Cuyahoga Connects
May
21
3:00 PM15:00

Cuyahoga Connects

The fifth annual Cuyahoga Connects (formerly the CWIOFB “Cleveland’s Waterfront is Open for Business” press conference and mixer), convened by Share the River on behalf of the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force (CRSTF) will be held Wednesday May 21 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. at Collision Bend Brewing Co.

Cuyahoga Connects also serves as the “2 month away” kick-off for Share the River’s Seventh Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest on July 19, 2025.

The event brings together maritime partners, law enforcement, waterfront industries and businesses, governmental agencies, and recreation stakeholders, to share their respective vision for a safe, accessible, and productive waterfront, the importance of clean water, and its impact on the regional economy.

Waterfront stakeholders will each provide a short briefing, followed by a Q&A, followed by a casual connections happy hour by the river.

Participating organizations:

  • Lake Carriers’ Association

  • The Port of Cleveland

  • Lake Erie Marine Trades Assn.

  • ODNR Watercraft

  • Argonaut

  • Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

  • Cuyahoga River Area of Concern

Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hp4332e

Registration is limited to Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force members or Cuyuhoga River stakeholders.

As requested during the recent Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force meeting, CRSTF members are requested to provide feedback and suggestions by completing a brief survey.

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Blazing Paddles Paddlefest
Jul
19
to Jul 20

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest

The Seventh Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is a celebration of Cleveland’s historic and scenic Cuyahoga River. In partnership with the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force, industrial stakeholders, affiliate organizations, Cuyahoga River Water Trail partners, North Coast Multisports, and Blazing Paddles Paddlefest sponsors, Share the River is providing two opportunities to enjoy Blazing Paddles Paddlefest.

More details on our website

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Tri CLE
Aug
10
7:00 AM07:00

Tri CLE

From event website:

World-class racing is here to stay in Cleveland, Ohio!

Welcome to the Tri CLE Rock Roll Run, a multisport celebration in Cleveland, Ohio, at the beautiful Edgewater Park on August 10,  2025. The Tri CLE Rock Roll Run offers a Super Sprint, Sprint,  and Olympic distance triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike racing options.  

With distances for all ability levels, the event provides both individual divisions to take the course on solo and relay teams to take on the race with one or two teammates. 

The event features a one transition layout at Edgewater Park. The swim will be at Edgewater Beach. The bike will be on the closed-to-traffic Memorial Shoreway, highlighting the Cleveland skyline and downtown neighborhoods. The run will be through Edgewater Park. As each participant finishes, they will be greeted with a festive atmosphere to celebrate their accomplishment. 

Tri CLE was named one of USA TODAY's 10Best Sprint Triathlons for 2024. 

Tri CLE is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned race with two USA Triathlon Certified Level 1 Race Directors. 

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Cuyahoga River AOC BUI Celebration & Champion of the River Award
Oct
17
4:30 PM16:30

Cuyahoga River AOC BUI Celebration & Champion of the River Award

  • 7600 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway Cleveland, OH 44102 Cleveland, OH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Cuyahoga River AOC event page:

The Cuyahoga River Area of Concern has recently announced its sixth Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) removal, or specific problems that can prevent a body of water from reaching its full potential. The latest accomplishment was for the Beach Closures (Recreational Use) BUI, a testament to the substantial investments made by regional agencies to reduce bacteria levels, restore water quality, and improve beach conditions. In the Cuyahoga River, 10 out of the 14 BUIs from U.S. EPA’s list were identified along with their causes to develop strategic projects and actions to restore them. With every BUI that is removed, the Cuyahoga River is one step closer to being delisted as an Area of Concern.

Join us as we celebrate another milestone in the Cuyahoga River’s ecological recovery and to honor our 2024 Champion of the River, the City of Cuyahoga Falls. Before we commence with the festivities, volunteer to help clean up the beach and continue our efforts towards healthy waters (register here!).

A variety of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided during the celebration to all attendees.

