Green Space + Parks

Construction to begin on a tiny, yet complex, section of Towpath Trail
Stage One of the Towpath Trail Extension Project—an effort to connect 100 miles of biking and hiking paths from New Philadelphia to the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland—is scheduled to get underway next week, and the public is invited to attend a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, July 30, at Steelyard Commons.
Six big, bold ideas that could change Cleveland as we know it
While many Clevelanders are familiar with the big-name construction projects intended to transform the face of the city, a series of bold concepts from dedicated Northeast Ohio visionaries are also aiming to put Cleveland on the forefront—from innovation to design to technology. Though some of these ventures are still in the hypothetical stage, all share an audacious vision of what Cleveland's future can hold. See our six picks for the big, bold ideas poised to change the Land as we know it.
Free Stamp: All things free in the #CLE for July 2018
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
PHOTOS: Cleveland Metroparks hosts its first-ever Taste on the Lake
Good eats, great music, and Lake Erie love were at the heart of the Cleveland Metroparks' Taste on the Lake event at Edgewater Park. Relive all the #beachvibes and food-oriented fun in our photo roundup by managing photographer Bob Perkoski.
Introducing the #Fresh10: Meet Cleveland's newest crop of rising entrepreneurs
It's Young Professionals Week here in Cleveland, and what better time than to highlight rising stars who are helping to put Cleveland on the map? Introducing FreshWater's first-ever #Fresh10, a group of talented professionals under 34 years old all making their mark on The Land—and beyond. Find out who made the list here.
Old Brooklyn's Crooked River Exploration Camp will connect city kids to CVNP
Kids in Cleveland’s neighborhoods don’t always get a chance to experience all nature has to offer in the summer months. Officials in Old Brooklyn want to change that factor and introduce elementary school students to the abundance of beauty in their own backyards with the brand-new Crooked River Exploration Camp, which will showcase all Cuyahoga Valley National Park has to offer.
Metroparks sails into a new era with first phase completion of historic Coast Guard complex
A historic U.S. Coast Guard station is now serving a new purpose following Cleveland Metroparks' first phase of renovations on the 1940 three-building complex. Situated on West Pier at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River on Whiskey Island, the station is now home to some of The Foundry’s sailing programs and the Metroparks' learn-to-sail classes, as well as an ideal location to appreciate Lake Erie’s beauty.
Conservation meets action at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with new Asian Highlands
Going to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can often feel like visiting another world—and that feeling is now even more amplified, thanks to the recent debut of the Asian Highlands. The $5.8 million addition to the Zoo highlights species such as Amur and snow leopards, red pandas, and takin (a type of goat-antelope that is new to the Zoo).
Cain Park celebrates 80 years of outdoor arts in Cleveland Heights
For 80 years, Cain Park in Cleveland Heights has entertained audiences under the stars with quality theatre, nationally-known musical and comedy acts, and arts showcases. Read our retrospective of the outdoor amphitheater's history and highlights here.
Free Stamp: All things free in the #CLE for June 2018
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
Hemlock Creek Trail will connect Independence to CVNP, Towpath Trail
After more than a decade of planning, the Hemlock Creek Trail in Independence is finally becoming a reality, with a public groundbreaking planned for this Saturday, June 2. The 1.7-mile asphalt Hemlock Creek trail’s western terminus will begin at Brecksville Road and Selig Drive in Independence, traverse through parts of historic Independence and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and ultimately meet up with the Towpath Trail at its eastern terminus.
Something wild: Local startup CampRents delivers outdoor gear on demand
Brunswick resident Jennifer Owens thinks the Midwest is a “highly underrated hiking destination,” and she founded CampRents to help make it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to explore it—and beyond. The Northeast Ohio-based startup seeks to make adventuring more accessible by delivering rentable gear on demand.
Spring has sprung: Four ways to get outside and enjoy the month of May
Warm, sunny weather has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, and folks are eager to shake off those winter blues. Clevelanders know how to take advantage of the summer months like no other, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture meets that need with a wide range of outdoor activities offered by their grantees. 
The Cuyahoga River is now two steps closer to being eco-friendly
Environmental action group Cuyahoga River Area of Concern celebrated a victory last weekend by checking two items off a list of 10 Beneficial Use Impairments that must be addressed before the river is delisted as one of the most polluted waterways by the Ohio EPA.
A Clevelander's field guide to hugging a tree this Arbor Day
Anyone who’s heard of the Cleveland Tree Plan knows the city has big things in store when it comes to greening our urban spaces—namely increasing the tree canopy from 19 percent to 30 percent by 2040. Mayor Jackson announced the goal last year on Arbor Day, and efforts continue as we approach Arbor Day 2018. Looking for ways to help Cleveland get from Point A to Point Tree? Here are four ways to help reforest The Forest City.
Cleveland Metroparks declares 2018 "Time to Explore"
From climbing the Fort Hill stairs to golfing at Manakiki to hiking Sulphur Springs, Cleveland Metroparks has compiled a Top 10 summer activity list that would make David Letterman proud. It’s all part of the new Metroparks campaign “Time to Explore,” a three-year effort designed to reflect its core pillars of recreation, conservation, and education—and shine a spotlight on the diversity of activities available throughout the Emerald Necklace.
Free Stamp: All things free in the #CLE for April 2018
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
Shore thing: Show your #LakeErieLove by entering the Tour the Shore contest
It may take 80 days to go around the world, but lovers of Lake Erie can get all the greatness of our Great Lake in just seven days and seven nights. Enter the second annual Tour the Shore contest, which squires the lucky winner around seven destinations along the Lake Erie shoreline—providing overnight accommodations, tickets to historic attractions, and reservations for local fine dining.
Is Euclid quietly becoming the city's next biking hotspot?
For many people, the question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” can be a real brainteaser. But Bike Euclid president Kath Sonnhalter knows exactly what she wants—especially as it pertains to creating a safer and more inviting environment for local biking enthusiasts.
 
Heights Libraries decides to give Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus a chance
The Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus and the nonprofit groups working out of the building will remain in the former Coventry School building after Heights Libraries opts to buy the property from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District for $1, saving the grounds from possible commercial development.