Cuyahoga County and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission will host a Virtual Public Information Meeting on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. and invites the public to hear about and discuss plans to create easier access to Lake Erie.

The Lakefront Public Access Plan was announced by County Executive Armond Budish in 2019, and aims to improve transportation networks and increase public access to Lake Erie in tandem with shoreline stabilization efforts.

Currently, 90% of the Lake Erie shoreline within Cuyahoga County is not publicly accessible. This plan will detail a multi-modal network of connected paths, all-purpose trails, boardwalks, roads, bridges and public access points across the Lake Erie shoreline made possible through partnerships with cities, the Metroparks, and property owners.

The plan is being developed by the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works and the County Planning Commission, who have brought on consulting firm SmithGroup. The plan will include detailed analysis and extensive public engagement to help build a unified, countywide vision for enhanced lakefront access.

“Having an accessible, inviting lakeshore enhances recreation options, beautifies our communities, and improves residents’ quality of life,”said County Executive Armond Budish.”We’ve already had positive feedback and great ideas from prior sessions, and I look forward to hearing about additional hopes residents have for this lake as we work to make it even better for all of us.”

“Providing safe and equitable access to Lake Erie is a primary goal of this project,”said County Planning Executive Director Mary Cierebiej.”Through public input and partnership agreements with property owners, we will not only stabilize significant shoreline erosion, but we will create a multi-modal transportation network accessible from North-South corridors to the Lakefront.

Anyone interested in learning more can join the meeting through the Lakefront Public Access plan page.