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NEORSD Clean Water Fest
Sep
21
9:00 AM09:00

NEORSD Clean Water Fest

  • Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From NEORSD CWF website

Facebook event link

It's not too early to mark your calendars. Our festival of all things water returns Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9:00 until 4:00. A full day of free games, giveaways, tours, trucks, education and inspiration unlike any other. Join thousands of our closest friends from Northeast Ohio and beyond at Clean Water Fest. 

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Sep
7
10:00 AM10:00

Antique Fire Engine Show and Safety Day

From Facebook event page:

Join us for a day of classic fire engine displays with pumping demonstrations along the Cuyahoga River at Cleveland MetroParks Rivergate Park, located next to Merwin's Wharf Restaurant.
Invited participants also include The Cleveland Fire Department, MetroHealth Medical Center, Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC), The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the USCG, the Western Reserve Dalmatian Club and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.

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Cleveland Taco Fest (Labor Day weekend)
Aug
30
to Sep 2

Cleveland Taco Fest (Labor Day weekend)

From https://tacofestcle.com/

cleveland.com article: 4-day Cleveland Taco Fest is coming up

HOURS

FRI (8/30): 4pm-11pm | SAT (8/31): 11am-11pm | SUN (9/1): 11am-11pm | MON (9/2): 11am-9pm

What better way to celebrate the conclusion of the summer than with Tacos, Cerveza, and Tequila! Join us in downtown Cleveland through August 30th – September 2nd for a street festival including eats from over 30 taquerias and eateries, ice-cold margaritas, 2 stages of live entertainment, and more! Taco Fest presents a carefully crafted entertainment lineup that’s appealing to all ages. The event will feature some of the regions’ most impressive musical talent line-ups with a range of musical genres and styles performing all day that will please any crowd.

The Cleveland Taco Fest is family-friendly, featuring loads of fun for all ages at the Kids Zone, including bounce houses, glitter tattoos, crafts and so much more! Guests will enjoy hours of action-packed entertainment with Lucha Libre wrestling, daily contests including the hot sauce challenge and timed taco-eating contests, tequila sampling, artisan vendors, and more.

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Sunset on the Harbor - Argonaut fundraiser
Aug
23
6:30 PM18:30

Sunset on the Harbor - Argonaut fundraiser

From Argonaut website:

We’re excited to invite you to our 3rd Annual Sunset on the Harbor Benefit, supporting Argonaut and our Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School.

Kick off your weekend with an unforgettable Latin-themed evening of food and music, unique silent auction prizes, and an incomparable view of a late summer sunset over North Coast Harbor! Don your fedora and loudest vacation clothes while the Justo Saborit band entertains us with Latin and Cuban inspired music.

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Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park ribbon cutting
Jul
30
10:00 AM10:00

Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park ribbon cutting

  • Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Summit Metro Parks Facebook event

Summit Metro Parks is pleased to welcome visitors to enjoy new amenities at the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park beginning July 30! The park district will host a public ribbon cutting for members of the community to celebrate the amenities, which include a kayak/canoe access point on the Cuyahoga River, a barn shelter, a Nature Play area, new trails and five gender-neutral restrooms.

At the event, visitors can learn more about Summit Metro Parks, Free the Falls and the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, or browse a selection of apparel, drinkware, books and more at the Maple Leaf Gifts pop-up gift shop.

Two new trails, Missing Link (1.1 miles) and Prather (1 mile) trails, will open the same day. Visitors can join a naturalist-led hike at 11:00 a.m. on Missing Link Trail.

Construction for this high-quality access point to the Cuyahoga River began in May 2023. Acquired by the park district in 2016, the Valley View Area has undergone a significant transformation, which includes the restoration of one mile of the Cuyahoga River and 200 acres of parkland. Summit Metro Parks is grateful for generous grant and private funding that has made these beautiful additions possible to allow visitors to connect with, enjoy and celebrate nature from land and water.

