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

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?

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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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Canalway’s one day litter cleanup that focuses on protecting the Cuyahoga River by removing garbage from the Cuyahoga River Corridor.

https://www.canalwaypartners.com/events/2023/05/06/riversweep

A Fun for All paddle fest focused on Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and the Upper Gorge of the Cuyahoga River. Paddlers, spectators, and photographers can enjoy themselves in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, whether on the water or on foot, exploring the urban riverfront and growing variety of businesses.

The Cuyahoga Falls Fest is a grassroots gathering of experienced paddlers. Proper gear and training is necessary to tackle the Class 4+ rapids. Paddlers are encouraged to form their own groups, safety plans, and consider shuttle logistics if necessary.

Due to unforeseeable weather events and water levels, paddlers should consider alternative paddling options if the Upper Gorge conditions are not favorable for their abilities. If possible, the team at the City of Akron's Watershed Division may assist with a reservoir release for low water conditions.

Website: https://www.cfallsfest.com/
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/713506076957982

Come join the City of Cleveland, Downtown Cleveland Alliance and North Coast Harbor for Ice FEST.
A wintry activation will take place  in Voinovich Bicentennial Park  and the walkways between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame + Museum. The one-day event is free to the public, features ice displays  and winter fun at the lakefront. So bundle up and bring the whole family to enjoy our beautiful North Coast Harbor, where the city meets the lake in Downtown Cleveland!

Schedule of Events:

• 10:00 AM | Inaugural Hot Cocoa 5K & 1 Mile Walk

• 10:30 AM | Snow Yoga with Maria Perme (20 minute outdoor stretch) at Nuevo patio

• 11:00 AM | Snow Yoga with Maria Perme (20 minute outdoor stretch) at Nuevo patio

  • Ice Exhibit Open!

  • FREE Hot Cocoa at Simply Vintage Bakery (while supplies last)

• 11:30 AM | Carving Demo at Nuevo Modern Mexican Patio

• 12:00 PM | Storytime, Crafts-to-go, Family Scavenger Hunt (until 3:00 PM)

  • Cleveland Public Library book giveaway

  • Story sessions at 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM

• 12:30 PM | Carving Demo at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Plaza

• 1:00 PM | LIVE Music on Rock Hall Stage (no admission required)

• 1:30 PM | Carving Demo in Voinovich Park

• 2:30 PM | Fire Pits & S’more Kits at Voinovich Park (while supplies last)

  • Carving Demo in Voinovich Park

• 3:00 PM | Ice Bar & specialty cocktails presented by Nuevo (until 6:00 PM)

• 3:30 PM | Ice Tower build and carving detail in Voinovich Park

• 5:30 PM | Fire & Ice Tower Lighting

• 5:45 PM | Ohio Burn Unit Fire Performance (30 minute show) in Voinovich Park

http://www.northcoastharbor.org/events/event/icefestcle/

(From Akron Beacon Journal article)

A community meeting is planned for Oct. 31 to discuss the progress on the project to remove the Gorge Dam from the Cuyahoga River.

The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St., Cuyahoga Falls. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.

During the meeting, Summit Metro Parks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other involved agencies will present a project status update.

Located in Gorge Metro Park, the 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam was built in 1911 for hydroelectric power and later provided cooling water for a coal-fired power plant. It is no longer functional.

The project, which is expected to reveal the buried waterfall for which Cuyahoga Falls is named, will include removing 832,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment — including heavy metals, oil and grease — from the 1.4-mile-long dam pool that's currently used by fishers.

"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," Summit Metro Parks said in a statement.

Currently, the U.S. EPA is designing the sediment management portion of the project, and the city of Akron is engineering the dam removal. Both design projects are funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, with matching funds through the state, Summit Metro Parks said.

The dam removal project is in its sixth year and is managed by a group of partners, including the cities of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, FirstEnergy, Summit County and Summit County Council, Summit Metro Parks, the University of Akron, the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the U.S. and Ohio EPAs.

The Brecksville Dam was the last dam to be removed in an effort to improve water quality by letting the Cuyahoga River flow naturally. Dams in Kent, Munroe Falls and two in Cuyahoga Falls have already come down in recent years.

With the Brecksville Dam gone, the Gorge Dam is the last one scheduled to be removed on the Cuyahoga. The dam at Lake Rockwell, which provides drinking water for Akron, will remain.

Great Lakes Ecoregion Network (GLEN) invites you to help protect your Great Lake! GLEN is a binational group of dedicated advocates (see: https://greatlakesecoregionnetwork.weebly.com) working to strengthen the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and increase public/community engagement in government policies focusing on Great Lakes water quality.

