On its way to the Cuyahoga River, West Creek runs eight miles through the heavily developed cities of Parma, Seven Hills, Independence, and Brooklyn Heights.

Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of the 400 contiguous acres of greenspace in the West Creek Reservation on January 1, 2006. The Park District's goal is to effectively protect, restore and enhance the ecological integrity of the West Creek Valley. Construction of the physical improvements will be developed over a three-year period (beginning in 2007).

The Metroparks budgeted $12 million to the project, with an expectation that $6 million will be needed for park infrastructure (roads, trails, parking, picnic areas and a maintenance facility), while the other $6 million will be dedicated to build a Stewardship Center. In addition, design and consulting fees will account for $1.2 million.

In October 2006, a consulting team led by Floyd Browne of Akron presented the schematic design for the site improvements at West Creek Reservation to the Metroparks' board. The improvements focus on the northern edge of the site, and will include a new entrance drive from West Ridgewood, a trail network which will include an all-purpose trail and a series of nature trails, picnic area, access drives and parking areas. A new maintenance area will be developed at the site of the former Archery Club facility. Special consideration was given to minimize disturbance of natural areas, and the ecological features of the site will be protected, restored and enhanced wherever possible.

A watershed Stewardship Center, which will provide opportunities to interpret the natural, historic and cultural features of the West Creek Valley, will be a primary feature of the reservation. Programmatic and master plan refinement was also presented to the park board in October 2006 by a consulting team led by the Portico Group of Seattle, Washington. The design of the Stewardship Center includes space for interactive interpretive exhibits, visitor services, classroom and community meetings, administrative and technical staff and outdoor program areas.

The 15,000 sq. ft. center will foster and house watershed activities, habitat enhancement demonstrations and a discovery area for children, and serve as a central convening spot and resource for school and youth groups, professionals, etc. It will incorporate green building principles in its design and utilize best management practices in the development of the surrounding environs.

In addition, plans include connecting West Creek to the Towpath Trail. In October 2006, West Creek received $215,000 towards the development of a Towpath connector trail.

For more information.

Update on West Creek Greenway Trail