In 2017, Cleveland Metroparks was awarded a $1.88 million dollar grant by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) to improve water quality and habitat along East Branch Rocky River (EBRR) and to restore adjacent areas within Bonnie Park. The project is sponsored by the Ohio EPA and City of Akron. Project Partners include the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Cuyahoga Soil and Water and Rocky River Watershed Council.
The existing lowhead dam serves as an impediment to natural flow, fish passage and macroinvertebrate populations in the river and is largely responsible for this reach being in non-attainment of Warm Water Habitat status. The project will reverse stream impairments and establish a foundation for ecological recovery. Restoration activities include dam removal, floodplain restoration, wetland restoration, and removal of impervious surfaces.
To enhance the guest experience at Bonnie Park, Cleveland Metroparks plans to provide natural surface walking trails and boardwalks. Interpretive signage will be placed throughout the park to compliment the restoration and honor the park’s history.
Construction will be complete in spring 2021. The park will remain open during construction, but may require temporary closures.
Cleveland Metroparks has installed two photo monitoring stations focused on the dam removal and wetland restoration, so the public can interact with the restoration. The public can take photos by following instructions at each monitoring location. Areas restricted by construction will be updated by park staff. Photos will show a time lapse of the construction process and can be viewed here:
https://www.chronolog.io/site/CMP101 and
https://www.chronolog.io/site/CMP102.