Lifeboat Station in Marblehead closer to becoming park

MARBLEHEAD - Lifeboat Station’s journey to becoming a public park recently took another major step forward as the village of Marblehead officially acquired the property from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

The 2.3-acre coastal property at the northeastern corner of Main Street and Lifeboat Lane will provide public access for fishing, hiking, bird watching and non-motorized boating when the park project is completed.

The village will name it Lucien M. Clemons Park, after prominent local Coastguardsman Lucien M. Clemons, whose family once owned the property.

“This is a monumental day for the Village of Marblehead,” said Mayor Jacqueline Bird. “With the leadership and guidance of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the acquisition of Lucien M. Clemons Park has made a long awaited dream a reality.”

The park will permanently preserve the two acres of open green space and nearly three acres of submerged coast where Lake Erie meets the shore, creating a small inlet cove that is already enjoyed by geese and other native marine birds.

Prior to the efforts of the village and Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the land was platted for a residential subdivision.

“This acquisition gives our administration great pride in knowing a village park with access to the shores of Lake Erie has been secured for our residents, visitors and future generations,” Bird said. “The Marblehead community and many visitors to our peninsula have been behind this project from the start and we are ever so thankful for their support and patience.”

Rich Cochran, president of conservancy, explained in a press release that the project is “an extraordinary opportunity” to make the site a public asset instead of another private development. It was noted that more than 85 percent of the Lake Erie shoreline in Ohio is developed or privately owned.

“The excitement in our community is palpable,” said John Starcher, of Marblehead Village Council. “Our residents and the residents of our surrounding communities are very pleased to see the village take ownership of this property.”

The village also plans to restore pockets of native vegetation to attract wildlife and migratory bird populations, as the Lake Erie coast serves as one of the most popular regions for bird watching thanks to the diverse population of shorebirds.

Marblehead will also add public parking and restrooms across East Main Street on lots that are already owned by the village.

“Lucien M. Clemons Park is a gem on the shores of Lake Erie in the Village of Marblehead,” Bird said.