Shaker Lakes

Learn about projects in the Shaker Lakes that seek to protect and modernize these parklands for generations to come. This includes projects that are part of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's Stormwater Management Program, like the recently completed upgrades at Green Lake. This page will also provide the latest information about NEORSD's recommendations for Horseshoe Lake and Lower Lake.

HORSESHOE & LOWER LAKESAerial view of Shaker Lakes

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District  has completed the Lake Erie Tributaries Master Plan, including a thorough study of the Doan Brook Watershed and the dams at Horseshoe Lake and Lower Lake. Sewer District officials presented their recommendations at a public meeting on Tuesday, June 15 (watch video below).

As part of regional stormwater management, NEORSD proposes to remove Horseshoe Lake dam and restore the Doan Brook with native plants in the footprint of Horseshoe Lake. They propose to rebuild the Lower Shaker Lake dam so that it meets the requirements of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for a Class I dam. Visit neorsd.org/shakerlakes to learn more and ask questions.

View NEORSD's video about the proposal for Horseshoe Lake:

Statements of Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Click View All to see all FAQs pertaining to the NEORSD recommendations. Note that questions submitted for August 9 public meeting are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. Will there be additional amenities for residents at Horseshoe Lake when the dam is removed and the Doan Brook is restored to its natural state?
  2. Will residents still be able to walk around the park on a walking path?
  3. How will this affect Horseshoe Lake Park itself?
  4. What is NEORSD committed to paying for?
  5. What will NEORSD’s recommended plan cost the City?
View All

Additional FAQs:

Public Meetings

Review video and/or audio of the five public meetings the City of Shaker Heights held to review and consider the NEORSD recommendations.

MEETING DATEDESCRIPTIONLINK 
June 14NEORSD presentation to a joint meeting of the city councils of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights. 
VIEW VIDEO
June 15NEORSD presentation to community residents (download the slide deck at neorsd.org/shakerlakes)
VIEW VIDEO
August 9In-person joint meeting of the city councils of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights to answer resident questions about the NEORSD recommendations.
VIEW VIDEO
August 19Virtual special meeting of the Shaker Heights City Council to provide an opportunity for residents to comment on the NEORSD recommendations.
LISTEN TO AUDIO
September 27Regular meeting of Shaker Heights City Council to consider a resolution in support of the NEORSD recommendations for the Shaker Lakes. Download the NEORSD presentation (PDF)
LISTEN TO AUDIO

 

Media Coverage

GREEN LAKE

In 2020, NEORSD completed a $5 million-plus upgrade to Green Lake. The project included the dredging of Green Lake back to its original construction depth to improve water quality and the construction of a new spillway and pedestrian bridge/walkway. The City contributed $500,000 toward the project. Learn more in NEORSD's video below: