Fact Sheet

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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Description

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) protects over 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. CVNP combines cultural, historical, and natural resources and visitor activities in one setting. CVNP is managed by the National Park Service, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The park is surrounded by 15 cities, villages and townships; 7 school districts and 2 metropolitan park districts.

Superintendent - Lisa Petit
Base Operating Budget
FY 22	11.6 million
Visitation
FY21	2,575,275
Employees
82 permanent	51 temporary
Volunteers
FY21 2,624 volunteers	74,029 hours
Acreage
32,950 acres
Federal	19,113
Non-federal	13,837
Public land	8,962
Private land	1,638
Private with NPS easements	1,321
Private institutional ownership	1,423

Visitation Statistics

2017: 2,226,879 (#12 most visited national park)
2018: 2,096,053 (#12 most visited national park)
2019: 2,237,997 (#13 most visited national park)
2020: 2,755,628 (#7 most visited national park)
2021 2,575,275 (#13 most visited national park)

Park Creation

Enabling Legislation: December 27, 1974, P.L. 93-555 (Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area)

Name Change Legislation: October 11, 2000, P.L. 106-291 (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Purpose Statement

To preserve and protect for public use and enjoyment the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River and its valley; to maintain the necessary recreational open space in connection with the urban environment; and to provide for the recreational and educational needs of the visiting public.

Mission

To preserve and protect for public use and enjoyment the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River Valley, to maintain the open space necessary for the urban environment, and to provide for the recreational and educational needs of the visiting public.

Strategic Focus 2022 – 2024
In 2024, Cuyahoga Valley National Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary of creation as a Park for the People. Planning includes a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

Features/Programs

CVNP is located within a one hour drive of the four million people in the greater Cleveland/Akron/Canton metropolitan area. Some 250 historic structures, including residential and farming properties, are located in the park, in addition to the nationally significant Ohio & Erie Canal and the Valley Railway. Protection of NPS-owned historic properties continues with a focus on rehabilitating historic structures and the railroad, and the restoration of disturbed areas and the river. The natural resources of the park include a remarkable and thriving wildlife population in an urban area where development continuously reduces the amount of available open space. The park offers visitors over 140 miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails. Visitor services include Boston Mill Visitor Center and Canal Exploration Center. In addition to regular public interpretive programs, the park also offers focused educational programs in a residential or day use setting.

Partnerships

NPS has three main non-profit partners that assist and support the visitor experiences in CVNP.

• Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park's mission is to engage public support for CVNP and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. In addition to raising money to help enhance the park, the Conservancy connects visitors with their national park through volunteer events, youth and adult education, and cultural arts.
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) provides opportunities for excursions like the National Park Scenic and as an alternative means of transportation through the Explorer program. CVSR enhances the park experience by offering special events and programs.
• Countryside has worked to connect people, food, and land since 1999. They collaborate with CVNP and 10 Countryside Initiative farms to host a farmers’ market, classes, and more. Farmers operate within park boundaries through a competitive leasing program. They offer tours, farm-to-table dinners and other events.

Numerous other publicly oriented operations are within park boundaries: Blossom Music Center (the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra); Hale Farm & Village (operated by The Western Reserve Historical Society); Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps; Cleveland Metroparks; Summit Metro Parks; Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts; golf courses; and other facilities that offer opportunities compatible with NPS goals.

Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area

Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is designated by Congress to help preserve and celebrate the rails, trails, landscapes, towns and sites that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal that helped Ohio and our nation grow. Visitors can experience the heritage area and CVNP using the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and America's Scenic Byway.

Media Contact: Pamela Barnes 440-241-5857 (cell) e-mail us