Cuyahoga County Greenspace Plan
Scenic Views
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Greenspace Plan
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People are attracted to locations where they can stand on higher ground and view large expanses and long distances. Views of Lake Erie have always been desirable and people are willing to pay premiums for property which affords them views that produce psychological and spiritual benefits. As a result many of these locations are in the possession of private property owners, limiting the benefit such a unique resource affords the public.
In addition to the Lakefront, the rims of river valleys and the escarpment between the Allegheny Plateau and the Plains also present opportunities to take advantage of sites which afford great views and vistas. As Cleveland's skyline has risen in height, an interesting focal point has been created on the horizon from many places in the county. The past development patterns and public policies which, for the most part, have not recognized these views as assets around which more desirable communities can be built, continues today.
 View of Downtown Cleveland and University Circle from the Garfield Monument, which is located in Lakeview Cemetary on the hillside of the Portage Escarpment. |
Views which benefit the public need to be protected. View-sheds should be valued similarly to historic preservation and architecture by the public. Whether it's the acquisition of sites for the public overlooks or towers, or the use of viewshed protection ordinances to prescribe how a development should be designed to preserve a view, there is a public interest involved.
The following map identifies some of the major ridges along which views of Lake Erie, Downtown, river valleys and vistas are possible. The map also includes selected sites along those ridges where such views can be seen:
Major Ridges and Selected Views
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