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Shaker Lakes Dams Get Major Upgrade
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) is undertaking a $2.3 million
project to rehabilitate the dams on Lower Lake (near the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes)
and Green Lake (on Parkland Road, east of Lee Road, also known as the Duck Pond). The
goal: To address some of the deficiencies identified by the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources, so the dams are able to handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Work on both dams began this spring, when NEORSD removed trees and other
woody growth from the earthen banks. This helps to prevent damage from root systems,
while also discouraging groundhogs and other critters from making their homes in and
around the dam.
This summer, residents will notice additional changes to both dams. At Lower Lake,
NEORSD will place large stones on the dam’s bank, just below the normal high water mark.
More aesthetically pleasing river stones will be placed above the high water mark. To do
this work, NEORSD has temporarily drained Lower Lake, enabling NEORSD to inspect
4 SUMMER 2019 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
the dam’s spillway, which is under the foot
bridge that connects both sides of Brook
Road in Cleveland Heights. A spillway is
what allows water to flow through a dam,
including during a storm, when it must be
able to handle large volumes.
The Green Lake spillway is slated for
an upgrade. Like Lower Lake, Green Lake
has been temporarily drained while work
is completed. Once finished, NEORSD
will convert Andover Road – which is now
closed – into a pedestrian walkway over the
newly upgraded spillway, with a bridge similar
to the one at Lower Lake (see photo).
As the water is drained from the
lakes, mud flats develop along the edges.
Residents are cautioned to avoid them,
as they are extremely dangerous and it is
possible to sink in the mud, which could
require a rescue operation. Warning signs
and fencing will be placed in areas where
Lower Lake is easily accessible to the public.
NEORSD anticipates it will finish the
construction work at Lower and Green
lakes this winter with site restoration
scheduled for spring 2020.
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