Great Lake, Great Opportunities
On July 17th, nearly 20 citizens from Euclid, Cleveland, Willoughby and other cities gathered behind Henn Mansion on the lakefront at Sims Park. The group viewed the soon-to-be completed fishing pier. Brian Iorio from Euclid's Planning and Development Department detailed some of the pending and proposed improvements to the city's four miles of coastline. Also, Hyle Lowry, the Ohio Coordinator for the Chicago-based Alliance for the Great Lakes, led a discussion on how Euclid's efforts to restore and protect the lakefront are aligned with the efforts of similar communities and organizations throughout the Great Lakes.
This was the first visit to Sims Park for Lowry, a Chagrin Falls resident, and she took the opportunity to praise the setting and beauty of Euclid's lakefront. "I'm going to tell everyone I know they need to check out Euclid - this place is amazing."
She continued, "You guys are so lucky to have this wonderful property on this amazing lake."
However, all who value what's involved in maintaining and upgrading our lakefront know there are many keys to successful and sustainable lakefront development. Vision, help from partners willing to take some calculated risks, lots of hard work - and of course, a little luck is welcome, too – all are components in the effort to help Euclid continue to earn its title as "The Lakefront City.”
Jim O'Hare is the Councilman for Ward 6 in Euclid.