Reservation Case Studies
A series of case studies were completed to apply the data and analytical tools from Phase One. Three Cleveland Metropark properties were chosen to get a variety of settings for review. One park outside of the Cleveland Metroparks system was selected for a similar case study review as a point of comparison.
Straddling the borders of the Cities of Cleveland and Garfield Heights, Garfield Park Reservation is among the most urban of Cleveland Metropark Reservations. Originally built as a city park within Garfield Heights, this reservation retains much of its original character. Among many of its physical and natural assets, Garfield Park Reservations boasts Cuyahoga County’s largest waterfall found along Mill Creek Run.
Found in Hinckley Township, the Hinckley Reservation is the only Cleveland Metropark to be found completely outside of Cuyahoga County. The location of Hinckley at the far reaches of the Cleveland Region places the Reservation in nearly a completely rural local. The location of Hinckley Reservation places it at an important ecological position to help protect the Rocky River Watershed.
The Rocky River Reservation was among the first properties obtained for the Cleveland Metropark System. Found in the western portion of Cuyahoga County its natural waterway, the Rocky River, forms the boundary between eight local municipalities. The Rocky River Reservation is an example of a suburban style Reservation that is heavily used both active and passive recreational activities.
Forest Hill Park is located in both East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. The park was originally gifted to the municipalities by the Rockefeller family to be used in perpetuity as a protected park space. Like most parks, Forest Hill Park is subject to the ability and desire of the local municipality to maintain and develop its assets, both physical and environmental.