Big Creek
Big Creek, in northeast Ohio, is the third largest tributary (of 12) of the Lower Cuyahoga River draining 39 square miles. It traverses 12 miles through 7 municipalities (Cleveland, Brooklyn, Linndale, Parma, Parma Heights, Brook Park, and North Royalton). It is the most severely urbanized watershed (52% impervious). Big Creek enters the Cuyahoga River at a point 7.4 miles above the mouth of the Cuyahoga in Cleveland at Lake Erie.
Our Mission
To conserve, enhance, and bring recognition to the natural and historic resources of the Big Creek Watershed and develop a recreational trail network that joins these resources to each other and the community.
Our Vision
- Connection of existing greenways and public amenities such as the Canalway Towpath trail from the Harvard Road Trailhead to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Brookside Park, to the Big Creek Reservation at Memphis Avenue, along the Tiedeman Road area, on to the Big Creek Reservation at Brookpark Road.
- Improved conditions of Big Creek and the natural environment throughout the watershed.
- Improved, safe and convenient access to the natural environment throughout the Big Creek watershed.
- Increased recreational opportunities throughout the Big Creek watershed.
- Successful promotion of the benefits of a healthy watershed as well as important historical events, structures and sites within the watershed.
Our Strategy - How will we achieve our vision?
- Place primary focus on the area of the Lower Big Creek watershed that includes the municipalities of Cleveland and Brooklyn.
- Maintain and build strong relationships with the communities, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, schools and businesses within the Big Creek.
- Focus on the following four organizing categories:
- Accessibility and Connectivity
- Environmental Conditions & Stewardship
- Remediation and Economic Development
- Education & Outreach, History & Placemaking