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Picnic in the Park w/ Alex Senna (Small Giants arts installation)
Jul
24
5:30 PM17:30

Picnic in the Park w/ Alex Senna (Small Giants arts installation)

  • 2800 Whiskey Island Drive Cleveland, OH, 44102 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Land Studio event page

OVERVIEW

Join us on Wednesday, July 24th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Wendy Park to celebrate Small Giants, Cleveland's new public art installation! Bring your own picnic for a family-friendly event with music, games, and bubbles. Meet the artist, Alex Senna, and enjoy refreshments while celebrating art and community.

About Alex Senna/Small Giants https://www.land-studio.org/projects/small-giants

Weather permitting - we will communicate weather-related event updates on LAND’s social media.

Learn more about the installation here.

TICKETS

Registration not required but appreciated | Free admission

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May
22
3:00 PM15:00
maritime, cuyahoga river, recreation, river

Cuyahoga Connects CRSTF Mixer and Presser

Cleveland’s Waterfront is open for the summer! 

The fourth annual Cuyahoga Connects (formerly the CWIOFB “Cleveland’s Waterfront is Open for Business” press conference and mixer), convened by Share the River in partnership with Ohio Marine Trades Association on behalf of the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force (CRSTF) will be held May 22 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Collision Bend Brewing Co.

Last year’s event celebrated the designation of the lower Cuyahoga River as the nation’s Best Urban Kayaking Spot by USA Today 10Best. Cuyahoga Connects also serves as the “1 month away” kick-off for Share the River’s Sixth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest on June 21-22, 2024.

The event will bring together maritime partners, law enforcement, waterfront industries and businesses, governmental agencies, and recreation stakeholders, to share their respective vision for a safe, accessible, and productive waterfront, the importance of clean water, and its impact on the regional economy.

Six waterfront stakeholders will each provide a short briefing, followed by a Q&A, followed by a casual connections happy hour by the river.

We have limited capacity so please RSVP today.

Speakers

  • Chris Ronayne - Cuyahoga County Executive

  • LT. Jared Stevens, US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Cleveland

  • Dave Gutheil - Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Cleveland

  • Eric Peace - VP, Lake Carriers' Association

  • Michelle Burke - Ohio Marine Trades Association

  • Drew Ferguson - Founder & CEO, Argonaut

  • Chad Kozan - ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft

  • Jim Ridge - Founder, Share the River

Heavy appetizers and Collision Bend Brewing tap beer will be complimentary. This is an invitation only event with registration via Constant Contact link sent to CRSTF members and waterfront stakeholders. An agenda will be forthcoming. Should you or your organization be interested in attending, please e-mail us!

There are also challenges associated with increasing numbers of recreational paddlers and boaters who are drawn to Cleveland’s hard-working, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River sharing the same narrow body of water (a Federal Navigation Channel) with commercial maritime operators. Cuyahoga Connects is held during the National Safe Boating Council’s National Safe Boating Week.

Media: Share the River celebrates the Cuyahoga River and summer with annual kick-off (Ideastream/Johnson)

For tips on recreational boater use of the Cuyahoga River go to our website:

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Public Information Meeting for Cuyahoga River Old Channel Sediment Clean-Up
May
15
6:00 PM18:00
Cleveland, cuyahoga river

Public Information Meeting for Cuyahoga River Old Channel Sediment Clean-Up

A public meeting will be held on May 15th at 6pm for the Cuyahoga River Old Channel (CROC) sediment cleanup at Windows on the River. Free parking will be provided.

details from EPA press release:

EPA and Partners to Hold Public Meeting in Cleveland on Cuyahoga River Old Channel Cleanup

May 9, 2024

Contact Information

Allison Lippert (lippert.allison@epa.gov)

312-353-0967

CHICAGO (May 9, 2024) — Next week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Great Lakes Legacy Act project partners will hold a public meeting in Cleveland to discuss the Cuyahoga River Old Channel sediment cleanup that will begin next year. The sediment  contains several contaminants that are toxic to aquatic organisms, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), oil and grease, and metals. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment will be removed from the Cuyahoga River Old Channel. At the meeting, EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will update the community on the construction of a confined disposal facility where the contaminated sediment will be properly disposed.   

