Collision Bend Partners With Canalway on New Pilsner in Support of Canal Basin Park

01 / 03

 

 

 

New Brew Furthers Canalway’s Mission to Redevelop Riverfront Park

On March 1, Collision Bend Brewing will release Canal Basin Brew, an “East Bank Pilsner,” and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Canalway to support plans for the redevelopment of Canal Basin Park. The beer will be available at Collision Bend Brewery in The Flats and sold at Henien’s locations through the month of March.

Located in downtown Cleveland on the east bank of The Flats, Canal Basin Park is the historic site where the 1832 Ohio & Erie Canal met the Cuyahoga River. Today, it is the northern terminus of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Many changes have been made to the area in the last several years including the removal of 30,000 square feet of asphalt and the completion of the Towpath Trail, but more improvements are planned to transform the area into an interpretive park that honors the location’s important history.

“Canal Basin Park is an important location in Cleveland’s history and future. Plans have been in the works to transform this riverside space since 2001,” said Canalway Executive Director Mera Cardenas. “Our vision for this park is to create a community space that connects people to the river, the Towpath Trail and other nearby trails and parks. The park was a historic pivot point for commerce and it’s now a pivot point for recreation and river connections. We’re so thankful partners like Collision Bend and Heinen’s are helping us raise awareness for this project.”

The beer can features custom art by illustrator Emily Dove Barton that celebrates the past and future of Canal Basin Park. In the artwork are several callbacks to Cleveland's and Canal Basin's history, as well as the Canalway organization, including:

• A man in vintage overalls who may have time traveled from the 1800s when the canal was in use.
• A mural of a mule, referencing how canal boats were once pulled along the towpath.
• Cleveland jazz musicians as a tribute to Robert Lockwood, Jr.
• The trail following the curve of the Canalway logo.

The artist also included illustrations of her friends Joyce Pan Huang, Director of Planning at the City of Cleveland and journalist Justin Glanville. Take a closer look at the art.

Canalway, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks are working together to create a plan for a park that will serve as a gathering place, interpretive park and connective hub at the northern end of the Towpath Trail.

“We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Canalway on this project. Canal Basin Park is right around the corner from our downtown location, and we know what a transformational project this will be for Cleveland,” says Ben Northeim, Head Brewer at Collision Bend.

Cans will be available while supplies last in all Heinen’s locations.