An exciting future is in store for Osborne Park in Willoughby. We feel confident in making that prediction after Willoughby recently hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Osborne Park Shoreline Protection project, marking the first phase of the city’s re-imagination of the park. A $2 million state grant that was secured through the efforts of State Sen. Jerry Cirino and support from Rep. Dan Troy marked the beginning of the project, aimed at preserving Willoughby’s shoreline, reported The News-Herald’s Marah Morrison. The grant represents two-thirds of the funding Willoughby needs for phase one of the project, said Mayor Robert Fiala. “In a world where city, state or federal government works at a snail’s pace, we already have the money in the bank collecting interest,” he said. “This will be a complete lakefront amenity. When this is done, years in the future when all the phases are complete, what we’re going to have is the ability to get to the lakefront.” The project will include two small beaches where visitors will be able to wade into the water, as well as a series of sunset steps that are going to have large, grassy areas where people can picnic and watch the sunset to the west, Fiala said. Additionally, there will be amenities above the beaches. “We’ll have a small activity pavilion,” Fiala said. “Our summertime concerts here are hugely successful, so we expect to expand on that and have an actual dedicated area for them.” Going forward, Fiala sees this as a day-to-day place to go and not just a weekend location. “Ecotourism really is a thing,” he said. “Birders will travel to different states to be a part of the environment, and we want them to experience Osborne Park.” Cirino said it’s special to be able to provide funding for the project, as he has a strong attachment with Willoughby and Osborne Park. “I can’t wait to see it finished,” Cirino said. The project is currently in the permitting process. After permitting, the drawings will then be put out to bid and construction will commence, Fiala said. The city will then continue with the other phases. “We have multiple other phases to do for the sunset steps and the uplands design,” he said. According to the city, high water levels have eroded much of the 1,400-linear-foot shoreline along Lake Erie. This has resulted in loss of park land, threatening underground infrastructure and limiting recreational opportunities. The first phase includes slope stabilization, erosion control measures to prevent further degradation and the restoration of native habitat, in addition to the creation of the cobble beach, sand beach and a jetty. City officials have expressed that refreshing Osborne Park is important for residents. Several community meetings have taken place since initial planning for the shoreline and park uplands began in 2021 to share ideas and gather feedback. It’s been a long path to get to where we are today,” said Council President Robert Carr. “There’s a lot of speakers today. All have been quite instrumental in getting us to where we are. Council’s 100 percent behind all of the Osborne Park re-imaging.” The initiative to protect and restore the shoreline and create new recreational amenities through the multi-phase approach has since been supported by the public, according to the city. The Smith Group, a design consultant with a national reputation for coastal engineering, was retained in 2021. With design and engineering completed, the permitting is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024. “None of this would be possible in any city if it wasn’t for the close working relationships between the administration and our council,” Fiala said. “I can’t express enough that without the collaboration we’ve enjoyed over these past years, days like today would not happen.” The News-Herald congratulates the Willoughby city and state government leaders who have played a part in preparing for the start of the Osborne Park project. We look forward to tracking the progress of this important initiative as it moves through additional phases toward completion.