News Summary
Cleveland Metroparks is developing the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center at East 55th Street Marina, enhancing lakefront access and offering sailing opportunities. In collaboration with key partners, the center aims to revitalize local control of lakefront parks while promoting public engagement and inclusivity in recreational activities. The facility will feature multipurpose spaces, outdoor areas, and educational sailing programs for the community. Set to be completed in 2026, the project reflects a commitment to improving access to Lake Erie for all residents of Cleveland.
Cleveland, Ohio – Cleveland Metroparks has announced the development of the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center at East 55th Street Marina. This center will mark a significant enhancement in lakefront access, being the first of its kind along Lake Erie in Ohio. The project is backed by key partners including Parker Hannifin Corp., Madeleine S. Parker, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation, and The Cleveland Foundry.
CEO Brian M. Zimmerman noted that the initiative aims to revitalize and reestablish local control of the lakefront parks, with a focus on providing unprecedented public access and sailing opportunities. The Foundry, which is a community rowing and sailing center, has successfully implemented various programs to meet local demand, suggesting strong community engagement and investment in this initiative.
The Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center will feature two buildings designed with multi-purpose learning spaces, both indoor and outdoor community areas, concessions, a rooftop deck, an overlook tower, and a boathouse. The facility is planned to be fully accessible, ensuring it meets universal design standards that surpass ADA compliance.
This center is envisioned as a community anchor for sporting events, education, retail, recreation, and dining throughout the year. A key aspect of the center will be its public programs aimed at providing sailing opportunities for individuals who have historically faced economic barriers. Educational offerings will include programs such as “Youth Learn-to-Sail,” “Youth Learn-to-Race,” and family sailing basics, which are designed to encourage participation across diverse community groups.
Furthermore, the sailing center will create a physical connection between Cleveland’s harbor and University Circle via the Mandel Community Trail, promoting greater public engagement with the lakefront. Currently, over 90% of Lake Erie’s shoreline in Cuyahoga County is privately owned, which has limited public access to the waterfront. The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents in neighborhoods that have been historically disconnected from these areas.
Construction on the sailing center is expected to be completed in 2026. Funding for the initiative will be sourced from leadership gifts, private funders, and a variety of state and local grants. The construction will be managed in phases to accommodate ongoing marina operations and navigation of seasonal weather challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to local activities.
The project draws insights from successful waterfront amenities in other cities like Toronto, Milwaukee, and Chicago. It aims not only to replicate that success in Cleveland but also to instill a sense of local pride and community ownership over the lakefront.
The center is named in honor of Patrick Parker, a Cleveland philanthropist and avid sailing enthusiast, recognizing his contributions to the community and his passion for sailing. This initiative represents a commitment to creating inclusive, accessible recreational opportunities for all residents in Cleveland, fostering a stronger connection to Lake Erie and enhancing community engagement with this vital natural resource.
In summary, the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center is set to become a pivotal development for Cleveland, aimed at enriching public engagement with the local waterfront and providing essential resources and programs that encourage sailing for all, regardless of economic background.
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HERE Resources
Cleveland Metroparks Breaks Ground on New Sailing Center
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Giving Guide 2025 – Cleveland Metroparks
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Metroparks
- Axios: Cleveland Parker Sailing Center Groundbreaking
- Google News: Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center
- Cleveland.com: Cleveland Metroparks Announces Community Sailing Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland, OH
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