Activating our vibrant riverfront.
Investing in public spaces allows residents the ability to gather and build life-long connections to each other and nature. More than 5 miles of new mixed-use trails and paths will connect communities on both sides of the river. Recent improvements in our downtown area are the catalyst for this project. By "connecting the dots" created by these projects, we will be able to enjoy all that our riverfront has to offer. A series of feature nodes will be highlighted throughout the Riverwalk. Some will incorporate a play feature, others art installations, but all will encourage interaction with the community.
Phase one is complete.
A primary anchor of the Riverwalk is Glass City Metropark. Phase one construction is already underway with plans to be complete in the fall of 2020. Features include:
- A 3,500-square-foot pavilion with restrooms, a concession window and green roof
- The building will accommodate 150 people
- Rooftop plaza space
- An event lawn that will accommodate 5,000 people for special events
- A sledding hill
- Aggregate and asphalt walking paths
- Water access for fishing, canoeing/kayaking
- Shoreline restoration
- Reforestation with more than 2,000 trees as well as prairie plants
- Stormwater wetlands and bioswales
- Adventure boardwalk over water with seating
- The realignment of riverside drive
- A 70-vehicle parking lot
- A new curb cut for park access from E. Broadway Street
Phase II Construction
The Glass City Riverwalk features fully accessible park elements that visitors can use during every season. A space that engages our community and draws visitors from across the region.
Phase 2 Includes (Opened June 9, 2023):
- The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark
- Mini-Maumee Discovery Play Area
- The Garden by Poco Piatti [Details]
- Cabana Village
- Picnic Shelters [Grosbeak] [Pollinator]
- Campground - Coming Soon
- Marina Drive realigned as part of the project
- Building at 815 Front Street will be renovated as a community center [details] - Coming Soon
- A bridge over Main Street that connects Glass City with International Park.
Improvements
Restoration
Trails and Connectivity
Glass City Enrichment Center
In collaboration with community partners, the Glass City Enrichment Center will serve as a consistent, year-round, safe, and welcome space that fosters inclusive community engagement. The site will serve as a key access point for a range of youth and adult programs and services, offered by Metroparks or other partners, available to the entire community. A portion of the building will be used by Metroparks to support the operation of Glass City Metropark and the Glass City Riverwalk. Construction is underway with a target coming soon [Details].
Riverwalk Work Begins
The first leg of Riverwalk construction will begin this spring from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge to The Docks restaurant complex on the east side, and from the bridge to Fort Industry Square on the downtown side of the river.
Demolition work in the area of the boat basin at International Park is now underway and will include removing concrete and flagpoles around the basin as well as a nearby gazebo. Demolition on the downtown side of the river, behind One Seagate, will begin this winter.
A new project website, gcrtoledo.com, provides a project overview, schedule and related documents.