In advance of the Great Lakes Public Forum in Niagara Falls, GLEN is hosting a series of webinars for people to speak out about the state of the Lakes and Rivers in the Great Lakes Basin. Click here for more information!

https://greatlakesecoregionnetwork.weebly.com/webinar-registration.html

https://greatlakesecoregionnetwork.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/7/5/127517503/glen_2022_webinar_series_registration.pdf

The 4th Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest returns to Cleveland's hard-working, historic, and scenic Cuyahoga River with two paddling options for you. A relaxed, curated paddle up and down the Cuyahoga River. One week before Blazing Paddles you will be e-mailed an electronic map providing you insights into the bridges, industry, and historic sites you'll be passing during your paddle. - 2, 5.7 and 13-mile races for more competitive types! Registration for the "recreational float" is via Race Roster. Registration for the races will be via Paddle Guru. - If you don't own a kayak, you can rent one from us during the registration process! - Come to Cleveland for Blazing Paddles Paddlefest but plan to stay in Cleveland for the weekend!

Watch the Blazing Paddles Paddlefest stoke video!

For photos and video from last year’s Blazing Paddles, visit http://sharetheriver.com/blog/the-3rd-annual-blazing-paddles-paddlefest-drone-video-an-amazing-morning-on-the-cuyahoga-river

Brogan Open Water Classic takes place each summer at Edgewater Beach, W of downtown Cleveland. Join us for Half-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile swims in beautiful Lake Erie!

Check-in begins at 6:00 am and the first wave goes off at 8:00 am.

This year we are the USMS Sprint-distance (1 mi) Open Water National Championship. Swimmers from all over the country will be coming to compete with us.

Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1621966728153392

Event website: https://ohiomasters.com/brogan-owc/

Mayor Don Walters is pleased to announce that Outdoor Rec Fest will be held on Saturday, July 2, from noon to 5 p.m. in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls.

Outdoor Rec Fest will celebrate the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, and the northeast Ohio region. The event will highlight hiking, biking, tubing, kayaking, and climbing.

“Exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation in Cuyahoga Falls continue to expand for residents and visitors alike,” stated Mayor Don Walters. “With 26 neighborhood parks, biking and hiking routes, and a multitude of activities along the beautiful Cuyahoga River such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and rock climbing, our city offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts.”

Scheduled vendors and nonprofits include:
Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club
Akron Summit County Visitors and Convention Bureau
Burning River Adventures
Century Cycles
Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Recreation
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Falls Outdoor Company
Float the River
Keel-Haulers Canoe Club
Northeast Ohio Orienteering Club
Ohio Climbers Coalition
Share the River
Summit Metro Parks

Craft beer sales will benefit the Cuyahoga Falls Partnership for Parks. In addition, food will be available from Fabi's Taco Truck.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/415164973817378/

website: https://www.cityofcf.com/events/outdoor-rec-fest

A full day of fun along the river at Hart Crane Park. The Cuyahoga River Rally celebrates the progress of the Cuyahoga River and the recreational and lifestyle enhancements clean water provides. 

Tickets are not required to enter the event. Advance registration for tours is recommended, as space is limited.

Cuyahoga River Rally is part of Cleveland History Days, a week long celebration of Cleveland’s rich legacy

https://canalwaypartners.com/cuyahoga-river-rally/

Our annual “Cleveland’s Waterfront is Open for Business” press conference and mixer at Collision Bend Brewing Co. that we convene on behalf of the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force (CRSTF) is a wonderful opportunity for maritime, law enforcement, recreation, industrial and business stakeholders to share their respective thoughts on the positive impact Cleveland’s waterfront has on the regional economy. This is an invitation only event. Should you or your organization like to attend, please send an e-mail to 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.

Check out or blog post on last year’s inaugural CWIOFB presser and mixer by visiting http://sharetheriver.com/blog/2021/5/28/6-perspectives-on-clevelands-waterfront-is-open-for-business

Media from last year’s CWIOFB presser:

• Officials Encourage Safety On Lake, River Ahead Of Summer Boating Season (Haggerty/WCPN)

• Work and Play: Officials tout the importance of Cleveland's waterfront, preach safety for upcoming holiday weekend (Vandenberge/WEWS)

• ‘Stay vigilant’: Boating and swimming safety key as weather warms in Northeast Ohio (Ziegler/Fox 8)

• Back in Business: Start of water recreation season sparks new optimism for businesses along Cleveland’s shores and banks (Melson/WOIO)

Canalway’s done in-a-day clean up of the Cuyahoga River valley corridor.

Ten Clean Up Sites – Register for the location you want to clean up!

Please register for only one cleanup location. When you arrive on-site, the site leader will greet you with an event t-shirt and provide cleaning supplies. If you have a question about the event, please contact Julie Sciarrino at julie@canalwaypartners.com.

https://canalwaypartners.com/events/riversweep/