The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works, the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, and consultant the SmithGroup released today the final Lakefront Public Access Plan study.

This study covers three general topic areas:

1. Improved public access to Lake Erie
2. Erosion control and ecological enhancement
3. Enhanced transportation networks along the shoreline

This plan outlines a multimodal network of connected paths, all-purpose trails, boardwalks, roads, bridges, and public access points across the Lake Erie shoreline. The study considers the entire 30-mile Lake Erie shoreline within Cuyahoga County and provides a continuous network from the east to west side of the County. The study also acknowledges the need to improve access to the lake for neighborhoods to the south of the shoreline through elements such as road improvements.

Also referenced in the report are four new focus areas that have been identified as initial sites where continued investment and attention by the County and its partners will occur in the near term. These focus areas could create nearly seven miles of new lakefront access. They include:

1. Lake-Clifton Bridge
2. Lakewood Gold Coast
3. East 9th-East 55th Connector
4. Beulah Park-Euclid Beach Connector

In tandem with the release of the Lakefront Public Access Plan Report, the County has created an interactive storymap containing comprehensive maps of lakefront projects, their current status, and information on each point’s offerings. It also provides details on the four focus areas of the report and how much access will be created based on these segments.

The newest episode of the County’s “Let’s Talk Cuyahoga” podcast focuses on the release of the Lakefront Public Access Plan and collaborative efforts necessary for such a large project. County Executive Armond Budish spoke with Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman, City of Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, and County Director of Public Works Mike Dever.

The full Lakefront Public Access Plan Study can be found on the County’s Lakefront Public Access Page.