Cleveland, Ohio’s riverfront is changing—and much of that energy flows from one organization’s mission: Share the River. Founded by Jim Ridge, this nonprofit encourages people to rediscover Cleveland through the lens of its greatest natural assets—the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.
From Coastal Life to the Midwest
Jim grew up a Navy brat, moving between coastal cities like Norfolk and San Diego every few years. Living near the water became second nature. His dad, a Navy captain, even finished his service aboard the USS Cleveland. Years later, Jim would end up in the city of the ship’s namesake.
Relocating to Cleveland in 1994, he quickly saw the city’s potential. The Great Lakes felt like inland oceans, and the Cuyahoga River cut through the heart of downtown. It wasn’t long before he rowed its waters, experiencing the city from a fresh, river-level view.
The Birth of Share the River
In 2003, after joining the Western Reserve Rowing Association, he observed something significant: Many Clevelanders, despite living near their river, had never truly experienced it. Even fewer understood the deep connection between Cleveland’s identity and the lake and river system. Share the River was launched to bridge this gap, fostering a relationship between the community and the waterways that fueled the city’s rise as an industrial superpower.
A River Forged in Fire, Reborn Through Effort
To appreciate the waterfront today, we must understand its past. The Cuyahoga River was once an engine of industry but became a stark symbol of the ravages of pollution. Decades of industrial waste, oil slicks, sewage, and debris had made it a hazard. It caught fire numerous times, but the blaze on June 22, 1969, though not the largest, captured national attention thanks to a Time magazine article.
This infamous fire became a catalyst. Public outcry merged with a growing environmental consciousness, demanding change. This pivotal moment helped spur landmark actions:
- The creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.
- The passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 regulated industrial discharges and funded wastewater treatment.
- Locally, the formation of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) in 1972, which has since invested billions in treating wastewater and reducing discharges into the river.
Cleaning the Cuyahoga wasn’t the work of one entity. It required decades of sustained effort from federal, state, and local governments, crucial infrastructure investments by NEORSD, changes in industrial practices, advocacy from environmental groups, and the support of engaged citizens.
Share the River: Celebrating Recovery, Inspiring Stewardship
Today, the river tells a different story. It’s a place for recreation, community gatherings, and renewal. The transformation is real and ongoing.
Through community events, paddling excursions, safety advocacy, videos, and storytelling, Share the River invites people to experience the results of this incredible recovery. They help people see the waterfront in action: industrial barges sharing the channel with paddlers and rowers, waterfront trails bustling with walkers and bikers, and riverfront establishments drawing crowds.
For more information or to become involved visit www.sharetheriver.com.
