Riverfront transformation underway at Valley View

Summit Metro Parks recently began riverfront construction at the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park to create a new, high-quality access point to the Cuyahoga River. Once complete, the area will include a kayak and canoe put-in, walking trail, bike trail, restroom farmhouse and gathering barn with a fireplace.

Acquired by the park district in 2016, the Valley View Area has undergone a significant transformation over the past seven years. In addition to restoring one mile of the Cuyahoga River and 200 acres of parkland at Valley View, park improvements include amenities like hiking trails, scenic vistas and the popular Himelright Lodge.

As the river has been restored over the past several decades and recently received state water trail designation, members of the community wish to responsibly experience and enjoy it. To bring that idea into reality, Summit Metro Parks has partnered with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other local organizations to provide access to the Cuyahoga River.

In addition to significant individual contributions, the project has been awarded a $450,000 grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Ohio Capital Improvement Community Park, Recreation and Conservation Project also awarded $98,000 towards the project. The park district is actively seeking additional funding toward the project, which is slated for completion in spring of 2024.

The park district does not anticipate park closures in relation to this project. A portion of Celebration Trail is rerouted due to construction and periodic closures within the park may occur. Visit bit.ly/SMP-Alerts for updates. ∞