I disagree with the assertion that this is a 'waste' of money. Lakewood's waterfront is easily one of its greatest assets; one that is underutilized to the point of near exclusion. Their is no place in Lakewood where the public can get their feet wet without breaking the law. While this proposed park won't change that, it is step forward in engaging the public with the water and putting unused land to use.

However, I do agree that all of Lakewood's parks are poorly maintained. The Parks Department's maintenance practice seems to consist of cutting the grass and occasionally removing playground equipment and mature trees. The money would be more productive if spent on maintaining existing parks.

Although, the reality of situation is probably less "Yeah! Let's build a park!", but more, "Drat! If we don't fix the bulkhead and open this up to the public, we could get sued. A park is cheaper than a law suit."

It would be nice to see Metroparks acquire this small parcel and preserve the green space. Who comes up with these ideas? Lakewood doesn't need to create a public park at this location when Cleveland Metroparks Scenic Park is only 1,500 feet away (give or take) and already offers the public much more. Why would Lakewood spend money to create a small park area that offers no more than what is available just down the road. It makes no sence. If anything, Metroparks should assume all the property (including that of the developer that owns most of it) and consider expanding the marina to include additional seasonal dockage, as well as a couple more visitor docks in this area.

Kudos to you Beth. By the way, I understand that this fence is a rent-a-fence and was put up by the developer (the Foran Group). County survey records show that this fence actually sits on what appears to be Metroparks property, of which runs approximatley another 75 feet north of where this fence sits. From that point and moving north, the next parcel appears to be that of the old Detroit Avenue bridge easement (parceled to Cuyahoga County). After the easement, and what appears to run all the way to the new condos being built at the railroad bridge (Sloane Ave), belongs the developer. Also, the bulkhead wall that runs the 75 feet or so north of the current Detroit Avenue bridge, appears to be in very good condition and is all steel. It's the bulkhead wall that belongs to the developer that is bad and falling apart, property that doesn't even belong to the City of Lakewood.

Steve, if you're familiar with the parcel of land in question, Post of Lakewood is in direct sight line from town homes on Rocky River side of the river, built by same developer as those being built at Clifton Point development. The land is south and in the sight line of the Clifton Point development.
The proposed park area is frequented by a few fishermen and teenagers. It cannot be accessed by motor vehicle through the Emerald Necklace Marina dry dock area, which is restricted.

But you can walk there, right. Our Law Director did...

Bless the developers for increasing Lakewood's tax base by building the Clifton Point condos! Again, Lakewood should be overjoyed that this land, which generated hardly an¥ taxes, will now help a lot and also encourage more long term/future orieneted thinking about Lakewood and its relationship to water/Lake Erie, which past leaders have sadly neglected. We should all be thanking also those new owners who are spending a lot of money to live on not the most attractive street in Lakewood - Sloane Ave. - but they have a vision for that area and again, long term thinking/vision will pay off down the road.

And nix the cameras as only innocent dogs will be arrested, then put down because of their looks alone. And secluded? Is it not next to the water treatment plant, that according to homeland security, should be a TOP priority? There is NO additional police patrol cost that I am aware of. It's what they do. Now private security, thats a different thing.I have many friends who have pitbulls and would be happy to help out by leaving them there overnight, provided they have food and water and cover. How's that for security....

And can I add my friends with Rotts, Dobies, German Sheppards and the list just keeps getting bigger, I am up to 75 Breeds banned somewhere in the USA, who just happen to all get along together. Time to end this City Council dictatorship, and focus on the other end of the leash. Bad Owners....Good Day All.

Well, Alanna, I agree you present some very good points about challenges to developing this area. What are you offering as suggestions for helping this succeed? And by that, I mean a long term vision, not an immediate fix.

@Alanna, don't you get it yet that Lakewood City Council, who budgets the monies for these projects, just do not care about dogs. Afterall, they (dogs) don't vote. It's kinda like the pit bull ban, only go after those who WE agree on, that should not be residing in this city, with these dangerous dog's. Until that law is dropped, I do not want a dime of my taxpayer money to go to the Dog Park. Donations only. Rule of law, 101.

Well, to everyone on this blog who doesn't support more city open space/parks, try to not be soooo short term focused. Lakewood's greatest asset is its lakefront, yet as a couple comments here indicate, it is completely underutiized/inaccessible. This park will be a baby step in the right direction = getting some open water front for all of Lakewood to use. That is a long term vision for this city that desperately needs to be in the planning stages now, before the city has less and less population to support future development. Regarding the condition of current parks, I relocated here from the West Coast, where most towns already have some form of volunteer/business adoption of park and highway maintenance/cleaning space. Citizens there already accept the reality that with declining tax bases for cities, the monies are just not there and will not be for a long long time. Rather than see their parks decline, citizens organize and take care of their own back yard. (I guess a different mindset for a lot of Lakewoodites, since there is so much NIMBY, short term vision thinking dominating Lakewood planning/politics right now.) Anyway, Alanna, Barbara, Steve, Beth = how about organizing some of your friends into adopting a city park and clean it once a week? Donate a picnic bench too! City govt can't pay for everything today - the hgher tax base is gone. Too often those who complain about govt inefficiency do nothing to improve it. Here is your golden opportunity!

@ian- Greatest asset to Lakewood is it's housing and people. We have been in the planning stages for , oh, 25+ years. Where have you been? People do take care of our parks, the only problem is there are more that trash them. Live here as long as I do and you will understand what I just said. You cannot give away property on the West Coast. That's why they are going bankrupt everyday. P.S. It's not the people who care, it's the ones who don't care. Is that why you left???? Lakewood park is the key to open water, not a 25ft patch on the river...

Hi Steve, thanks for your historical info. If what you say is true, then after 25+ years of waiting for city govt to plan and then solve local problems I guess confirms what I have been suggesting = time for Lakewood and NE Ohio to get rid of the Jimmy Dimora mindset. Think long time/next generation and then act and plan LOCAL!
Regarding your comment about the West, unfortunately, your facts I guess are just not up to date. Despite its problems, more people under 35 are relocating to the West than the East or Midwest. In fact, the brain drain for under 35 in Ohio is very very scary. Pretty soon we will have nothing but retirees and disabled in this state - along with all the Tea Party and right wing Bible yellers too! Cities like Austin, Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City - all west cities - are booming compared to anywhere in Ohio. Wonder why? Well, lets see, they are innovative, eco friendly, tolerant, business friendly, welcoming places = I doubt if many of their citizens would have waited 45 minutes to get a heart unhealthy Chick-fil - A sandwich yesterday - unlike here in jobless, population fleeing Ohio! LOL

Your almost right Ian king. One of Lakewood's greatest asset is the "lakefront" but not the "riverfront."

Hi Peggy, but could Lakewood also develop its riverfront? think Chicago has a great lake and a great river walk area; Columbus and Pittsburgh both have great river walk and park areas, wouldn't it be better to envision this area 5-10 years from now? it could be fantastic with some visionary thinking. and remember, people WANT to enjoy the lake and river parks. almost all cities that have developed these areas have been extremely successful. even in winter snow minneapolis and st. paul they have great lake and river areas that are now accessible to walkers, bikers, dog lovers, and of course, urban condo/townhouse/ and home owners. THINK what a future could be, not just what are short term needs or immediate gratifications. the rocky river area by lakewood/rocky river could be a fantastic park. just IMAGINE!

Your funny :), but i am witch ya...