The Detroit Shoreway shares its history with its railroads, which have connected Cleveland to western cities since the 1850s. The abandoned railroad spur along Herman Park dates to the early 1900s, when it was used to allow trains to access surrounding industrial buildings. More recently, the railroad spur was acquired as part of the neighborhood’s recent residential development.
The spur is currently inaccessible to the public and attracts litter, detracting from both Herman Park and the neighborhood as a whole. Acquisition of the 0.55-acre property between Breakwater and Herman Avenues—made possible by a generous land donation—is just step one in refurbishing this currently unused land.
Moving forward, our goal is to design and implement this new public trail in conjunction with additional park improvements. Western Reserve Land Conservancy is working closely with Councilwoman Jenny Spencer, Northwest Neighborhoods CDC, and the City of Cleveland to plan and fundraise for the trail, as well as improvements at Herman Park. Upon completion of construction, the Land Conservancy will transfer ownership to City of Cleveland.
Private and public funding will be crucial to the completion of this project. We will be looking to connect with donors and assess public funding sources to help make Herman Park Trail possible.
As new housing moves into the area and replaces underused industrial sites, this decade-long dream trail will bring the community improved accessibility, recreational amenities, and needed connection to public greenspaces.