Cleveland Metroparks today celebrated the completion of the multi-year restoration work at historic Garfield Park. Members of the public joined Cleveland Metroparks, project partners and donors to officially open the doors to the new Garfield Park Program Center and experience the restored Garfield Pond, Wolf Creek and new surrounding trails.
The park dates back to 1894 and was leased to Cleveland Metroparks in 1986 to become Garfield Park Reservation. The extensive update of Garfield Park’s central features included reestablishing the historic two-acre lower pond, restoration of Wolf Creek, reconstruction of historic masonry structures such as the picturesque arch stone bridge at the base of the pond and the stairway to Iron Springs, construction of the new Garfield Park Program Center, and a new network of paved, natural surface, and ADA accessible trail loops. The restored Garfield Pond is designed for watersports including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. New fishing docks were constructed for anglers while the restored ecological health of the pond will support fishing opportunities with over 200 sunfish currently stocked and plans to add several additional species in the future as the pond's aquatic vegetation becomes more established.
The restoration of Wolf Creek consisted of an enhanced floodplain connection and streambank stabilization that will reduce downstream erosion and sediment transport. The restoration of Wolf Creek, which flows into Mill Creek, a tributary of the Cuyahoga River, is vital to local water quality and stream health. Enhanced amenities, such as hiking trails, bridges and boardwalks allow visitors to experience the restored creek, its wetlands, floodplains and pond up close.
“This investment in Garfield Park Reservation, with the critical support of our partners, revitalizes this historic park and re-establishes opportunities for the community to once again enjoy fishing, boating and exploration of the restored pond, creek and wetlands,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “The newly constructed program center will foster learning and be a place the community can enjoy for generations to come.”
The new 3,000 square foot Garfield Park Program Center will serve as an education and recreation program hub for Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation programs, as well as its Youth Outdoors program, serving local youth. Built upon the existing foundation of the former boat house structure, the new LEED designed timber framed program center incorporates sustainable features including a geothermal heating and cooling system connected to the pond along with a solar array. The center is also a year-round reservable facility available to the public.
This transformative project was made possible with support of key partners and donors, including two separate $1 million donations from Ohio CAT and the Brown and Kunze Foundation, along with several other family foundations and individuals, and support from Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Section 319, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trail Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The improvements to Garfield Park build on years of recent investments made in the park, including construction of a new reservable shelter and restrooms at Iron Springs, the repaving of roadways, expansion of Mill Creek Falls, the recent addition of Cleveland Metroparks nature-based preschool, a new accessible play area at Red Oak Picnic Area, reclamation of formerly developed areas and the planting more than 1,000 native trees and shrubs. Further work is currently underway to improve park access and connect Garfield Park to the Towpath Trail to the west and the Morgana Run Trail to the north.
History of Garfield Park Reservation
Garfield Park Reservation has been a popular destination for the surrounding community since it became a public park in 1894. The park formerly featured two ponds, first built in the early 1900s, that served as a year-round destination for family activities including fishing, row boating and ice skating. However, the construction boom of the 1950s and 1960s led to sediment build up in Wolf Creek (a tributary to Mill Creek), deteriorating the health of the creek and filling the ponds, and the recreational and educational opportunities that had drawn generations of families to the park were diminished.
Remnants of the historic park, including century-old stone bridges, stairs and walls can still be seen by visitors to Garfield Park Reservation and have been restored through this project. Through decades of protection and improvements by Cleveland Metroparks, the reservation remains a popular spot for visitors and welcomed 390,000 recreational visitors last year.
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