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

NEORSD Recommendations

NEORSD 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

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

  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?
  6. What would it cost to rebuild Horseshoe Lake dam?
  7. What is the cost to construct a new dam at both lakes and manage sediment accumulation?
  8. Isn’t there just a $6 million funding gap between NEORSD’s recommendations for Horseshoe Lake and the cost of rebuilding the Horseshoe Lake dam?
  9. Why did the City drain Horseshoe Lake?
  10. What about sediment in Horseshoe Lake?
  11. What was NEORSD's involvement at Green Lake?
  12. How can I learn more?
  13. How can the residents of both communities be assured the land around the new stream will not be developed - commercially or residentially? Can restrictions be written into laws or ordinances? *
  14. Does Shaker Heights have the legal right to reject the NEORSD plan to remove the dam? *
  15. What is Shaker’s position on the plan? *
View All

Additional FAQs:

Public Meetings

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

June 14 Public Meeting

NEORSD presentation to a joint meeting of the city councils of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights


June 15  Public Meeting

NEORSD presentation to community residents (download the slide deck at neorsd.org/shakerlakes)

August 9 Public Meeting

In-person joint meeting of the city councils of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights to answer resident questions about the NEORSD recommendations.

August 17 Public Meeting

Virtual special meeting of the Shaker Heights City Council to provide an opportunity for residents to comment on the NEORSD recommendations. Listen to the audio of the meeting.

September 27 Public Meeting

Regular meeting of Shaker Heights City Council to consider a resolution in support of the NEORSD recommendations for the Shaker Lakes. Listen to the audio of the meeting | Download the NEORSD presentation (PDF)

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: