SSOE, an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Toledo, is making a gift totaling $100,000 over five years to the Metroparks Toledo Foundation in support of the developing Glass City Riverwalk.

SSOE, a corporate leader in northwest Ohio for nearly 80 years, is making its gift through the SSOE Foundation, which was established early this year in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation for the purpose of making a positive impact on communities.

Seeing the impact that Glass City Riverwalk is having on the Toledo waterfront, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the SSOE Foundation committed financial support to the vision of a reinvigorated riverfront, particularly sustainable components of the project such as floating wetlands.

The series of six floating wetlands being installed along the downtown side of the Riverwalk are more than decorative, they help enhance water quality by using plants that filter runoff water before it enters the stream and, ultimately, Lake Erie.

“At SSOE, supporting communities where we live and work is integral in our vision to design and build the future for our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Vince DiPofi, SSOE's Chief Executive Officer. “When we learned about the Metroparks project to restore wetlands as part of the transformative Toledo Riverwalk project, we wanted to be a part of it. As a company headquartered in downtown Toledo, this project is close to home for us, and we are excited to contribute to its success!"

"As engineers and architects at SSOE, we embed environmental, social, and governance policies and values into our designs,” added Robin Whitney, SSOE’s Chief Administrative Officer, who also serves on the Metroparks Toledo Foundation board of directors. “I’ve had unique insight into the importance and impact that this project will have on the riverfront. This project perfectly aligns with SSOE’s sustainability goals, helping make an environmental impact while also beautifying public spaces for all our community to enjoy.”

About Riverwalk

The first phase of Riverwalk, Glass City Metropark, opened two years ago this month on the east side of the Maumee River, representing about 25 percent of the riverfront transformation. Since then, there have been more than 1 million visitors to the park.

Portions currently under construction at the former International Park in east Toledo – which will become part of Glass City Metropark - and across the river in downtown Toledo will open next spring, bringing the 10-year project to about 50 percent completion. Work on the remaining half of the project, in the Vistula neighborhood, is expected to begin in 2026

When it is completed, Glass City Riverwalk will stretch for 2.5 miles on each side of the river, from the Veterans Glass City Skyway to the Anthony Wayne Bridge.

“From the start of this ambitious project, Riverwalk has been a community-wide effort,” said Dave Zenk, Executive Director of Metroparks Toledo. “While we have taken the lead, lending our expertise in park development, construction management and grant writing, the City of Toledo, the businesses and many community leaders have been involved every step of the way. SSOE’s gift is the latest example of how our corporate leaders are and integral part of creating the best riverfront in the nation.”