The Lakefront Parks as a System
(Summer 09)
We continue to focus on public spaces, parks, and the connections (multipurpose trails) that define a lakefront park system. Technically, a system does exist. The quality of that system leaves a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, we feel this is what most people mean when they say they want a better lakefront.
One of the best assets of this region is the Cleveland Metroparks. It has occurred to many that Cleveland lakefront public spaces should have the quality of the Cleveland Metroparks. Many, including us, would say they should be part of the Cleveland Metroparks. That would be a “regional solution” to upgrading some of the best assets in our region. We don’t see the City, County, or State making the improvements by themselves.
There is a lot of work to get to Metropark status and quality level. A critical step is the Cleveland Lakefront Parks Conservancy. We have included an article outlining the need for and mechanics of this conservancy. Conservancies have been successful elsewhere. Some examples are nearby. It is doubtful that we will be able to significantly improve the public lakefront without this partnership.
We would like to thank Cleveland State’s Urban Studies Dept for their senior class Capstone project on revitalizing the lakefront. It is available on the web at http://urban.csuohio.edu/capstone09/. Many of the articles in this summer 09 update are tied to the ideas presented in this senior class project
We are planning a public meeting on October 27th (see flier) with the Conservancy as the main topic. Candidly, the Conservancy is what the Waterfront Coalition should be at this point in time. We hope to make a contribution to its establishment.
For CWC,
John W Veres
