Lifeboat Station property could become park

The village of Marblehead and a nationally recognized nonprofit have launched a campaign to create a coastal park that will provide public access to fishing, hiking and bird-watching.

The Lifeboat Station property at Main Street and Lifeboat Lane, which has been platted for a residential subdivision by the current owner, could be a public park with scenic views of Kelley’s Island and Lake Erie in the coming years.

At-large Councilman John Starcher said the village was contacted by the property owner about two to three years ago about turning the 2-acre property into park land.

At an estimated cost of $1.5 million, the project was a large undertaking for the village, which worked with an initial conservancy group in seeking to secure grants to buy the land.

When that effort was unsuccessful, the village sought help from the nonprofit Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which works to preserve natural areas and farmland in 17 counties in Ohio and to revitalize urban neighborhoods.

“They’re doing a lot of the heavy lifting, working to drum up the property rights and creating the master plan,” Starcher said of the conservancy.

The village’s partnership with the conservancy has been very successful so far, Starcher said. Recently, the Lifeboat Station project was awarded a $600,000 grant through the conservancy, has received donations from private residents, and has the backing of all members of the village council and Mayor Jacqueline Bird.

With more than 80 percent of the Lake Erie shoreline in Ohio developed or privately owned, Starcher said, the opportunity for public access in Marblehead would be a unique asset to the community and to the surrounding area. It would be the first lakefront park with lake access for the village.

“It would give residents and visitors a great place to relax, to have a picnic and to access the lake,” he said.

They would like to eventually include a hadicapped-accessible ramp for launching non-motorized boats, such as kayaks and canoes, as the water is too shallow for a motorized vessel.

There will be opportunities to fish, swim and bird-watch as well as take in the sights of the lake and islands.

In addition to providing public access to Lake Erie, the new park will complement regional tourism, which is the source of more than 2,800 jobs in Ottawa County. The inlet at the property provides great views of the lake, and a rock break wall at the west end protects this cove.

“We think this would have a great economic impact for a business owners,” Starcher said.

They have the backing of the Merchants of Marblehead group, which has placed informational fliers in businesses throughout the village.

The property across the street is owned by the village, which he said would likely become parking and a public restroom so they can maintain as much green space as possible for the park.

“We’d love to have things underway this time next year,” Starcher said.

The project also could preserve a bit of Great Lakes history. The property is next to a portion of the historic site of the Marblehead Lifeboat Station, which was established in 1874 as one of the original seven lifeboat stations on the Great Lakes.

The first keeper of the station was Capt. Lucan Clemons, who, along with his two brothers, rescued two men from a capsized boat during a lake gale. They were awarded the first Gold Life Saving Medals.

The groundbreaking for a replica lifesaving station at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is planned for within the next year.

In the meantime, Starcher said, the village will continue to apply for grants and work with the conservancy to raise money for the project as well as actively seek donations.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned,” he said.

jdenton@gannett.com

419-734-7506

Twitter: @jessicadentonNH

Learn More

For more information or to make a donation to the project through the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, visit 3850 Chagrin River Road, Moreland Hills; call 440-528-4150; or go to www.wrlandconservancy.org.