Brecksville, Ohio. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Colorado Senator Cory Gardner announced this week that the National Park Service is teaming up with partners across the nation to distribute nearly $50 million for high priority projects. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is one of 42 parks in 29 states to be awarded this funding. This Centennial Challenge program matches dollars from Congress with generous donations from dedicated partners to make high-impact improvements in parks.
CVNP has been working closely with its non-profit friends group, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to raise funds for the design and construction of the new Boston Mills Visitor Center, a multi-million dollar project. The visitor center will be located at the corner of Riverview and Boston Mills Roads in Peninsula. Opening of the facility is planned for the summer of 2019. The funding from the matching grant will go towards parking and exhibits for the visitor center.
“It is rewarding to know that dedicated park enthusiasts and the Department of the Interior want to see Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s vision through," said Deb Yandala, the Conservancy’s CEO. “At the Conservancy, we want to connect individuals with their national park and preserve it for future generations. This specific project, the $5.7 million we have raised, and the grant that CVNP is receiving will help to do just that."
Craig Kenkel, Superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, First Ladies National Historic Site, and James A Garfield National Historic Site remarked, “This is a great example of how government can work effectively with non-profit organizations to secure funding for the future of our nation’s treasures." Kenkel added, “We are grateful for the commitment that Northeast Ohioans have shown for providing excellent services to visitors to CVNP, through donations to this project."
CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information visit www.nps.gov/cuva or call 330-657-2752.
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a non-profit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. For more information about the Conservancy and its programs, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org or call 330-657-2909.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
