The One Park Near Cleveland That Was Designed For Watching Sunsets
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 10, 2019
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Those that don’t call Greater Cleveland home simply cannot understand the splendor of Lake Erie. Sure, the lake has earned itself a shaky reputation over the years, but there’s nothing quite like its sunrises and sunsets. In fact, the splendor of these lakefront views is so remarkable that one local park has adapted in an incredible way to accommodate it. If you’re looking for a romantic and memorable evening, there’s nothing like a sunset picnic at this lakefront park near Cleveland.
Encompassing 31 acres, its truly no wonder locals have cherished this park for so many years. Its campus includes a great deal of fun in the sun—pools, tennis courts, softball fields, a museum, and even a skatepark are just some of its many features.
Over the years, the park’s landscape has changed significantly.
Amazingly, this park was once a landfill for construction and demolition debris. Before that, it was a garbage dump that predated environmental regulations. Fortunately, the park has transformed into a safe, beautiful place and its days as a dump have faded into mere memory.
Advertisement
Now, it has come to include the lovely Solstice Steps.
These steps overlook the shoreline, wrapping along 480 feet of its loveliest embankments. Facing north and curving to the northwest, this site offers stunning views of Lake Erie’s sunsets.
Advertisement
Its name is derived from its placement; the steps face the point on the horizon where the setting sun reaches its northernmost point on the Summer Solstice.
Of course, the northwestern-facing orientation of these steps offers year-round opportunities for spectacular sunset viewing. They bring to mind visions of natural terraces, managing to feel organic despite their man-made design.
Whether you’re perched at the very top or at its base, you’ll feel one with the natural landscape of Lakewood Park. The shape of the terrace hugs the shoreline, bringing the park one step closer to full unity with the lakeshore.
The Solstice Steps, as well as the promenade walkway, have helped to make Lakewood Park one of the loveliest in Greater Cleveland.
There’s nothing like picnics spent on the lakeshore, watching the sun dip down below the horizon. It’s worth lingering for a few moments to watch the city lights come to life and reflect brilliantly on the water.
And, of course, the park also offers one of the best views of the Cleveland skyline.
Art is meant to be admired from both near and far—it’s all about the overall impression that a piece leaves you with. It’s worth viewing the Cleveland skyline as a work of art, as it’s impressive while you’re in the heart of the city and absolutely jaw-dropping when viewed from afar.
No matter the season, you’ll find that beauty abounds at Lakewood Park.
