CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seeking to create better access to people-powered recreation on the Cuyahoga River, The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) is proud to announce the opening of its Rivergate rowing facility on May 17 at 5pm. A special announcement will take place during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 6.5 acre Rivergate Park, located at 1785 Merwin Avenue on the east side of the Cuyahoga River in the Flats.
“This project would not have been possible without The Trust for Public Land which facilitated the site purchase,” said Jon Adams, Chairman of the Rivergate Park Council. “We’d also like to thank the more than 300 donors who believe in our mission of transforming a concrete-covered site into greenspace and a recreation hub.”
“We closed on the purchase in September, moved to the new site in November and we were open for rowing in March. This incredible feat could not have happened without the considerable donation of time, talent and toil from our hundreds of volunteers,” said Bob Valerian, Chairman of the CRF Board of Directors.
“Cleveland Rowing Foundation's Rivergate is leading the way for the revitalization and rejuvenation of the Columbus Road peninsula which is quickly becoming known as the People-Powered Peninsula. With their sweat and hopes and muscles, they are singlehandedly creating a sustainable energy exemplifying Cleveland's best energies," said Cleveland Ward 3 Councilman, Joe Cimperman.
“Cleveland Rowing Foundation's paramount concern is safe river operations. The Cuyahoga River is a federal navigation channel with daily commercial traffic,” said Executive Director, Theresa Gang. “We are pleased that the safety standards which the Cleveland Rowing Foundation has developed and implemented for rowing members will be also be applied to the kayak programs which will be phased in at Rivergate," added CRF board member, Bill Braun.
CRF offers a variety of rowing programs for both youth and adults. In addition, kayaking will be available through a partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks’ Institute of the Great Outdoors (“IGO”) paddling program which will begin in July. The Cleveland Dragon Boat Association also operates out of Rivergate Park. More information about CRF’s programs can be found at www.clevelandrows.org.
The Campaign for Rivergate Park is ongoing as the Cleveland Rowing Foundation seeks to make building and site improvements, pay off a $900,000 site acquisition loan and move forward with new programming. Donations are tax-deductible and may be payable and mailed to Cleveland Rowing Foundation/Rivergate, 1785 Merwin Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113.
About the Cleveland Rowing Foundation
The mission of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) is to promote and share the athletic, health, educational and social benefits of rowing throughout Greater Cleveland and to work in concert with community partners to enhance the recreational quality of the Cuyahoga River. Rivergate Park preserves public access to the Cuyahoga River as a vacant, industrialized site is transformed into an urban waterfront park. The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is celebrating its 22th year and is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit http://www.clevelandrows.org or https://www.facebook.com/#!/RivergatePark