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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:

Earlier Event: May 6
Riversweep
Later Event: June 21
TRY-IT: Kayaking Euclid Creek with Cleveland Metroparks