Update on Glass City and Riverwalk

With plans progressing, Metroparks Toledo officials updated the park board on the status of Glass City park and Riverwalk construction.

At the April 20 meeting, executive director Dave Zenk spoke on developments, noting, “It’s really awesome to see it come into focus.”

Mr. Zenk pointed out that for decades, the acreage along the Maumee River in east Toledo was home to an electrical power plant and industrial use. “It was used in the most dismal way possible.”

He believes the transformation taking place today will lead visitors to “rediscover the riverfront,” and refers to the changes as a “bold vision.”

Allison Marusic, associate/landscape architect at SmithGroup provided a project overview and construction update. She described the alterations from an electrical production facility to a park as a “new kind of energy on the banks of the Maumee.”

Using input from residents and park visitors, the project is designed to honor the values and expectations expressed; incorporate trends in recreation and accessibility; connect the Toledo community back to the waterfront; advance regional connectivity, and enhance environmental features such as reforestation and water quality.

Metroparks is following the 80/20 rule for park development, with only 20 percent of the land developed for recreational purposes. The remaining acreage will be natural areas.

To accomplish this task will mean restoring the soil “since much of the park is sitting on many feet of fly ash, a byproduct of its industrial history,” Ms. Marusic explained.

More than 50 acres of soil improvements are taking place along with 27 acres of planned native prairie, 17 acres of forest establishment, and 3,200 linear feet of naturalized reinforced shoreline.

Mr. Zenk believes the park will be one of the best in the country when complete, but pointed out that, “at the end of the day, this is a conservation initiative. Urban conservation–this is as cool as it gets.”

In addition to natural areas, a number of unique features are being constructed for visitors to connect with nature and one another, said Ms. Marusic.

Market Hall will offer dining, beer garden, indoor/outdoor fireplaces and skate rental during the winter months. Nearby will be an 18,000-square-foot skating pond and ice ribbon, while interactive water features will be open in summer. Outdoor lighting will allow for use of the facilities after dark.

The hall is designed to blend with artistic elements and nature as are six nearby cabanas that can be reserved year-round. The three-sided structures, designed to accommodate six to eight people will feature warming heaters in winter and ceiling fans in summer.

Sculptural elements by local artists will be incorporated near main gathering spaces and will be a nod to the site’s industrial history.

A number of play areas, each with unique themes are under development. They include Discovery Water with a mini Maumee River that allows for interactive water play; Adventure Prairie which provides play nodes for educational engagement, and Adventure Woodland with multiple play options, a tower and zip line.

Those who enjoy camping will be able to experience it in an urban setting. The area will feature campsites, ecohuts for rent and a restroom/shower building.

Claire Weisz, founding principal at WXY, discussed plans for Riverwalk. “It’s remarkable how quickly we were able to begin on this project,” she said, noting it may take some years.

She credited the Metroparks staff and Toledo community for working cooperatively on the trail system, connecting Glass City to International Park and the docks on the opposite side of Main Street.

More than 15,000 feet of new trails are planned within the parks using the existing multipurpose path and adding neighborhood connections along with pedestrian paths.

Via an existing bridge, the path will continue on the west side of the Maumee in downtown Toledo and go south eventually ending at Middlegrounds Metropark.

The downtown path will follow a mobility based plan with handicap access. The area has potential for future amphitheater, dockage and floating islands as well as artwork to enhance the trail, Ms. Weisz said.

Commissioner Molly Luetke asked about extending the multipurpose path through the Owens Corning business campus.

“Owens Corning is committed to linking up,” Mr. Zenk replied.

“My mind reels with all the implications,” Commissioner Fritz Byers said. He pointed out that despite the national politics involving climate change, “we are thinking locally, acting locally for the health of our community and planet.”

Taking account for the region’s role in the global situation, he added, “allows us to feel excitement and optimism for the future.”

Board member Kevin Dalton believes the development will be a boon to families. “Kids and families will love having this place to go to. It means so much to the community.”

Ms. Luetke looks forward to seeing people in the park and on the trails. “This will give people a place to go that is outdoor. It’s super exciting.”

Park commissioner Lera Doneghy, an advocate for people with disabilities, appreciates the attention given to people of all abilities. “That makes it even more poignant for me.”

Other Business

In other business, the park board:

•Contracted with DWA Recreation Inc. of Harrison, Ohio for six prefabricated Cabana buildings to be constructed at Glass City Park. Cost for the building kits is not to exceed $101,200.

DWA was the only firm to bid on the project, and delivery is expected in eight to 10 weeks, said Brad Hooven, manager of selfperformed construction.

•Amended the 2022 budget to reflect Secor park restoration and expansion; membership grants for reforestation and connection camp; Go Green youth initiatives; Howard Marsh second phase development; adaptive equipment; Oak Openings corridor tracts and Glass City expansion. The amended amounts bring appropriations to $63.35 million and resources to $92 million.

•Approved a lease agreement with Black Swamp Cattle Company. Metroparks will lease several cattle for $150.

Tim Schetter, director of natural resources, explained that the cattle will be contained on 10.8 acres of Oak Openings Preserve for grazing and used as a habitat management tool. At one time, large herbivores such as bison and elk roamed the area, helping to maintain prairies and savannas.

The project will be monitored for its ecological benefits, he said, adding, “it has been simulated in other areas and has been very effective.”

•Authorized Matt Cleland, chief financial officer, to enter into an electrical supply contract with Palmer Energy Services for the lowest price.

•Paid bills for March totaling $4 million.