Cascade Park

LOCATION: Lorain County Metroparks - Elyria, OH

Established as a public park in 1894, Cascade Park is one of Elyria’s most treasured landscapes. Today, the park spans 135 acres and follows nearly two miles of the winding Black River showcasing waterfalls, stone cliffs, and open park lawns.

In 2014, Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operations of the Cascade Park and engaged Behnke Landscape Architecture to develop a master plan and phased implementation of the plan for the entire park.

Initial improvements focused on enhancing day-use amenities at the north end of the park, followed by similar upgrades at the south end. A third phase involved the construction of a bikeway through the park, with subsequent phases adding a new visitor center and supporting amenities.

Throughout the implementation, the project addressed significant topographic challenges, including extensive earthwork along the river’s edge to restore and re-establish a floodplain.

Then, in celebration of their 100th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Elyria partnered with the Lorain County Metro Parks to create an inclusive playground that welcomes children of all ages and abilities. The design ensures that every child can play together, without barriers or segregation, through thoughtfully integrated accessibility features.

Inclusive design elements include:

• Accessible ramps and pathways

• Inclusive slides

• Ground-level play activities

• Sensory-rich activities

• Adaptive Swings

• Wheelchair-accessible play structures

Behnke Landscape Architecture served as the lead designer for this playground, which was part of the overall $10 million renovation of this historic park.