Are you interested in learning more about the progress of freeing the falls at Gorge Metro Park? You can get an update on the process of removing the 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam on April 9, 2019 6:30-8:30pm at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium with their Free the Falls program. Get information straight from the source as Summit Metro Parks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders will be be presenting on the progress.
The Gorge Metro Park dam has been to blame for unresolved water quality problems on the Cuyahoga River for year as contaminated sediment has accumulated behind the dam for over a century! Removing the dam will give the river the ability to naturally clean itself. Removing the dam will flush out the accumulation of algae that is killing fish and reducing oxygen in the river as well as allow migratory fish to migrate naturally.
Ever wonder why Cuyahoga Falls got its name? The Big Falls of Cuyahoga Falls is behind the dam, although not as steep as the current dam, the Big Falls were impressive. The Cuyahoga River drops 8900 feet from its start at Lake Erie with the majority happening within Cuyahoga Falls so you can imagine how magnificent the waterfalls once were. The Little Falls are still fun to experience running further south at the southern boundary of the city. Removing this man-made dam will restore the original grandeur of the Gorge, to reveal the beauty of the city’s namesake falls. I personally can’t wait to see it! I’m sure we’ll have to add it to our Ohio Waterfalls article once this project is complete!
Removing the dam and restoring the Cuyahoga River will also give people the opportunity to use the river for recreation and even generate more tourism into the region.
“Free the Falls!” Community Meeting
The “Free the Falls!” community meeting is open to the general public. Come with your questions or provide your input as you learn about the archaeology and history of the dam and surrounding areas. The meeting will discuss the Great Lakes Legacy Act, the U.S. EPA’s role in the dam removal process and the results of a recent hydrologic study. A light meal will be provided by FirstEnergy.
Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium
2345 4th St.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
April 9, 2019 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
