Summit Metro Parks in Akron, Ohio, recently added new amenities to the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, including a shelter, new trails, gardens, river access, restrooms, a play area for children, a drinking fountain, and a bike service kiosk. These additions are part of the park district’s commitment to offering access while prioritizing conservation. The park district received funding from various sources, including grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Ohio Capital Improvement Community Park, Recreation and Conservation Project Funds, and the Akron Garden Club. The property, formerly the site of Valley View Golf Course, has been restored to a more natural state over the past decade. The park district has invested $6 million in grant funding for restoration work on the 200-acre area, including restoring streams, wetlands, and replacing invasive plants with native varieties. The park district has partnered with EnviroScience, Inc. to monitor the river’s health, with significant improvements seen in fish species and abundance after floodplain work was completed. The collaborative effort to clean up the Cuyahoga River has led to the discovery of sensitive fish species and an increase in the overall health of the river. The 1,800 acres of uninterrupted green space in the Valley View and adjacent metro parks provide a critical link for local wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Photo credit www.cleveland.com
