Lakefront Reservation — Attraction in Cleveland

This is one of the Cleveland Metroparks that are possibly both the city's best feature and best kept secret; it's astonishing how much of the Eerie lakefront property in this city, property that in any other city would be overrun by commercial development and completely devoid of natural habitat and beauty, is made available to EVERY CITIZEN who lives in or visits the city.

LAKEFRONT RESERVATION is no exception. On this day, members of my extended family in all directions had come to share it with us and celebrate my mother's birthday. We reserved in advance one of the covered pavilions which feature 4 tables each which will seat 15-20 comfortably and 2 inset fireplaces complete with chimney. These aren't little BBQ racks or small firepits, although there are BBQ grills outside the pavilion available as well! From our spot, we could see 30 yards ahead to the walkway which descends right to the beachfront. There were also numerous playground structures built in various spots to keep the kids completely occupied (although my dad's fire-building skills and the marshmallows and sticks he collected beforehand kept most of them entranced already.) Besides that, the park stretches out about 100 yards in every direction. Ample parking is also close to the walkways that take you to the beach or pavilions and very far from the surface roads of the city. Clearly, lots of people DO actually know the secret though, as residents of all sorts and walks of life constantly filter in and out, while the greenery itself never seems to feel crowded. It was a great afternoon!

But it was the first time we had experienced it in such a way. Typically, I would just meet my mother there for a morning or evening walk along the beach front path which leads to second lakefront tier of space that includes multiple "nature walks" which take you within throwing distance of the lake actual (which the unaccustomed eye might mistake for ocean front, such is the view from the shore) or along the banks of the winding River that runs through the park and is home to various birds and watermammals. A boat launch is another aspect of the park we haven't made use of, and finally, an older lake cruise ship is permanently stationed at a dock and serves as snack bar and seasonal restaurant.

When my folks told me last year they were moving to Cleveland from the only home I'd really ever known in Western Massachusetts, despite knowing that my mother's entire family all lived there and most of my fathers, i still thought they were nuts and that they'd be missing the natural splendor of New England almost immediately. And while I'm not moving to cleveland any time soon despite my mother's frequent urging, the fact that they have this park mere blocks from their house goes a long way to seeing why they might find peace in their urban relocation.

In season, there is a small amount of the beachfront that features Life Guards and there is always an accurate posting about current conditions and safety, as well as riptides or the presence of any water-borne nastiness.

Lastly, there is a Maintenance staff on duty at this park that will make you reconsider your own employment: they are, to a person, friendly and knowledgeable and eager to assist you with anything from directions or information to help with unloading items from a vehicle and carting them to a pavilion. Additionally, if you have a handicapped guest, they will gladly unlock a gate to allow access to a car which can bring those in need closer to pavilions or the beach.

There's really almost nothing more you could ask of a park like this. All cities should take note of how idealically Cleveland Metroparks manage...

Unfortunately this review really goes for every beach along the coast. I'm from Miami Florida we're able to get inside the water because it's not polluted with radioactive garbage and pollution that has been constantly thrown into the water for the last 100 years. The last 2 years I have unfortunately seen a massacre of fish Along the shoreline. When I'm talking about a massacre the total number probably exceeds over 500. The smell that lurks from the moment you park your car to the 15 minutes walk to the beach is horrendous. There's no standing on the beach when there's fish there dead, On the shoreline consuming all of the oxygen. It is immediate throw up.

Not being able to get into the water is also another turn down that as just completely ripped away the magic of Cleveland. Please start tending to your waters, and your people.

TAKE CARE OF...

We visited on a weekday afternoon and it was absolutely beautiful. Encountered a gentleman on the pier smoking a fine cigar and reading a book while listening to the most relaxing music. This is the vibe! Saw another guy doing a photo shoot with his dog. The dog seem to love it! If you're visiting Cleveland and you don't stop here, you're really missing out! The butterfly sanctuary is luscious and full of life. The beach is full of beautiful stones and sea glass. And the bathrooms were clean. 10 out of 10 recommend. Will return next time...