Project team

Head: Slavic Village Development

Partners: Friends of Morgana Run Trail, Union/Aetna Model Block Club. 

Project description and goals

The project implements one piece of the Vacant Land Reutilization Plan for Slavic Village, which was developed by Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC). The project calls for an extension of the Morgana Run Trail using existing City Land Bank lots. The goals include providing a wider swath of greenway parkland into the Model Block, while simultaneously decreasing the City’s carbon footprint involved with vacant lot maintenance.

Existing conditions

The land parcels (133-04-094, 133-04-095, and 133-04-078) measure 11,550 sq. ft, and each run adjacent to the existing Morgana Run Trail. The lots—which run between E. 75th and E. 76th—are consistently overrun with invasive plant species, with the overgrowth requiring City mowing periodically.  Illegal dumping also occurs in the area.

Proposed interventions

The interventions involve gently grading the land to create an expansion of the Trail.  Landscaping involves the removal of non-native species and the introduction of native plants, with the latter providing resting and feedings spots for the birds and butterflies that are common to the habitat along the Trail’s. The creation of a walkway and the introduction of fencing will provide for greater pedestrian/bike access to the area as well.

Site maintenance

Short-term maintenance involves debris removal and soil preparation, with long-term duties involving 2nd and 3rd year removal of returning invasive species.  Debris removal will be ongoing, as will watering which will be provided by a nearby hydrant depending on city approval.