WHO:      EPA
                  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                                               
                  Port of Cleveland
                  Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
                  Ohio EPA
                  Ohio Lake Erie Commission
                 

WHAT:      Public meeting to learn about next steps for Cuyahoga River Old Channel cleanup
 

WHEN:      Wednesday, May 15
                     6–8 p.m.
            

WHERE:    Windows on the River
                     2000 Sycamore St.
                     Cleveland, OH
                    

The project is part of a larger initiative to clean up the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern. For more information, please visit EPA’s webpage.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-aocs/cuyahoga-river-aoc

https://cuyahogaaoc.org/

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World Water Day at HiHO Brewing Company
Mar
22
4:00 PM16:00

World Water Day at HiHO Brewing Company


From HiHO Brewing Company Facebook event

We are EX-STREAM-LY excited to celebrate World Water Day and the resurgence of clean water on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie!

Join us at HiHO Brewing Co. for information on how to get out and safely enjoy your time on the water this season! There will be updates on the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, Ohio's 13th officially designated water trail, information to share on new access points along the river for paddlers, maps, giveaways, and more including updates about the Gorge Dam Removal!

The Cuyahoga River is important to lots of local folks! Find additional information from Summit Metro Parks, The National Park Service, Burning River Adventures, Float the River, and Share the River to learn how YOU can get out and have fun on the Cuyahoga River this year!

While you're here, stop next door at The Falls Outdoor Co. and The Social Dept. for outdoor gear, cool, local tees, and more!

Safety should always be a priority whether you like to kayak, canoe, tube, or paddle board. We're looking forward to an awesome 2024 season on the water!

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/930896441634981

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The Way Forward Leader Lunch Break: Steven Litt_Public Space Revolution
Jan
10
12:00 PM12:00

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Break: Steven Litt_Public Space Revolution

From Cleveland Leadership website

Steven Litt 
Art & Architecture Critic, Advance Ohio

Public space revolution
After a century of industrialization and automobile-oriented city planning, Northeast Ohio civic and business leaders have aligned around a green vision for the future that includes expanding the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace and connections to the Towpath Trail. But will massive public investment in downtown waterfront parks and public spaces produce equitable economic benefits touted by leaders?

REGISTER >

Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center YouTube Channel – subscribe today!

Leaders are needed now more than ever before, please help us to build our leadership today and for the future. The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are offered for free but donations to support continued CLC programming are appreciated!

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CHEERS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Dec
2
10:30 AM10:30

CHEERS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

  • 7301 N. Marginal Rd Cleveland, OH 44108 Cleveland, OH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Cleveland Metroparks website.

This event is hosted by Intercity Yacht Club, located just west of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard off North Marginal Rd. (7301 N. Marginal Rd.). There will be team members to chat with along with displays and activities for sharing your ideas. We’ll also have coffee, a hot cocoa bar, and some treats to help folks warm up after being outdoors!

No registration is needed to join the Open House. If you’d like to join a walking tour or bus tour, please use the links below to let us know you’re coming.  

WALKSHOPS – 1-to-2-mile walks (please dress for the weather and expect some uneven terrain) 

  • 11 AM

  • 12 PM

  • 1 PM

  • 2 PM


BUMBLEBEE BUS TOURS – 40-minute rides in an enclosed cart (limited capacity - registration required) 

  • 10:30 AM

  • NOON

  • 1:30 PM


Please stay at home if you are sick, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

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Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Champion of the River
Nov
16
5:00 PM17:00

Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Champion of the River

From Cuyahoga River AOC press release

We are looking forward to our upcoming BUI Removal Celebration & Champion of the River Award on Thursday, November 16th from 5:00pm-6:30pm at Collision Bend Brewing Company. See attached flyer for details and the link to register.

