Phase 1 (now open) includes:

• A 3,500-square-foot pavilion with restrooms, a concession window and green roof. The building will accommodate 150 people.
• Rooftop plaza space
• An event lawn that will accommodates 5,000 people for special events
• A sledding hill
• Aggregate and asphalt walking paths
• Water access for fishing, canoeing/kayaking
• Shoreline restoration
• Reforestation with more than 2,000 trees as well as prairie plants
• Stormwater wetlands and bioswales
• A boardwalk over water with seating
• The realignment of Riverside Drive
• A 70-vehicle parking lot
• A new curb cut for park access from E. Broadway Street

A separate contract has been awarded for construction of a bike and pedestrian bridge over Main Street to connect Glass City Metropark with the City of Toledo’s International Park.

Since September 2018, Metroparks has purchased 67 acres of riverfront land from ProMedica for just under $6 million, with more than $4 million of the purchase price paid for by the Clean Ohio Fund. A federal Department of Transportation grant will pay for nearly $1 million of the $1.2 million cost of the bridge. Additional funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Forest Service will support habitat restoration and reforestation.

What Others Are Saying

Joe Napoli
President, Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Walleye and Hensville; Chairman, Metroparks Toledo Foundation

“Many riverfront communities have come to realize that they had turned their backs on their most important asset, a river. Although many rivers served an important industrial purpose at the beginning of the last century, today’s purpose is even more impactful. The Maumee River can serve multi-purposes: it can continue to serve commercial enterprises while also being a place to enjoy a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. By doing so, people in other communities have responded – they are moving back into a downtown setting, especially one that offers recreation on a riverfront.”

Randy Oostra
President and CEO, ProMedica

“There is strong evidence that parks stimulate economic development in local communities. The work of Metroparks Toledo along the riverfront will help strengthen nearby businesses and neighborhoods, attract new investments and bring visitors to the area. As an anchor institution headquartered in downtown Toledo, we are excited to see this level of progress in our community and look forward to having a first-class, waterfront park nearby.”

Sharon Speyer
President, Huntington Bank Northwest Ohio Region, and chair of the board of ConnecToledo

“Glass City Metropark is a forward thinking project that will make Toledo an even greater place to live, work and play. The enhancements to the Maumee River will be a catalyst for redevelopment in both Downtown and East Toledo. A revitalized riverfront will provide better access to the riverfront, more space for community events and places for people to enjoy natural amenities in an urban context. These plans are important to make our entire region more competitive. Making Toledo a great place to live is imperative to keeping local talent, and talent is essential for economic development.”

Peter Ujvagi
former Toledo City Council Member, District 3, East Toledo

“The start of the construction of Phase 1 of the Glass City Metropark in East Toledo marks the culmination of many years of collaborative work and investment to not only further open the Maumee riverfront to the residents of East Toledo, but to also begin the development of an exciting and adventurous new park that will attract regional and national attention to Toledo's riverfront and neighborhoods.”