The City of Euclid recently completed Phase I of its ambitious Waterfront Improvements Plan, creating an expanded fishing pier, a new multi-purpose trail and an accessible switchback ramp to the lakefront.

Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik says the $1.7 million project is part of a larger, $30 million push to expand Euclid's waterfront with a new, three-quarter mile beachfront and marina that he hopes will become a regional draw.

"We want to re-establish the historic beaches along the shoreline and make sure they're accessible, as Cleveland and the Metroparks are trying to do," he says.

Phase I of the waterfront plan was funded by $1.4 million from the City of Euclid and $355,000 from the State of Ohio. The city will seek additional aid to support future phases of the plan. "We'll be stopped dead in our tracks if we don't have assistance from the federal, state and county governments," Cervenik says.

Euclid now owns the majority of the three-quarter mile stretch of lakefront thanks to a donation from the K&D Group, a large apartment developer that owns lakefront property.

Over the long-term, Cervenik envisions a paved multi-purpose path along the entire stretch of cobble beach, which would include restored natural habitat. He also envisions sailing and kayak lessons and boating at the new marina once built.

For now, Euclid residents and visitors can enjoy the revitalized Sims Park, which Cervenik says complements nearly $14 million of recent development downtown.

Source: Bill Cervenik
Writer: Lee Chilcote