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.
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.
Agenda and speakers TBD (from 2023 event):
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. 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:
Check out or blog post on last year’s CWIOFB presser and mixer by visiting http://sharetheriver.com/blog/2022/5/27/clevelands-waterfront-is-open-for-business-presser-amp-cuyahoga-river-safety-task-force-mixer
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.
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:
Check out or blog post on last year’s CWIOFB presser and mixer by visiting http://sharetheriver.com/blog/2022/5/27/clevelands-waterfront-is-open-for-business-presser-amp-cuyahoga-river-safety-task-force-mixer
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
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.
The Cuyahoga Falls Fest is an event for whitewater paddling athletes to gather and experience what Ohio has to offer. Our focus is the Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge and the primary vendors are the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls businesses, restaurants, bars, and breweries.
Cuyahoga Falls Fest is a "fun for all" event for spectators and paddlers. Whether paddling or spectating, beautiful Downtown Cuyahoga Falls can be explored by everyone. Paddlers are encouraged to focus on whitewater within their skill level, form their own groups, gear, safety plans, and shuttle logistics as necessary.
Primary Paddle Location:
Cuyahoga River Upper Gorge (Sheraton Section) - Class IV-V+ (water flow dependent)
Secondary Locations:
Tinker's Creek - Class IV-V+
East/West Falls Black River - Class V
Cuyahoga River Lower Gorge - Class II-III
Cuyahoga River Water Trail - various Class I-III
Join HiHO Brewing Co. as they celebrate our local water resources for World Water Day on Tuesday March 22nd from 5-8pm! You'll find information from the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, Share the River, and Falls Outdoor Company!
Come sip a pint of HiHo’s Kayaker's Kolsch and learn how you can get out to kayak on the Cuyahoga River! The Cuyahoga River Water Trail is the 13th designated water trail in Ohio and has resources such as maps, access point information, and safety tips for paddlers on the Cuyahoga River. You can also help HiHo welcome Falls Outdoor Co. to Front St. and learn about their shop where you can browse kayaks and gear!
Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/503334494498567
A typical February evening on the West Bank of the Flats is pretty quiet. Not so during Brite Winter. The non-profit festival brings together people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds, allowing them to discover new music and art and enjoy their community. Spanning ten years, three locations, tens of thousands of guests, hundreds of bands and artists, and temperatures as low as 8 and as high as 69 degrees—Brite Winter has always been a festival created with the community, not just for it.
https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/02/what-to-know-before-you-go-to-brite-winter-2022.html
Cleveland Rowing Foundation’s annual Head of the Cuyahoga regatta returns to the Cuyahoga River.
https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/index.jsp?job_id=7238&org_id=703
Annual parade of lights on the Cuyahoga River. Members will decorate their boats for Christmas in July and parade them from the rally point at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River up to Merwin’s Wharf and back.
For more information contact Denny Prochaska at Denny.Prochaska@gmail.com or via phone (440) 390-8228.
FreshwaterCLE Story: Light it up: Whiskey Island Boat Club plans for Parade of Lights on Saturday
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. returns to the comeback Cuyahoga River on July 24, 2021!
You’ll have two options as a paddler: You can race or you can float! Details at http://sharetheriver.com/blazing-paddles
Join the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern to celebrate an important milestone in the revitalization of the Cuyahoga River. The celebration will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4 - 5 pm at Forest City Brewery, 2135 Columbus Rd. Cleveland OH, 44113 (get map).
Responding to Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s recommendation from earlier this year, the U.S. EPA has agreed to remove the “Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae” Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) from the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC). Link to May 5 2021 Ohio Lake Erie Commission press release.
Cuyahoga River AOC press release on July 22 event at Forest City Brewery is below.
Join Canalway Partners for a full day of fun along the river. The Cuyahoga River Rally celebrates the progress of the Cuyahoga River and the recreational and lifestyle enhancements clean water provides.
Members of the Cuyahoga River Safety Task Force, law enforcement representatives, maritime & recreational stakeholders, and Cleveland waterfront businesses will participate in a press conference and media mixer convened by Share the River at Collision Bend Brewing Co. (1250 Old River Rd. Cleveland, OH 44113) on Wednesday, May 26 at 11:30 a.m.
