CLEVELAND – June 19, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland is proud to announce the unveiling of a brand-new, artist-designed gate at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (CLNP). The public is invited to join the Port and community partners for a dedication event at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the preserve, located at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland.

The event will take place rain or shine. The celebration will feature remarks from David Gutheil, Interim President & CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Cleveland; Linda Sternheimer, Senior Vice President of Urban Planning and Engagement; and Steve Manka, the Cleveland-based artist behind the gate’s custom design. The new gate, designed by Manka, reflects the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and welcoming spirit of the preserve — serving as both a functional landmark and an artistic tribute to this cherished community greenspace.

In addition to the unveiling, the Port will honor Will Friedman, former President and CEO, with a special dedication recognizing his more than a decade of visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the Port and Northeast Ohio.

“We’re proud to celebrate this new addition to the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve,” said David Gutheil, Interim President & CEO. “This space represents our ongoing commitment to protecting the lakefront, supporting urban greenspaces, and providing the public with access to Lake Erie’s natural beauty.” Join us as we celebrate a new chapter for this beloved public space and honor those who have helped shape its legacy.

About the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve: Managed by the Port of Cleveland, the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is an 88-acre natural public space along the Lake Erie shoreline. Originally created as a confined disposal facility, the area has been carefully transformed into a thriving urban nature preserve t features three trails totaling 2.5 miles, offering visitors opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. The preserve supports a diverse mix of habitats , including grasslands, meadows, forests, mudflats, shrublands, and wetlands, providing critical space for migratory birds and native wildlife.

Linda Sternheimer and Steve Manka will be available for media interviews following the event.

Event Details:

What: Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Gate Unveiling & Dedication

When: Monday, June 23, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.

Where: Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland

Contact: Kierra Cotton, Manager of Marketing & Communications, kierra.cotton@portofcleveland.com