The event will include heavy appetizers, drink tickets for registered attendees, and a brief program recognizing our recent BUI removal and presenting our Champion of the River award to Share the River. A big thanks to the many sponsors who are helping to support this event!

Please SAVE THE DATE and be sure to register ahead of time (registration is required to get a drink ticket). REGISTER TODAY:

BUI Removal Celebration & Champion of the River Award | November 16th, 2023 | 5:00pm-6:30pm | Collision Bend Brewing Co.

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Oct
25
6:00 PM18:00

Gorge Dam removal community update

  • 60 South High Street Akron, OH, 44326 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Summit Metroparks 10.19.23 press release

Hear latest project updates at public meeting
 

Members of the public are invited to attend a community update on the process to remove a 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam within Gorge Metro Park. The dam is one of the largest unresolved impediments to restoring the water quality of the Cuyahoga River and its removal will improve river ecology, create recreational opportunities and drive economic benefits within the local community.

On Wednesday, October 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch (60 S. High St., Akron), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Ohio EPA, City of Akron and other stakeholders will present a project status update. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available at the garage at 40 S. High St. or the surface lot at 71 S. High St.
 The meeting will also be live-streamed and available for later viewing on the Summit Metro Parks YouTube page.

Now in its seventh year, the dam removal project is managed by a group of partners that includes the City of Akron, City of Cuyahoga Falls, FirstEnergy, County of Summit, Summit County Council, Summit Metro Parks, The University of Akron, Ohio EPA, Ohio Lake Erie Commission and U.S. EPA.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page or bit.ly/freethefalls.

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Oct
21
10:30 AM10:30

The Cuyahoga River Area of Concern: From Burning River to Urban Asset

  • Cleveland Museum of Natural History (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Cleveland Museum of Natural History website:

PRESENTER: BILL HUGHES, VICE CHAIR, CUYAHOGA RIVER AREA OF CONCERN ADVISORY COMMITTEE  

Join the Friends of CMNH on the second Saturday of each month at 10am for coffee and conversation, followed at 10:30am by the Friends of CMNH Science Series.

The Cuyahoga River was recently named the best urban kayaking stream in the country. It's come a long way since the 1969 fire that served as a catalyst for environmental regulations protecting and restoring America’s waterways. The designation of the Cuyahoga River as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) in the 1980s fueled efforts to improve the river and its watershed, as well as smaller watersheds that flow directly into Lake Erie.   

It’s been a fascinating journey, and a few projects remain to be completed before the AOC can be “delisted.” In this presentation Bill Hughes will discuss a range of projects, which impact everything from recreation access to fish habitat. 

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, whether you plan to attend the 10:30am talk in person or virtually. You will receive a Zoom link upon registration.



PRICES

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Whiskey Island Paddlefest
Aug
19
7:30 AM07:30

Whiskey Island Paddlefest

  • 2800 Whiskey Island Dr Cleveland, OH, 44102 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Challenge yourself with a 2-mile, 6-mile, youth, or kids’ stand up paddleboard or kayak race during the 9th annual Whiskey Island Paddlefest, or enjoy a paddle at your own pace during the Capture the Swag Fun Paddle! Whiskey Island Paddlefest is perfect for both beginners and advanced paddlers.

https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/calendar/2023/or/whiskey-island-paddlefest

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Blazing Paddles Paddlefest 2023
Jul
21
to Jul 22

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest 2023

  • 1785 Merwin Ave Cleveland, OH, 44113 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Fifth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is a kayak, paddleboard, and canoe recreational celebration of Cleveland’s hardworking, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River. In partnership with Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force and industrial stakeholders, paddlers will enjoy exclusive access to the Cuyahoga River for five hours to enjoy either an 8.6-mile recreational paddle/float or one of three races (3.2, 6.8 and 14.4-miles). PLEASE register early as our fields have sold out the last two years (resulting in t-shirt availability challenges).

