The presentation will share the engineering, design, and engagement approach that shaped this equitable strategy for Cleveland’s eastern lakefront.

CHEERS considers both short-term and longer-term interventions along the lakefront. It envisions returning the hardened edge of Cleveland’s east side lakefront to a natural shoreline with places for people and nature. The beneficial re-use of dredged material will create over 110 acres of parkland, enhanced in-water and near-shore coastal habitat areas, and mitigate the impacts of the highway on existing lakeshore parkland, while protecting critical infrastructure and creating a sheltered embayment where visitors can safely access the lake.

The panel will be moderated by Kelly Coffman, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, Principal Planner at Cleveland Metroparks, who has worked to preserve natural areas and connect people to the outdoors for over 30 years. Her role as principal planner at Cleveland Metroparks includes leading park and strategic planning efforts for the 24,700-acre regional park system. Kelly co-manages the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy and coordinates the partnership, engagement, and planning for this visionary effort to transform Cleveland’s east side Lake Erie waterfront.