News Release

July 27, 2000

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will spend $2.7 million over the next 10 months on improvements and new facilities at the Edgewater Park section of Cleveland Lakefront State Park. Most renovations are slated to begin August 1.

"Cleveland Lakefront State Park is one of northeast Ohio’s most heavily used recreational facilities," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "These planned improvements will make the park even more enjoyable to the families and individuals who frequent its walkways, beaches, playgrounds and boating areas."

Improvements on the upper and lower Edgewater Multiple Use Path will begin August 1 and run to November 10. Work on the connector path that joins the upper and lower sections will begin after August 14. That connector path will remain open on weekends throughout the renovation period. Repaved pathways and new exercise stations are planned – as well as a new entrance plaza at the intersection of Edgewater Drive and West Boulevard.

The Lower Edgewater Boat Launch will close September 5 for a total renovation that will include installation of eight boat launch lanes, floating courtesy docks and a fixed concrete dock. Additional projects will remove obstructions in the harbor basin and install improved lighting in the boat launch area for nighttime safety. Improvements, which will cost $496,000, are being funded by a NatureWorks Lake Erie access grant. They are slated for completion by May 14, in time for the 2001 boating season. Signs will direct boaters to alternate public launch sites during the construction period.

A major rehabilitation of the Upper Edgewater Pavilion will begin October 16 and run through May 14, 2001. The pavilion’s roof, sidewalks, floors, lighting and stucco surfaces will be replaced, repaired or repainted. New sewer lines, renovated restrooms and drinking fountains are planned, as is construction of an entirely new restroom facility in the upper area. Design of the new facility will complement the historic pavilion. New equipment is also planned for a playground area near the pavilion.

ODNR contracted with Caputo Martini Construction Company of Cleveland to perform the renovations. GPD Associates of Akron completed the design work and will oversee administrative duties for the project.

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Cleveland Lakefront State Park

(216) 881-8141

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Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations

(614) 265-6860