Coastal observation tower provides 360-degree views of Lake Erie and the park
Oct 11, 2016 06:00PM ● By Today's Family
Observation tower at Lake Erie Bluffs – Photo by Greennite
By Lake Metroparks
Lake Metroparks has opened a 50-foot coastal observation tower at the agency's Lake Erie Bluffs. The tower is situated overlooking the lake shore with multiple viewing platforms along a staircase that culminates in a deck featuring 360-degree views. The height and location of the tower provide visitors with a unique view of the lake and the surrounding woods, fields and wetlands, along with a variety of wildlife – particularly a large number of bald eagles that are regularly seen at the park.
The south shore of Lake Erie is known worldwide as an important corridor for bird migration. As songbirds migrate north in spring and south in fall, large concentrations of birds migrate around the smallest of the Great Lakes, sticking close to the shoreline.
“The view of the lake and this amazing park has now been raised to new heights,” said Frank Polivka of the Lake Metroparks’ Board of Park Commissioners. “Thanks in large part to grants from the Cleveland Foundation and Lake Parks Foundation, visitors to the park will now have an amazing view of our greatest natural resource – Lake Erie.”
Lake Metroparks received a $100,000 grant from the Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation and a $62,000 grant from the Lake Parks Foundation to go towards the construction of the observation tower at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. The park provides visitors with access to almost two miles of undeveloped Lake Erie shoreline through two access points off of Lane Road and Clark Road.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Cleveland Foundation and the Lake Park Foundation, the addition of this 50-foot coastal observation tower will serve as a cornerstone of this amazing 600-acre Lake Erie Bluffs Park,” said Paul Palagyi, executive director of Lake Metroparks. “This tower will give visitors an impressive panoramic view of Lake Erie, the shoreline and the landscape of central Lake County.”
“The Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation values its long-standing partnership with Lake Metroparks,” said Robert E. Eckardt, executive vice president of the Cleveland Foundation. “We are pleased to support all efforts that celebrate and preserve the unmatched natural resources and beauty of this region for future generations.”
The tower is located nearest the Clark Road entrance (2901 Clark Road). If the parking lot is full, the Lane Road entrance (3301 Lane Road) is just around the corner where visitors can park and access the tower by way of a beautiful short trail. The tower is open, weather and conditions permitting, during regular park hours (6 am to 11 pm). It will be lit at night. The tower will be closed during the winter.
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT OF THE TOWER:
Lake Metroparks has opened a 50-foot coastal observation tower at the agency's Lake Erie Bluffs. The tower is situated overlooking the lake shore with multiple viewing platforms along a staircase that culminates in a deck featuring 360-degree views. The height and location of the tower provide visitors with a unique view of the lake and the surrounding woods, fields and wetlands, along with a variety of wildlife – particularly a large number of bald eagles that are regularly seen at the park.
The south shore of Lake Erie is known worldwide as an important corridor for bird migration. As songbirds migrate north in spring and south in fall, large concentrations of birds migrate around the smallest of the Great Lakes, sticking close to the shoreline.
“The view of the lake and this amazing park has now been raised to new heights,” said Frank Polivka of the Lake Metroparks’ Board of Park Commissioners. “Thanks in large part to grants from the Cleveland Foundation and Lake Parks Foundation, visitors to the park will now have an amazing view of our greatest natural resource – Lake Erie.”
Lake Metroparks received a $100,000 grant from the Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation and a $62,000 grant from the Lake Parks Foundation to go towards the construction of the observation tower at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. The park provides visitors with access to almost two miles of undeveloped Lake Erie shoreline through two access points off of Lane Road and Clark Road.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Cleveland Foundation and the Lake Park Foundation, the addition of this 50-foot coastal observation tower will serve as a cornerstone of this amazing 600-acre Lake Erie Bluffs Park,” said Paul Palagyi, executive director of Lake Metroparks. “This tower will give visitors an impressive panoramic view of Lake Erie, the shoreline and the landscape of central Lake County.”
“The Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation values its long-standing partnership with Lake Metroparks,” said Robert E. Eckardt, executive vice president of the Cleveland Foundation. “We are pleased to support all efforts that celebrate and preserve the unmatched natural resources and beauty of this region for future generations.”
The tower is located nearest the Clark Road entrance (2901 Clark Road). If the parking lot is full, the Lane Road entrance (3301 Lane Road) is just around the corner where visitors can park and access the tower by way of a beautiful short trail. The tower is open, weather and conditions permitting, during regular park hours (6 am to 11 pm). It will be lit at night. The tower will be closed during the winter.
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT OF THE TOWER:
- Dogs are prohibited.
- Please stay clear of the tower when lightning is in the area.
- Do not throw, drop or fly objects off of the tower.
- Stay on the stairs and decks. Please do not climb on other sections of the tower.
- Skateboards and bikes are not allowed on the tower or decks.