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Canal Basin Park

Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland is the northern terminus of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The trailhead and park is located at the historic site where the 1832 canal met the Cuyahoga River. Architectural remnants of the canal can be seen there today.

Many changes have been made to the area in the last several years. In 2021, more than 30,000 square feet of asphalt was turned into green space and sidewalks, decorative stairs were added as a trail connection and a the demarcation of the canal was added.

In 2022, the Towpath Trailhead was officially completed, adding seating, bike racks and a water fountain. But more improvements are planned to transform the whole park into an interpretive site that honors the location’s important history.

Canalway, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks are working closely 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.

Future phases of the project could remove West Avenue completely, creating a larger greenspace and adding a pavilion, children’s play area, restrooms and interpretive areas to share the story of the canal.

2022 Canal Basin Concept Plan

 

Canal Basin Park Timeline

2001

  • Mayor White approves the donation of 3 acres at corner of Merwin Avenue and West Street and $25,000 for planning of the Canal Basin Park project.

2013

  • Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Canalway Partners, Cleveland Metroparks, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County author "Canal Basin Park: A Strategic Roadmap for Implementation."

2015

2021

  • 30,000 square feet of asphalt transformed into green space, trail and sidewalk in Canal Basin park, funded by NOACA and the City of Cleveland.

Spring 2022

  • Canal Basin Park receives award in State Capital Funding toward efforts to unite all parcels and reach the Cuyahoga River.

Summer 2022

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