Expansion of Gordon Park into Lake Erie, including the creation of an offshore island, called the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy, or CHEERS project, has $22.1 million in hand or pending for this multi-decade effort (Cleveland Metroparks). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Construction could start as early as 2028
Cleveland Metroparks and the Port of Cleveland announced a major milestone in advancing the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS), as U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-11, presented $1.1 million in federal funding to support the next phase of the project.
This investment, combined with committed state and local funding, positions CHEERS to move from years of planning into the permitting phase and subsequently to initiate construction of an Early Action Project, currently anticipated in 2028.
The CHEERS project is a transformational, multi-partner initiative designed to expand public access to Cleveland’s lakefront while strengthening coastal resilience, enhancing ecological habitat, and supporting critical maritime infrastructure.
“Today is about progress through partnerships and moving CHEERS from vision to reality,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman in a written statement issued yesterday.
“This is not just a parks project,” he added. “It is an economic driver, an investment in the quality of life for our communities, and a commitment to conservation and ecological sustainability and vitality of our region.”
While the $1,092,000 check held by local officials isn’t enough to buy an island, it is enough to start environmental permitting work to build one as part of the CHEERS project (Metroparks).
The $1.1 million federal investment is catalytic to initiating the state and federal regulatory process, with construction anticipated in 2028. The funding contributes to a total of $9.1 million currently committed to advancing the Early Action Project, including:
- $1.1 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Shontel Brown for Cleveland Metroparks;
- $1.5 million from the City of Cleveland through City Council, allocated to the Port of Cleveland for enhanced fishing access and shoreline improvements;
- $1.5 million in Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Maritime Assistance Program funding awarded to the Port of Cleveland; and
- $5 million in ODOT PROTECT funding awarded to the Port of Cleveland (pending federal transportation budget approval).
“My office fought hard for this funding because CHEERS will transform our Lakefront and create incredible new recreation activities for Clevelanders,” Congresswoman Brown said.
“This is federal investment we need to expand access to Lake Erie, stabilize the shoreline, and reinvigorate the East Side,” she added. “CHEERS is an opportunity to change our Eastern Lakefront completely and I will continue to fight for this important effort.”
Additional funding opportunities are pending, including a $13.06 million federal BUILD grant application submitted by the Port of Cleveland in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks, with an award decision expected later this year. If secured, these funds would fully support in-water construction elements of the Early Action Project.
A rendering of the CHEERS Habitat Loop Trail and callouts, or labels, of features at this new breakwater setting on Cleveland’s shoreline (Metroparks).
At full build-out, it is projected to cost $300 million for CHEERS’ in-water structures and $100 million for the 100-plus acres of added parkland along Cleveland’s Lake Erie shoreline. It could also stimulate the redevelopment of nearby properties, including the 62-acre former Lake Shore Power Station site.
Once complete, CHEERS will expand lakefront parkland and create a protected cove with natural shoreline habitat. The 6.3 acre Early Action Project is the first phase of work, providing essential infrastructure protection for Interstate 90.
The project will eventually beneficially use dredge material from the Cuyahoga River to establish 4.3 acres of submerged and emergent wetland habitat — an ecosystem currently absent along Cleveland’s North Coast. Park features will include trails, more shoreline fishing areas, and green space buffered from I-90 by a vegetated berm.
“CHEERS is a critical investment in the sustainability of our maritime infrastructure and regional economy,” said Port of Cleveland President and CEO Jeff Epstein.
“By addressing the urgent need for dredged material placement capacity ahead of 2029, the project ensures safe, efficient navigation and uninterrupted operations at the Port of Cleveland that supports both environmental goals and economic vitality,” he explained.
On a pleasant fall day in the 2030s, this is what The Launch area of CHEERS, just east of the East 55th Marina, could look like (Metroparks).
“ODOT is proud to support the CHEERS project through our funding programs and ongoing collaboration with regional partners,” said ODOT Director Pamala Boratyn. “This investment protects critical infrastructure, strengthens coastal resilience and improves safety.”
“CHEERS represents a major step forward in reconnecting our neighborhoods to the lakefront and creating new opportunities for residents to experience and enjoy this incredible natural asset,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.
“The Early Action Project responds to community input by expanding fishing opportunities and places to engage with Lake Erie, providing a lasting impact on quality of life across our city,” Bibb added.
“These investments reflect our commitment to creating meaningful, lasting benefits for Cleveland residents, while ensuring public dollars are invested in ways that strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin of Ward 6.
“CHEERS is an opportunity to advance environmental justice by ensuring all communities have access to safe, healthy, and vibrant green spaces,” said Black Environmental Leaders Executive Director SeMia Bray. “This project helps create a more inclusive and equitable lakefront for everyone.”
A new fishing pier is proposed to be set on land extended farther out into Lake Erie and away from the noise of Interstate 90 (Metroparks).
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that softening the shoreline will help diversify aquatic habitat on the east side of Cleveland Harbor, enhancing fish spawning habitat for a variety of species.
“Cuyahoga County is making significant investments to connect our communities to the lakefront, expanding lakefront trails and access to green space,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “CHEERS aligns strongly with these priorities by advancing a more resilient, accessible, and vibrant North Coast.”
The Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) is a collaborative, multi-agency initiative advancing a comprehensive vision for Cleveland’s East Side lakefront.
The project protects essential regional infrastructure, ensures the uninterrupted function of the Port, and integrates environmental restoration and public access improvements by leveraging strategic partnerships across federal, state, and local levels.
The Early Action Project represents the first phase of implementation, focusing on in-water construction elements that lay the foundation for a multi-year lakefront transformation. Land-based improvements are anticipated in future phases, with construction timelines determined by funding and other factors.
END
