June marked the beginning of an important new chapter for Clevelanders' relationship to our most important asset -- Lake Erie. Cleveland Metroparks has assumed management of Cleveland's lakefront park system. Many have long bemoaned the need for more engagement in the parks, especially at Edgewater, Euclid Beach, Villa Angela, Wildwood, and Gordon Park. Transferring management to Cleveland Metroparks is a huge step in the right direction for both the city and our entire region, one that will enhance park users' experience while helping continue an urban renaissance that is gaining momentum.
 
With management by Cleveland Metroparks will come a significant improvement in the maintenance and operations of these parks, including the daily presence of Cleveland Metroparks rangers and enhanced beach and park maintenance. Cleveland Metroparks leaders are committed to bringing the high standards found in their existing parks to the new lakefront initiative.
 
Just as importantly, this change brings expectations for a dynamic, well-maintained lakefront that can be leveraged by community development leaders as a catalyst to attract investment in surrounding neighborhoods. Building strong connections to these communities would multiply the impact of an enhanced lakefront and spur additional growth for our neighborhoods.
 
A vision for harnessing a more inviting lakefront is not new, but we are now marrying vision with leadership and capacity. Cleveland is fortunate to have a public partner of the highest caliber in the Metroparks, one repeatedly recognized nationally for excellence in park stewardship. Cleveland Metroparks' team should be thanked for taking on this challenging and important work, starting with the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Brian Zimmerman and Board of Park Commissioners Debbie Berry, Dan Moore and Bruce Rinker and continuing to the many other staff members who are working on this essential project.
 
Gov. John Kasich, Mayor Frank Jackson and members of Cleveland City Council should also be saluted for supporting the unique role Cleveland Metroparks can play on our lakefront. The city of Cleveland, state of Ohio and Cleveland Metroparks have come together to act with unanimity of purpose and efficiency to make this transfer happen. Each should be recognized for the leadership demonstrated by such a partnership.
 
A multitude of community partners have also actively stepped up to support this effort. LAND studio recently convened more than 80 stakeholders in a series of meetings to facilitate discussion around this transfer of management. Residents, friends groups, elected officials, community development corporations and leading civic organizations stand at the ready to support and partner with Cleveland Metroparks. Our outreach efforts have revealed great enthusiasm for this new management structure and an understanding that while Cleveland Metroparks can have an immediate impact on operations, the long-term transformation of these critical assets will take time.
 
Logically, the initial focus will be on safety, access and cleanliness. But because the needs and potential of each of the lakefront parks vary greatly, it will take time to determine how best to capitalize on long-term opportunities and build upon the unique assets of each park. Such a process needs broad input and support to craft a compelling but realistic vision built on the stewardship of Cleveland Metroparks along our lake. But this vision cannot be limited to the Cleveland Metroparks' efforts. Everyone currently working to restore our city will need to consider new ways to connect to the lake. These linkages should run both north and south from our neighborhoods to the lakefront and from east to west to create a cohesive lakefront system.
 
Investing in our lakefront strengthens our neighborhoods and our core city -- it will help attract residents, businesses and visitors who value the unique natural resources we are so lucky to enjoy. Fully realizing the potential of our lakefront will take time and the support of civic and philanthropic partners and our residents. As a community, we will take a giant step toward achieving this long-awaited goal with Cleveland Metroparks leadership on our lakefront.
 
Ann Zoller Cleveland
 
Zoller is executive director of LAND studio.

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