Maximizing public access to waterfronts is an essential ingredient in any recipe for making Cleveland a more competitive place. [Whiskey Island on Lake Erie]

RECREATION & OPEN SPACE

GOAL: Provide high-quality recreation opportunities and facilities that meet the needs of Clevelanders of all ages, ability levels, incomes and interests

Issues

Recreation amenities are becoming increasingly important to communities competing to attract and retain residents.  In addition, the link between recreation and good health has become more and more evident.  Bikeways, walking trails, climbing walls, skateparks, health clubs and marinas are now among the recreation amenities expected by residents choosing a place to live, in addition to such traditional facilities as playgrounds, baseball fields, swimming pools and the like.

Although Cleveland is extraordinarily fortunate to be located on a Great Lake and along a major river valley, the region has failed to take full advantage of these natural assets as places of recreation.  That is changing and will change even more dramatically as Cleveland’s current waterfront plans are implemented.  The potential for enhanced waterfront access gives Cleveland an historic opportunity to transform its image to a place where urban amenities are joined by scenic beauty and unique outdoor recreation activities.

Another set of issues facing Cleveland revolves around the City’s network of 140(?) parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and recreation centers.  As the City’s population has declined over the decades, its ability to maintain and program these facilities has been severely tested.  The principal issue facing the City in this respect is how to provide the quality of recreation facilities and programs demanded by residents while living within the budget of a community with a reduced population and reduced resources.

Extension of the Towpath Trail to downtown Cleveland will open new recreation opportunities for City residents and will serve as the spine of a regional network of bike routes. [Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation]

Policies

1. Waterfront Access.  Maximize public access to the lakefront, riverfront and stream valleys, including safe and convenient access from nearby neighborhoods for pedestrians and bicyclists.
2. Waterfront Recreation.  Develop and expand publicly accessible recreation sites along the lakefront and waterways.
3. Bikeways.  Create a comprehensive network of bicycle routes, bicycle lanes and multi-purpose trails, safely linking neighborhoods to recreation sites, schools, shopping areas, places of employment and other destinations throughout the City and the region.
4. Bicycle and Pedestrian Amenities.  Provide bicycle racks, benches, water fountains and other amenities to encourage bicycling and pedestrian travel throughout the City.
5. Serving Neighborhoods.  Ensure that a wide range of recreation facilities are equitably distributed throughout the City, with playgrounds located within approximately ¼-mile (a 5-minute walk) of all residents.
6. Quality of Facilities.  Provide recreation facilities competitive with the best available in the region, consolidating large-scale facilities at transit-accessible locations.
7. Diverse Programming.  Offer a diversity of recreation programs to serve the recreation needs and interests of Clevelanders of all ages, incomes, lifestyles and ability levels.
8. Serving Working Adults.  Provide recreation services and equipment geared to the interests and schedules of working adults, supplementing recreation services oriented principally to children and seniors.
9. Sharing Resources.  Increase the availability and quality of recreation services through shared use of facilities owned by the City, School District, YMCA and other non-profit organizations.
10. Sharing Responsibilities.  Improve maintenance at public parks and recreation centers through “adopt-a-park” programs and corporate sponsorships.
11. Community Gardens.  Reserve land for both temporary and permanent use as community gardens in every neighborhood throughout the City.
12. Preserving Natural Areas.  Identify and protect natural areas characterized by stream valleys, wetlands, hillsides, forests and other environmentally sensitive and valuable features.
13. Urban Forest.  Protect and expand the supply of street trees and landscaped areas within Cleveland’s urbanized districts, maximizing environmental and aesthetic benefits.