Public Works - Safety Service Department

The City of Rocky River is undertaking the Spencer Creek Restoration Project to address environmental degradation, stabilize eroding streambanks, and improve ecological conditions within the Spencer Creek corridor near Bradstreet’s Landing. The project builds upon prior planning and improvement efforts aimed at enhancing the Bradstreet’s Landing area as a community waterfront asset while restoring the health and stability of Spencer Creek.

The project originates from the Bradstreet’s Landing Master Plan completed in 2018, which identified opportunities to improve public access, environmental quality, and recreational amenities in the area. Subsequent projects, including the Bradstreet’s Landing Pier Renovation in 2020 and the Bradstreet’s Landing Upland Improvements Project in 2023, implemented portions of the master plan and enhanced visitor access and park amenities. In 2022, the City secured funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 Grant Program, enabling further investigation and design of restoration strategies for Spencer Creek. The restoration effort began in 2024 as the next step in implementing the master plan vision.

Existing conditions within Spencer Creek reveal several challenges affecting both environmental quality and park infrastructure. Field observations identified debris and abandoned pipes within the creek channel, shallow water depths caused by sediment accumulation, and failing slopes that have resulted in tree loss and erosion of adjacent parkland. Additional concerns include steep bluffs near the park entrance, stormwater culverts, and potential flooding risks during high-flow events. These conditions limit accessibility, reduce habitat quality, and threaten the long-term stability of the creek banks and adjacent public spaces.

To better understand these issues and guide design decisions, the City and its consultants conducted a series of technical studies. These included wetland and watercourse delineation, endangered species evaluation, creek habitat assessment, updated topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, and hydraulic modeling. The studies identified key design considerations such as the composition and stability of creek banks, the presence of steep bluffs, highly variable flow conditions, limited aquatic habitat value, and sediment buildup within the creek bed. These findings informed the development of a restoration concept focused on improving both channel stability and ecological function.

Multiple restoration and stabilization approaches were evaluated to address these challenges. Structural and bioengineering methods considered for slope stabilization included natural block retaining walls, encapsulated soil lifts, soil nail walls, toe boulders with slope layback, anchored rootwads, and timber crib structures. In addition to bank stabilization, the project team explored stream enhancement techniques designed to improve water flow and aquatic habitat. These include floodplain benches to manage high flows, invasive species management with native plantings, live stake planting for bank reinforcement, cross-vane riffle and pool structures to stabilize the channel, instream boulders for habitat complexity, and fish habitat structures that provide cover for aquatic species.

The proposed concept integrates these strategies into a comprehensive restoration plan. The design includes bank stabilization along both sides of the creek, enlargement of sections of the upstream and downstream channel to improve hydraulic performance, and the installation of habitat-enhancing instream features. Native vegetation and ecological restoration measures will improve riparian habitat while reducing erosion and sediment transport. Collectively, these improvements will stabilize the creek corridor, enhance ecological function, and protect adjacent parkland while maintaining the aesthetic and recreational character of Bradstreet’s Landing.

Preliminary cost estimates for the proposed concept total approximately $1.43 million, including $241,000 for east bank stabilization, $949,000 for west bank stabilization, and $243,000 for instream improvements without outside finding of $500,000 in the form of EPA 319 Funding and State Capital Funding. These investments are intended to address both immediate stabilization needs and long-term ecological restoration goals.

The project is advancing through final design and regulatory coordination. Required permits are being obtained from agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Coordination is also underway with the Ohio Department of Transportation regarding potential culvert improvements. Project timing is influenced by the schedule for utilizing EPA Section 319 grant funding, which supports implementation of the restoration work.

Upon completion, the Spencer Creek Restoration Project will stabilize the stream corridor, reduce erosion and flooding risks, improve aquatic and riparian habitat, and support the long-term environmental health of the Spencer Creek watershed. The project represents an important step in realizing the broader vision established by the Bradstreet’s Landing Master Plan while protecting and enhancing one of Rocky River’s key natural resources.

Follow this link for a copy of the presentation from the August 25, 2025, public meeting.