Wendy Park: A Hidden Cleveland Gem

Cleveland is an area blessed with many great parks. Folks that move to the area usually list these green spaces as one of the best features of the area and expatriates yearn for these jewels. As a matter of fact, the largest park system in the area, the Cleveland Metroparks , ring the county like a necklace, earning the nickname "The Emerald Necklace." Any one of their reservations could easily be voted "Cleveland's Favorite." From their many interpretive centers, hiking, fishing and wildlife to their eight golf courses and of course, the world class Cleveland Zoo, this destination could be my favorite Cleveland park. There is one better, Wendy Park on Whiskey Island.

Wendy Park

Wendy Park is a 22 acre park that sits along both the Lake Erie Shoreline and the Cuyahoga River. Access is through the eastern entrance to Edgewater Park. You have to look for the sign pointing the way. After passing Edgewater Yacht Club head toward the sewage treatment plant. Take the one and only road, surrounded by ore docks and railroad tracks and you will arrive at Wendy Park.

Wendy Park sits on Whiskey Island , actually a peninsula. To the west of Wendy Park, you will see the C&P Ore Docks. While not as dramatic as in the past when ore Great Lakes ore freighters were unloaded by the giant insect like Hulett Unloaders, it is cool in a Midwest steel sort of way. Now the taconite is brought in by railcar and loaded onto the taconite boats for their final trip up the Cuyahoga River to be processed into steel.

The view to the east includes the Cleveland lighthouse , the historic but abandoned Coast Guard Station, Cleveland Browns Stadium and one of the best views you can get of Cleveland's skyline. You can also see some of Cleveland's lift bridges over the Cuyahoga River at work.

Yes, There is Nature

Wendy Park is a great place to observe and photograph nature. Because it sits on the confluence of the Atlantic and Central Flyways the opportunity to see many varieties of birds abound year round. Shorebirds, ducks, geese, raptors and songbirds abound. Coyotes, raccoons, skunk and other small mammals make this park their home. Botany abounds. Wildflower to trees, Wendy Park is a nature paradise in the middle of industrial heartland.

Fun in the Sun

From the Burning River Festival held in July to the volley ball pits, the park is a great place to be. It is one of the greatest venues to watch the Cleveland National Air Show, Fourth of July fireworks and the Cleveland skyline. It is just a great place for a family outing.

Wendy Park is a great hidden away gem that is worth finding.