Port of Cleveland hands Irishtown Bend to Metroparks after hillside stabilization

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Port of Cleveland is officially transferring Irishtown Bend to Cleveland Metroparks after crews completed the hillside stabilization portion of the project.

The timeline is now set for the 25-acre riverfront park.

Cleveland Metroparks says construction on the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail starts this spring. Work on the hillside park itself starts in 2027.

Linda Sternheimer, Vice President of Urban Planning and Development at the Port of Cleveland, said the $65 million stabilization project was the critical first step.

“It was at risk of a landslide into the Cuyahoga River, blocking both shipping and recreational activities,” Sternheimer said.

The hillside has undergone a dramatic transformation over three years. While the Port’s work is done, officials say they’re not walking away completely.

“The port’s role is largely ending however we’ll continue to collaborate and work together to make sure the things we implemented during the stabilization project remain there and aren’t infringed on by the construction of the park,” Sternheimer said.

Sternheimer said the project transforms more than 20 acres of unusable waterfront into public space.

“I think it’s just really exciting it’s over 20 acres of land that had previously not been usable right on our waterfront being made available,” she said.

The project is expected to transform the Ohio City neighborhood.