Questions? Please e-mail Share the River
The Cuyahoga River Safe Paddle Forum is designed to inform kayakers and paddleboarders of the challenges of paddling on a working river and hear from those that work the river what we need to know to coexist safely.
There will be speakers from the Coast Guard, GOODTIME III, Interlake Steamship Company, Nautica Queen Cruise Dining Ship, PHASTAR Corporation, Cleveland Metroparks, and others. We need to be ambassadors for the great Cuyahoga River. This event at Market Garden Brewery’ Harbor Room is free and open to the public.
More info on the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/619063531885467/
Get your Earth Day on with an Earth Day Happy Hour we're hosting at the Duck Island Club. We'll have Earth Day and Cuyahoga River trivia, music from 1970, a special cocktail named after the 2nd Annual Blazing Paddles Paddleboard, Kayak & Canoe Paddlefest (happening exactly two months later on June 22) and we'll have a big announcement on Share the River becoming an organizational advocate for fishable, swimmable, drinkable and playable water! But at its most basic, all we wanna do is toast the earth with like-minded friends 49 years after the first Earth Day!
Consider sharing the Facebook event to your page and invite your friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/592104031310301/
Join us for a spring celebration along the Cuyahoga River on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail & Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail!
Stop by to enjoy a bike ride or hike, snacks and refreshments from Cleveland Metroparks' Merwins Wharf, fun, freebies—and to learn more about the great pathways in northeast Ohio and around the state! Support northeast Ohio’s expanding network of urban trails by USING them! Share the Facebook event to your page and invite your friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/2261805754075887/
What's happening:
▪️ Program begins at noon.
▪️ Tours: Depart at 12:30 p.m. and again at 2 p.m.
👟 Future Redline Greenway Tours (12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.): Guided hike to the future site of the Redline Greenway Trail. Please wear footwear needed for a rugged hike.
🚲 Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Bike Ride Tours (12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.): Explore the not-yet-opened-to-the-public section of the Towpath. This will be a bike ride from Merwins Wharf to Steelyard Commons.
For the last six years, thousands of trail users across the country—long-timers and newbies alike—have joined Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in celebrating America's exceptional trails and trail systems on Opening Day for Trails. And to make the Opening Day for Trails - 2019 a real home run, you’ll even get a swing at winning some awesome trail gear courtesy of our sponsors and partners at Wheel & Sprocket, KEEN, Adidas, Hydro Flask Patagonia and Topo Designs. Learn more: railstotrails.org/openingday.
We hope you’ll join us on the trail to make this year’s Opening Day one of the best yet! Start spreading the word with your friends and family now using #RTCOpeningDay.
Western Reserve Rowing Association’s 2019 Meet & Greet will be held Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. upstairs at the Flat Iron Cafe (1114 Center Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113).
Whether you’re interested in trying rowing for the first time or getting back into rowing after some time away, this is a great opportunity to get information, ask questions, and to mingle with current rowers and coaches. If you’ve always thought about what it would like to row on the Cuyahoga River, is there a better summer to do it than the one that’s also the 50th anniversary of the 1969 fire?
Food, drinks and some lively entertainment will be provided. Bring friends, family, co-workers, etc. The more the merrier!
In collaboration with Share the River, the Port of Cleveland, and Nalu Standup Paddle & Surf's Paddle and Pints, Surfrider-Lake Erie is hosting a clean-up on the Cuyahoga River There are opportunities to help with the clean up from your board or kayak or on land. We will have a quick meeting before we head out for our clean up.
Our goal is to clean up the river and the green space between the Carter Rd. Bridge and Merwin's Wharf/Cleveland Rowing Foundation before the Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta on September 15. There will be teams traveling from nine states including Michigan, New York and Indiana to this major recreational event.
We will have buckets, bags and gloves. We encourage you to bring your own gloves, nets, or any other device to help pick up the trash from the water.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2128901730770369
You're invited to the 2nd Annual Share the River Ramble, a 3.3-mile connect-the-dots, run/walk of the Cuyahoga River riverfront trail segments Rivers and trails are the arteries that connect people and communities to their natural resources. The Ramble physically connects people to the evolving transformation of Cleveland's riverfront that in some ways is unrecognizable from that June 22 day in 1969.
