Rocky River Park Master Plan

Rocky River Park Master Plan - Summary & Memos

The Rocky River Park Lake Erie Shoreline Restoration and Preservation Project represents a strategic, critical phase in implementing the City’s comprehensive park master plan and will establish the foundation for all future improvements. This project prioritizes equitable shoreline and beach access for visitors of all abilities while advancing long-term coastal resilience and environmental restoration along Lake Erie.

Rocky River Park is a unique and vibrant public lakefront destination serving both local residents and the broader Northeast Ohio region. The City has made substantial investments to enhance park amenities, including an accessible picnic area, playground, pavilion, stepped retaining wall, and observation deck. Building on this progress, the City completed a 2025 Park Master Plan led by SmithGroup, a nationally recognized leader in Great Lakes coastal engineering and design, with extensive stakeholder engagement. A central outcome of this plan is the urgent need to restore and stabilize the park’s shoreline to enable safe, sustainable public access.

This project will restore the park’s beach and shoreline through the installation of strategically designed breakwaters (wing structures) and revetments, which will reduce wave energy, capture sediment, and reestablish a functional and accessible beach. These improvements will not only protect critical public infrastructure but also create a more resilient, naturalized shoreline that supports long-term ecological health.

In addition, the project includes reconstruction of the existing hillside and stormwater outfall, providing essential toe stabilization to prevent further erosion while improving water management. These improvements will also enable the construction of an accessible deck and overlook, expanding inclusive access to Lake Erie and enhancing the visitor experience for individuals of all mobility levels.

State funding will support engineering, permitting, and construction of these essential shoreline protection and access improvements. By investing in this first-phase project, the State of Ohio will help unlock the full vision of the park master plan—ensuring Rocky River Park remains a safe, accessible, and resilient neighborhood and regional asset for recreation, environmental stewardship, and public enjoyment for generations to come.