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Cuyahoga River Rally
Jun
24
11:00 AM11:00

Cuyahoga River Rally

Cuyahoga River Rally celebrates the history of the Cuyahoga River and the lifestyle enhancements clean water provides with an all day festival, live music and free history tours.

Cuyahoga River Rally offer a number of events to celebrate how far the Cuyahoga River has come, including riverside yoga, kayaking tours, boat rides, walking tours and biking tours.

https://www.canalwaypartners.com/events/2023/06/24/cuyahoga-river-rally

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Veterans Memorial Bridge subway level bridge tour
Jun
23
5:00 PM17:00

Veterans Memorial Bridge subway level bridge tour

Cuyahoga County is opening the underside of the double-decker Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway for two days in June, and officials want the public’s help in deciding what to do with the space going forward.

The public will have access to the streetcar level from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 23, as part of a community conversation about how to reactivate the underside for future pedestrian use. Dinner will also be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Free, self-guided tours will also be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the following day, on June 24, where residents can experience the original streetcar station and tracks and see unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, and educational tables during the event.

website: https://www.veteransmemorialbridge.org/

cleveland.com story
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/05/cuyahoga-county-opening-subway-level-of-veterans-memorial-bridge-in-june-residents-invited-to-reimagine-its-future.html

Share the river blog-post on previous Veterans Memorial Bridge tour

http://sharetheriver.com/blog/2018/8/20/veterans-memorial-bridge-perspective

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TRY-IT: Kayaking Euclid Creek with Cleveland Metroparks
Jun
21
5:30 PM17:30

TRY-IT: Kayaking Euclid Creek with Cleveland Metroparks

Kayaking is a fun way to explore Cleveland Metroparks. Discover the beauty of Euclid Creek and views of Lake Erie from a sit-on-top kayak. Learn paddle techniques and basic boat fitting as you try kayaking under the guidance of certified instructors.

Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration for the two Try-It sessions OPENS May 15!

https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/calendar/2023/or/kayaking/try-it-kayaking-euclid-creek

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May
24
3:00 PM15:00
maritime, cuyahoga river, recreation, river

The CWIOFB (Cleveland's Waterfront is Open for Business) CRSTF Mixer and Presser

Cleveland’s Waterfront is open for the summer! 

Celebrating the Cuyahoga River, the Best Urban Kayaking Spot in 2023

The third annual “Cleveland’s Waterfront is Open for Business” press conference and mixer that we convene on behalf of the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force (CRSTF) will be held May 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Collision Bend Brewing Co.

This year’s event celebrates the designation of the lower Cuyahoga River as the nation’s Best Urban Kayaking Spot by USA Today 10Best. The CWIOFB will also serve as the “2 months away” kick-off for Share the River’s Fifth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest on July 21-22, 2023 at Rivergate Park.

The event will bring together maritime partners, law enforcement, waterfront industries and businesses, recreation stakeholders, and our lead supporter, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, to share their respective thoughts on the shared vision for a safe, accessible, and productive waterfront, the importance of clean water, and its impact on the regional economy.

Speakers:

  • LCDR Jeremy Maginot - Commanding Officer, US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Cleveland

  • Mark Johnson - Ohio EPA

  • Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells - CEO, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

  • Brian Zimmerman - CEO, Cleveland Metroparks

  • Eric Peace - VP, Lake Carriers' Association (also the board chair for Argonaut)

  • Jim Ridge - Founder, Share the River

Heavy appetizers and Collision Bend Brewing tap beer will be complimentary. This is an invitation only event with registration via Constant Contact link sent to CRSTF members and waterfront stakeholders. An agenda and speaker list will be forthcoming. Should you or your organization be interested in attending, please e-mail us!

There are also challenges associated with increasing numbers of recreational paddlers and boaters who are drawn to Cleveland’s hard-working, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River sharing the same narrow body of water (a Federal Navigation Channel) with commercial maritime operators. This event is held during the National Safe Boating Council’s National Safe Boating Week.

For tips on recreational boater use of the Cuyahoga River go to our website:

View Event →