City Eyes Land Along the Rocky River for Park

The city is eyeing a small section of land along the Rocky River to set up a park.

It’s not much land — enough for a couple of picnic tables and a bench or two — but the city is looking to open it up to the public.

The space, about 50 feet along the Rocky River next to the , is currently fenced off and growing weeds.

According to the deed agreement with Cuyahoga County, the city is supposed to open the land up to residents.

“We intend to make it public,” said Kevin Butler, the city’s law director. “We want to turn that area just north of the bridge into public land.”

First, the city must first repair an aging wooden bulkhead along the river, and replace it with steel. While small, the adjacent Port of Lakewood is active, as boaters use the area to dock their vessels.

“We’ve got some work to do,” said Butler, who said there’s no timetable for the proposal. 

The cost of the project — as well as how it would be paid for — hasn’t been determined.

The city has right-of-access (an easement) to get to the Port of Lakewood as well as the proposed park, Butler said.

“We’re going to have to have a conversation with the Metro Parks to make sure that people have unfettered access to that area,” he added.