Update On Horseshoe Lake Dam Project Given By Shaker Officials

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Horseshoe Lake in Shaker Heights is almost completely drained while crews repair the lake's dam.

In 2019, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources classified the Horseshoe Lake Dam as a Class 1 Dam, meaning if the dam failed it could cause significant damage downstream. Mayor David Weiss said that's why the lake must remain drained for the moment.

The repair project has been prolonged because the design phase was extended over the summer. Weiss said inclement weather forced a revision in plans. There is now no timetable for the project's completion.

"Heavy rain earlier this year required our partners to re-evaluate components of the project to ensure that it could fully manage the extreme rain events that we now experience. Once the design is finalized, a timeline for the rehabilitation work will be established," Weiss said.

As severe weather events become de rigueur, the maintenance of both Horseshoe Lake and Green Lake dams will become more important than ever, Shaker Heights Councilperson Nancy Moore said.

"For example, the new Green Lake dam, which was completed earlier this summer, was able to handle the Labor Day storm, whereas this Horseshoe Lake Dam, even with the lake being drained, filled and overtopped its banks," Moore said.

The goal, Moore said, is to upgrade Horseshoe Lake Dam while maintaining the park's natural beauty.