Funds will Support the Transformation of Historic Location into Interpretive Community Park

The State of Ohio has approved the allocation of funds to support the development of Canal Basin Park, the historic location on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland where the Ohio & Erie Canal connected to the Great Lakes beginning in 1827. This more than 20-acre riverfront property is ready for immediate improvements to complete connections between the 101-mile Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga River. State legislators allocated a total of $250,000 to further the planning and development of Canal Basin Park. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill, House Bill 2, on June 28.

“The allocation of these state funds demonstrates the value of commemorating Ohio’s history at important sites like Canal Basin,” said Mera Cardenas, Executive Director of Canalway. “The completion of Canal Basin Park is one of the top recommendations in the City of Cleveland’s Vision for the Valley plan and will create a cohesive greenspace that connects past to present, downtown Cleveland to the Cuyahoga River and celebrates the connections of the Towpath Trail.”

The State of Ohio previously supported the mission of Canal Basin Park in 2022 when State legislators allocated $850,000 to be divided between Irishtown Bend Park and Canal Basin Park with House Bill 687.

The City of Cleveland is currently engaged in a study determining a viable plan for seamless park experience that will provide unimpeded connections to the Cuyahoga River and create a unified space, allowing for river access and enjoyment. State funding will support connections between the Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga River, a river overlook and seating, and interpretive signage. This study is being completed by Merritt Chase and is currently in the public engagement phase.

The design team is currently circulating a survey that allows the public to submit input on the future of Canal Basin Park. View and complete the survey at CanalBasinPark.com

The Canal Basin Park project represents a collaborative effort of public and private partners, including the City of Cleveland, Meritt Chase, Canalway Partners, Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga County, Flats Forward, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Downtown Cleveland, Inc.

About Canal Basin Park

Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland is the northern terminus of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The trailhead and park is located at the historic site where the 1832 canal met the Cuyahoga River. Architectural remnants of the canal can be seen there today. Since 2001, the city and community have been calling for a transformation of Cana Basin that will recognize its historic importance and create the river and trail connections Cleveland deserves.

About Canalway

Canalway Partners is a 501(c)3 non-profit cultural heritage organization that serves as a catalyst for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area in Cuyahoga County. We connect people to place for the prosperity of all.

Photos provided by Cuyahoga County.

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