CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will offer free rides on June 22 to coincide with Xtinguish Torch Fest, Blazing Paddles race and a host of other events planned for the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire.The RTA Board on Tuesday accepted a $75,000 grant from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to sponsor the free-fare Saturday.A highlight of Cuyahoga50 is the five-day event scheduled from June 19 to 23. Dozens of community groups and other partners will host a series of clean water events during at various locations along the river. There’s also lots more: lighted boat parade, a Western Reserve Rowing Association regatta, Great Lakes Burning River Fest at the historic Coast Guard Station, doubleheader international men’s soccer tournament and an Indians game against the Detroit Tigers. Check out all the fun planned on RocktheLake.com/events. … [Read more...] about Free RTA rides on June 22 for anniversary of Cuyahoga River fire
Cuyahoga river fire
Four-day Xtinguish Torch Fest marks 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga River fire, along 100 miles of waterway
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- CLEVELAND, Ohio – Celebrate the Cuyahoga River’s revival with the Xtinguish Torch Fest: four days of events along 100 miles of water marking the 50th anniversary of the June 22, 1969, fire that sparked a national environmental movement.“It’s a new narrative about our region,” said Arrye Rosser, interpretive and education specialist for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “The idea … is extinguishing the past, igniting the future.” Spearheaded by the West Creek Conservancy, Xtinguish is the pinnacle of dozens of community events, exhibits, performances and conferences in Northeast Ohio this year. All mark the Cuyahoga’s transformation from “an open sewer through the center of the city” to an active fishery and watersports playground. Dozens of organizations are pitching in on Xtinguish, where the torch will be passed from the headwaters of the Crooked River near Burton, through Akron and to Lake Erie. … [Read more...] about Four-day Xtinguish Torch Fest marks 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga River fire, along 100 miles of waterway
Cleveland Foundation celebrates renaissance of Cuyahoga River with art in Creative Fusion: Waterways to Waterways
CLEVELAND, Ohio – To mark the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire that gave Cleveland the nickname “Mistake on the Lake,” the Cleveland Foundation is sponsoring 11 public art projects – from a seven-day river walk to a public spectacle on the Detroit-Superior Bridge.The Cleveland Foundation has sponsored Creative Fusion programs, bringing nearly 100 artists to Cleveland since 2008. This year’s Waterways to Waterways edition is the foundation’s largest.“I think there is excitement,” said Stephen Love, the Cleveland Foundation’s program officer for environment. “More so there’s an opportunity to reframe the narrative… This shows how we took a leadership stance and led the way. This is an opportunity to continue to address challenges that continue to plague waterways now.”The foundation is working with the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Print Room, Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design … [Read more...] about Cleveland Foundation celebrates renaissance of Cuyahoga River with art in Creative Fusion: Waterways to Waterways
Cuyahoga River partners creating water trail
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fans of the Cuyahoga River want it designated an official Ohio water trail, promoting public access and increasing appreciation for the waterway. "People are already paddling on the Cuyahoga," sad Andrea Irland, of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. "What a water trail would do is make it a better experience and bring a multitude of benefits to the region and the river." Twenty-five organizations -- including the national park, cities along the river and nonprofit groups -- have been working since 2011 on the designation. The West Creek Conservancy will oversee the program. 10 waterways throughout Ohio, including portions of the Sandusky, Vermilion and Black rivers, are listed as Ohio water trails, with specific access points, signage, maps and educational material. The trail is geared to all paddlers: kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Kayaks are by far the most popular, said Irland. Ohio Department of … [Read more...] about Cuyahoga River partners creating water trail
Cuyahoga River fires explored at Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center, 310 Carnegie Avenue, will present an illustrated program on Cleveland's historic river fires and fire boats on September 29 at 2 p.m. According to museum historian Paul Nelson, the city has had 15 significant fires on the Cuyahoga River since 1868. All resulted from an accumulation of flammable material on the river's surface. The most famous fire was the 1969 blaze that made national headlines and spurred environmental reform. But it was also the smallest fire, extinguished in 17 minutes, and the last river fire. The largest river fire was in 1952 at the Great Lakes Towing Co. that resulted in $1 million worth of property damage. Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $5 for children, and kids under 3 are admitted free, as are members. … [Read more...] about Cuyahoga River fires explored at Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center