Cleveland’s Lakefront Transformation: $1.1M Federal Boost for CHEERS Project
CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland’s ambitious plan to revitalize its eastern lakefront just got a major financial boost. The Cleveland Metroparks announced it secured $1.1 million in federal funding to advance the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS), a sweeping initiative to expand public access to Lake Erie while strengthening coastal defenses and ecological habitats.
The latest funding injection brings the total committed to the project to $9.1 million, with construction slated to begin in 2028. Officials say CHEERS isn’t just about parks—it’s a multi-faceted effort to drive economic growth, protect infrastructure, and reconnect communities to the waterfront.
A Vision for the Future
Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, called the funding a critical step in turning the CHEERS vision into reality. “This is an investment in our region’s quality of life, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability,” he said. “We’re not just building parks—we’re creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The project aims to:
- Expand public access to Lake Erie with new parkland and recreational spaces.
- Fortify the shoreline against erosion and climate-related threats.
- Restore wildlife habitats to support native species.
- Safeguard maritime infrastructure, including the nearby I-90 highway.
Political and Community Support
Congresswoman Shontel Brown, who championed the federal funding, emphasized CHEERS’ potential to transform Cleveland’s east side. “This project will unlock new opportunities for recreation, stabilize our shoreline, and revitalize neighborhoods,” she said. “I’ll keep fighting to bring more federal dollars home to make this vision a reality.”
Additional funding could soon follow. The Port of Cleveland, partnering with Metroparks, has applied for a $13.06 million federal BUILD grant, with a decision expected later this year.
What’s Next?
The first phase—a 6.3-acre “Early Action Project”—is already underway, focusing on critical infrastructure protection near I-90. Long-term plans include creating a sheltered cove and expanding green spaces along the lakefront.
Jeff Epstein, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland, stressed the project’s economic importance. “CHEERS ensures our port remains operational while meeting environmental goals,” he said. “It’s a win for commerce, recreation, and conservation.”
For more details on the CHEERS project, visit Cleveland Metroparks’ official page.
— Reported by Nexio News
