoor destinations in Cleveland.

From food trucks and stand-up paddleboarding to Thursday night concerts and family beach parties, Edgewater Beach has an electric vibe that simply begs visitors to grab a pair of shades, come on down to the beach, put their feet in the sand and sip some serious craft suds.

Things are about to get even better in 2017, when the park system unveils the brand new Edgewater Beach House.

This 12,000-square-foot, two-story structure will feature an open-air second story pavilion with a fireplace and seasonal beach bar. There’ll also be a concessionary area, as well as restrooms and changing facilities.

Adding to this, the Euclid Creek Reservation also will showcase some pretty dramatic improvements in 2017 at the east side Euclid Beach, one of the most beloved and historic lakefront locations in the city.

The Cleveland Metroparks are re-constructing the famous pier. The result of this $1 million project is a 220-foot-long pier—of which 80 feet will be over Lake Erie.

It’s been over the course of the last five years that the Cleveland Metroparks has ushered in its greatest decade of land acquisition for conservation since 1960, as well as to revitalize the urban core through various park developments.

The efforts have been successful, so much so, that the park system recently earned the esteemed 2016 National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Park and Recreation Management.