We're grateful to our supporting sponsors who have helped make the Expanded Ramble and Blazing Paddles a possibility:
We're also partnering again with North Coast Mutli Sports Inc. to stage the Ramble. Our charity partner is St. Malachi Parish. Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) is our site partner.
You made the 1st Annual Ramble such a success that we're adding a music and beer event at CRF/Rivergate Park where participants can connect with Share the River partner organizations, Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie stakeholders. Fat Head's Brewery is the Ramble's brewery partner and they are excited to support an event that celebrates an important turning point in Cleveland history. We're also teaming up with Nalu Standup Paddle & Surf to host Blazing Paddles, a stand-up paddleboard race on Saturday, June 23.
Stay tuned for more details. The Ramble's intent is to encourage the public to enjoy their natural resources, parks, and paths but it's also intended to provide a focus on several themes central to Share the River's "branding Cleveland as a waterfront city" mission:
Save the date, register, and invite your friends! Click on the below link and register for the Share the River Ramble now! Would you like to be part of the team that's making this year's Ramble an event to remember? Register to be a volunteer or serve on one of our committees!
And if you are a business, organization, foundation or individual who sees the branding value of the Ramble, we are in the process of securing sponsors! We are a full-blown experiential marketing event with an engaged social media presence and following. Please e-mail us at sharetheriver3@gmail.com.
If you're on Facebook, click on this link to let your friends know you're going and then invite your friends to the Cuyahoga River Party!
Cuyahoga River Area of Concern invites you to a press conference at Merwin's Wharf announcing the removal of two existing BUI's (beneficial use impairments (BUIs identify specific problems that can prevent a waterbody from meeting its full water quality potential), there are eight more to go! ) from the Cuyahoga River. A reception follows at Merwin's Wharf.
http://www.cuyahogaaoc.org/bui-10b-public-access.html
http://www.cuyahogaaoc.org/bui-11-degradation-of-aesthetics.html
Speakers:
There are four AOCs in Ohio: the lower two miles of the Ashtabula River; the entire Black River watershed; the lower 46.5 miles of the Cuyahoga River, including all tributaries and the adjacent shoreline; and the lower 22 miles of the Maumee River, including several adjacent watersheds that discharge directly to Maumee Bay and Lake Erie. For more information on delisting guidance and restoration targets for Ohio Areas of Concern, check out Ohio EPA's doc: http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/lakeerie/Ohio_AOC_Delisting_Guidance.pdf
The Race event kicks off at 1 pm on Saturday, April 28th.
Expert whitewater kayak competitors and spectators will be gathering in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio for a time trial race through the most difficult section of rapids on the Cuyahoga River. Expert kayakers, get ready to experience a race like no other. A half-mile stretch of rapids, with just over 60 feet of elevation drop, completely surrounded by an urban setting. At the end of the race you'll find yourself at the bottom of a 100-foot canyon. At the top of the canyon walls, on river left, is State Route 8, which has an estimated 90,000 travelers per day. On the opposing side, river right, is downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Just seconds away from this Class V run are all your urban amenities including multiple restaurants and bars, a brewery, hotel, apartments, and cafe. The race is unique because it's short enough that shuttling or portaging for multiple laps is easy, and it's surrounded by everything you could possibly need.
Like, Follow, & Share the Cuyahoga Falls Kayak Race main Page!
Head over to www.cfkayakrace.com for more details!
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/175820746358589/
Here's what they have so far:
•NEW Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront renovation!
•Great spectator viewing and experience
•Spectacular Community support
•Official Website
•Boater Registration (9am-11am)
•Consecutive Class III-V Rapids
•Bus Shuttle provided for racers
•Dam controlled water releases from Lake Rockwell Reservoir (Akron) on Saturday, April 28th and Sunday, April 29th for out-of-town travelers and locals to enjoy multiple days of race level boating.
•WATERFALLS
•Freestyle kayakers (maybe a contest)
Cleveland Rowing Foundation & Rivergate Park will serve as the Cleveland gathering point for northeast Ohio citizens to kick off the spring trail season by hitting their favorite trails for a walk, run, ride or special event. Bike Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Planning, Canalway Partners and Share the River are teaming up with other local groups and organizations to provide a number of FREE and fun events that the general public can participate in. Stay tuned for additional details.
Saturday, April 7: Join us, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and trail users nationwide in kicking off the spring trail season by celebrating the 2018 Opening Day for Trails!
