Project Updates

Free the Falls

Aerial view of the Dam in Gorge Metro Park

Summit Metro Parks and a large coalition of community partners are working together to remove the dam on the Cuyahoga River in Gorge Metro Park. Built more than 100 years ago, the Gorge Dam is no longer serving any useful purpose. In fact, today it is the largest remaining water quality impediment on the Cuyahoga River. Dam removal is necessary to improve wildlife habitat and address contaminated sediment within the river. It will also create recreational opportunities and drive economic development.  

What’s New

Phase 2 of the Gorge Dam removal project began summer 2025. During this phase, dredged sediment from behind the Gorge Dam will be transported via temporary pipeline to be safely stored at a sediment placement site prepared at the Chuckery Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park.

Several areas throughout Cascade Valley Metro Park and Gorge Metro Park are now closed and expected to remain closed for several years to account for dam-related construction and the city of Akron’s sewer construction project.

A map of closures at Cascade Valley Metro Park and Gorge Metro Park related to the removal of the Gorge Dam.

Additional project updates provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be found online. To view additional details regarding closures or stay up to date with the latest project news right in your inbox, visit the links below.

Questions? Contact Courtney Winter, U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, at [email protected] or (312)353-5657.

Find the best dam news and updates on the new Free the Falls podcast, available now!

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Community Partners

This project would not be possible without the collaboration of these community partners: