Cascade Valley Metropark Valley View Area Phase 2 Restoration

RiverReach Construction was contracted by the Summit Metro Parks to perform stream and wetland restoration for the Valley View Area Phase 2 restoration project, located within the Cascade Valley Metro Park of Summit Metro Parks. The site, which was previously Valley View Golf Course prior to being purchased by Summit Metro Parks, is located along the Cuyahoga River, downstream of its confluence with the Little Cuyahoga River, between the Ohio & Erie Canal towpath trail and Cuyahoga Street in Akron, Ohio. The objective of this project was to restore the site by creating floodplain, bank stabilizations, wetlands, fish habitat, and native revegetation plantings

The once existing golf course purchased by Summit Metro Parks in 2015 was restored back to its natural state. RiverReach Construction achieved this by implementing 5,000 lf of restoration enhancements to the Cuyahoga River. The restoration activities included 7.2 acres of floodplain excavation, 2,000 lf of natural stone bank stabilization, 30,000 square feet of wetland creation, 120 woody habitat structures and 360 boulder habitat clusters to enhance the in-stream habitat for fish & aquatic wildlife. An additional 36 acres of native seeding and over 11,000 native plantings were added as well.

Site hydrology is primarily precipitation driven with groundwater contribution in certain areas. The grading design goal was to balance the site earthwork, using excavated materials from the stream and floodplain to fill existing ponds and create additional wetland areas. The wetlands are interconnected with the restored stream segments, providing critical floodplain area during storm events, riparian habitat, and nonpoint pollutant attenuation. With approximately 50,000 cubic yards of excavated material, RiverReach was also able to construct a scenic roadway base that meanders through the park. This future roadway is a key aesthetic that will tie all the parks features together.