Cuyahoga Falls Unveils $7.1 Million River Connection

Cuyahoga Falls will open a new three-quarter-mile walking route on Saturday, October 24.

The project cost $7.1 million and connects the Cuyahoga River to businesses along Front Street. Construction began more than a year ago. City crews rebuilt the lower wooden boardwalk with a new foundation and fresh lumber. They installed a wider, ADA-compliant concrete walkway above it. The route includes scenic overlooks, public art, and a stage facing the water. Mayor Don Walters described the space as a previously underutilized area that now holds more than 100 people.

The city will hold a grand opening for the RiverLoop and the South Front Street Transformation at the Downtown Pavilion and Plaza at 2085 Front St. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walters will lead an official tour of the route at noon. Guest speakers will stop along the path to discuss the project features. Visitors can pick up a map to join the tour or explore independently. Light refreshments will be available for attendees, including city staff and construction team members. Walters also plans to officiate a wedding at a venue within the loop during the celebration.

The route features 10 points of interest dedicated to local wildlife and river history. Interpretive signs cover topics such as bald eagles and river otters. QR codes at each stop provide additional facts. Walters noted that many residents do not know that the water flows toward Niagara Falls and the Atlantic Ocean. The South Front Street Transformation adds streetscape improvements to better integrate the riverfront with the downtown core.

Local merchants view the new infrastructure as a tool to increase foot traffic. Nathan Walden owns Hope Soap, a shop on Front Street that produces soaps and lotions by hand. He stated that the store uses natural ingredients and has seen increased customer activity in recent years. Walden believes the new loop will draw more visitors to nearby businesses. He called the project a game-changer for the area.

Walters said the attraction is designed for year-round use rather than just pleasant weather. He described the view along the river as absolutely gorgeous. He expressed confidence that the addition strengthens the city’s standing in the region. The formal dedication will mark the completion of the multi-year effort to link the natural and commercial parts of the city.