Cleveland Metroparks Get $850,000 Grant for Whiskey Island Connector

CLEVELAND, OH - Cleveland Metroparks will receive $850,000 from the 2016 Clean Ohio Trails Fund, allocated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The funds will be used to build the Whiskey Island Connector and will complement the nearly $8 million federal TIGER transportation grant the park district received earlier this year.

This project includes engineering, design and construction of a 1 mile all-purpose trail (APT) adjacent to Ed Hauser Way, that connects Edgewater Park and Wendy Park/Whiskey Island.

The grant brings Cleveland Metroparks closer to fully executing its vision of completing the Emerald Necklace and connecting the park district to the City of Cleveland and its inner suburbs.

"As growth in Cleveland's residential landscape shifts inward, providing opportunities for both transportation and recreation through these new trail connections is a critical need that will greatly enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. This will connect users to the region's greatest natural resource, Lake Erie," said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman.

Today, walkers, joggers and cyclists who wish to access Wendy Park must share the roadway with cars, buses, trucks and boat trailers. The new APT will provide a safe connection separate from the roadway.

This new trail will also provide access to the planned Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail which will connect Wendy Park with the 110 mile Towpath Trail that stretches from downtown Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Oh.

Edgewater Park and Wendy Park/Whiskey Island were acquired by Cleveland Metroparks in 2013-2014 from the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, respectively.

Photo from Rick Uldricsk, Patch