Special Collections and Archives

Cuyahoga River Study...for the City of Kent

Special Collections and Archives

Cuyahoga River Study...for the City of Kent

Description

This year-long study was requested by The Kent Recreation Commission and the Kent Park Board. Leroy Satrom was the mayor of Kent at the time and the report opens with a letter to him, presenting their report and planning suggestions. The report lays out four primary goals, the first of which emphasizes controlling development:

“A major objective of the plan is the protection and preservation of the river corridor so that it will be used conscientiously and, at the same time, remin relatively unspoiled for future generations” (page 17)

The second goal was the preservation of a sound circulation system within the river. In 1970, the primary obstacle in the way of achieving that was downtown Kent’s historic stone arch dam; it impeded the flow of the river and was no longer being used for its original purpose of generating electricity. The Kent Dam was constructed in 1836 and is considered a highly engineered structure for its time. It is the only known stone arch dam with a similarly constructed sandstone canal lock attached to one side. The EPA submitted a proposal to the City of Kent in 1998 to preserve the stone arch structure while also increasing the water flow capacity of that section of the river. That project included creating Heritage Park around the dam which is now a popular recreational spot in the city.

The other two goals laid out in 1970 were water preservation and diversification of recreational facilities for the city of Kent. This forward-looking study started the City of Kent on its mission to preserve the Cuyahoga River’s natural heritage and create recreational sites along the river that are accessible and safe. Today, Kent residents and visitors enjoy numerous trails, canoe/kayak launches, lookout points, scenic picnic areas, and parks.


Author/Photographer George R. Kemp & Associates
Publisher Pittsburgh: George R. Kemp & Associates
Date 1970
Extent v, 30 pages : illustrations, maps ; 28 x 44 cm
Institution Kent State University
Repository Special Collections and Archives
LC Classification Number f TD387.C89 G46 1970
Portion Digitized Front cover
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Format of Original book