Euclid, Ohio - After years of planning and preparation, the City of Euclid is excited to announce the groundbreaking of Phase 3 of their Waterfront Improvements Plan. This phase of the project will be called Kenny Yuko Park, in honor of our beloved retired State Senator who was a tireless champion of the City of Euclid and waterfront development during his time as State Representative and State Senator. The new park will feature 5.6 acres of new parkland, a trailhead connecting the Lakefront Trail to Lakeshore Boulevard, additional parking, and public greenspace. Future plans for Kenny Yuko Park include a $10M Beach House that will include a lounge, restaurant, public restrooms, and kayak rental. The City is currently developing the funding required for the design and construction of the Beach House.

Since the inception of the Waterfront Improvements Plan, the City of Euclid has been committed to creating a world-class waterfront destination that is accessible to all residents. The project has been recognized nationally as a model for public-private partnerships and innovative funding for public projects. The model for the project is widely referred to as "the Euclid model".

Ohio claims just over 300 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, but only about 20% of that shoreline is publicly accessible, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Waterfront Improvements Plan was first launched in 2009 with the goal of making more of Euclid’s portion of Lake Erie publicly accessible and creating waterfront access for the entire community. Since then, the City has invested over $20 million in waterfront improvements, including the addition of a public fishing pier, the restoration of the shoreline, and the construction of a ¾-mile Lakefront multi-use trail.

This trail runs across private property, which led to a unique and locally unprecedented agreement between the City and over 100 homeowners, who voluntarily signed easements allowing the public access to their previously privatized lakefront. In return for their participation in this agreement, the property owners received expensive shoreline erosion control to protect their property.

The new Kenny Yuko Park will be a major addition to the City of Euclid, and will provide residents with even more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Euclid's Lake Erie shoreline. The park will feature a paddle craft launch, which will provide residents with easy access to the lake for recreational activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The future Beach House will provide a gathering place for the community, and beachside amenities like changing rooms and paddle craft rental / storage.

"We are thrilled to be breaking ground on Phase 3 of the Waterfront Improvements Plan," said Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail. "The addition of Kenny Yuko Park will be a major asset to our community and will provide residents with even more opportunities to enjoy our beautiful lakefront."

The Waterfront Improvements Plan has been a major success for the City of Euclid, and has attracted both national and international attention. The project has been recognized by many waterfront conservation and professional planning organizations as a model for innovative public-private partnerships.

"The success of the Waterfront Improvements Plan is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our residents and our community partners," said Mayor Holzheimer Gail. "We are proud to be leading the way in innovative projects and to be creating a world-class destination that is accessible to all."

The City of Euclid is looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to this exciting new addition to the Waterfront Improvements Plan in the near future. For more information about the project, please visit www.cityofeuclid.com.