The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) received a $500,000 grant from an anonymous donor last month as it looks to transform Rivergate Park. While the ongoing Irishtown Bend Park is being built and will give way to a journey on the other side of the river, investments will also be made right across the river.
“This investment reflects the growing recognition of the Cuyahoga River as a vital public asset,” said Nikki Jaworski, executive director of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation.
The grant will be allocated towards programs, partnerships and Rivergate Park, which is home to CRF, located adjacent to Merwin’s Wharf and Hart Crane Park.
“Not only is Irishtown Bend created across the street, but there’s also going to be a bike path that will run kind of contiguous from Merwin’s Wharf through our property,” Jaworski said.
The award contributes to strengthening the riverfront with other projects like the Bedrock, Canal Basin Park and Triton at the Flats apartments. Combined with the Eagle Avenue lift bridge removal, the Flats are seeing a massive change.
What does CRF do?
The CRF serves as a hub for many community-based rowing organizations, from high schools and collegiate teams to veteran and adaptive programs. The CRF facility is connected to the Cuyahoga River.
Jaworski continued, “As a boathouse becomes more visible . . . we want to make sure that we can meet the community demand and grow the sport.”
CRF hosts one of the largest rowing events in the United States, bringing thousands of rowing athletes from across the country year after year. Jaworski sees this grant as a way to continue to support large-scale events and make the sport of rowing more accessible to a broader audience.
The grant has been processed and will be implemented through the year, Jaworski said. She added that they’re currently seeking other public grants to develop additional property. The goal is to secure those additional grants this year.
“Our goal is simple,” Jaworski said. “To make Rivergate Park a place where everyone feels welcome — and this gift brings us meaningfully closer to that vision.”
We're celebrating four years of amplifying resident voices from Cleveland's neighborhoods. Will you make a donation to keep our local journalism going?