For the last five years, thousands of trail users—veterans and newbies alike—have celebrated America's exceptional trails and trail systems by participating in Opening Day. And to make this year’s Opening Day a real home run, you’ll even get a swing at winning some awesome trail gear courtesy of our partners at Fuji Bikes, Performance Bicycle, KEEN, Topo Designs and Patagonia. Simply pledge to participate in Opening Day and be entered to win ➤ railstotrails.org/sweepstakes!
We hope you’ll join us on the trail to make this year’s Opening Day one of the best yet! Start spreading the word with your friends and family now using #RTCOpeningDay. Happy trails!
National Rails to Trails Opening Day website: https://www.railstotrails.org/experience-trails/opening-day-for-trails/
The Red Line Greenway is an active project to create a 3 mile elevated linear park in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. This meeting hosted by Cleveland Metroparks at Hoopples Restaurant & Bar (1930 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113) will provide insight to community members on proposed development concepts. http://www.ohiocity.org/event/redline-greenway-community-meeting
Cleveland Metroparks completes funding for Red Line Greenway with $500k state grant. http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2017/10/cleveland_metroparks_completes.html
Red Line Greenway gets a boost from volunteers. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/04/red_line_greenway_gets_a_boost.html
Big dreams start to become reality for three miles of elevated urban trail. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/RLGupdate083016.aspx
Red Line Greenway advocates plan 'unveiling' of visionary concept at Wednesday meeting. http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/05/red_line_greenway_advocates_pl.html
Just a Reminder that the Cool Red Line Greenway Project is Still a Long Way Off. https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2015/06/01/just-a-reminder-that-the-cool-red-line-greenway-project-is-still-a-long-way-off
Our first annual Burning River Ramble is a fun, no fee, 4.8 mile running/walking tour of Cleveland's evolving waterfront on the June 22 anniversary of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire. The route (still in progress) is designed to connect property segments that have either recently changed to a park/paved path or are being considered for such (Irishtown Bend). Our hope for the Ramble's iconic route is to physically connect people to the great things happening along Cleveland's Cuyahoga River.
The Burning River Ramble will start near the Columbus Road Bridge and finish between the Cleveland Foundation Boathouse and Cleveland Metropark's Merwin's Wharf. Ramble participants can then enjoy food/drinks at Merwin's Wharf, Hoopples, Sainato's Pizza/Rivergate Tavern or Brick & Barrel Brewing (the Ramble's official post-Ramble hydration location!). We're pleased to be partnering with Run Wild CLE on the Burning River Ramble and we look forward to seeing you on June 22! Invite your friends as the more the merrier! Here's the Facebook Invite https://www.facebook.com/events/214919659018963/.
Due to rising interest in the Ramble we encourage participants to ride RTA, bikes (maybe rent a UH Bikes) or take an Uber in so we can minimize the impact of parking on the neighborhood. Questions? E-mail us at sharetheriver3@gmail.com
Ramble Route Note: Our addition of the north segment of the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail adds about a mile to the Ramble route. Ramble participants looking to shorten their effort can simply cut that segment out of their route!
Still on the fence? Here's a POV look at the Burning River Ramble route!
A week before the Ramble some friends did a dry run of the route to help us spot potential gaps in our signage/volunteer coverage. By all accounts they had a fun time (even if they got a little wet) and several said "That's a fun course! We had no idea some of this was out here!"
Maintenance dredging in the Cuyahoga River federal navigation channel will be the focus of a March 10, 2016, Ohio EPA public meeting. The information session and hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Cleveland Metroparks’ Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma. Event details here: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/News/OnlineNewsRoom/NewsReleases/TabId/6596/ArticleId/911/language/en-US/ohio-epa-seeks-input-on-cleveland-harbor-dredging.aspx
During the March 10 information session, Ohio EPA representatives will present details about the proposed project. During the hearing, which follows the information session, the public can submit comments and questions for the record regarding the application.
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation's Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta (HOTC) provides a unique opportunity for high school, collegiate and adult competition from around the country to navigate the challenging turns of the crooked river over a 4800 meter course. Event details: http://www.clevelandrows.org/head-of-the-cuyahoga-regatta/
Promoting the economic, recreational and social vibrancy of Cleveland's waterfront.
