As Cleveland Metroparks passes the 100th anniversary of our founding, we celebrate the success of the original vision to protect a system of connected parks and boulevards along the river valleys of Cuyahoga County to preserve scenic beauty, conserve forests and natural resources, and provide opportunities for residents to relieve the tensions of urban life.
Today, the 18 reservations of Cleveland Metroparks encompass more than 25,000 acres and are known as the Emerald Necklace. The parks are a point of pride for the greater Cleveland community and enjoy widespread support. The curving park roads, trails winding through forests and along streams and picnics, and family gatherings at rustic stone and timber structures are part of the fabric of northeast Ohio and are one of the highlights of our community.
The stewardship of park features and the shared memories they inspire led the Park District to create an Historic and Cultural Resource Management Plan in 2018. The plan was recently updated in 2024, and its Executive Summary outlines the historic features and cultural resources of the parks, including archaeological sites, buildings, structures, and landscapes. The plan prioritizes protection efforts through the lens of park character and visitor experience.
Historical and Cultural Resources Management Plan Executive Summary, 2024 Update