Lakewood Park Solstice Steps Coming This Summer

The $2 million project to reinvent Lakewood’s access to Lake Erie is set to get underway.

The Solstice Steps will feature an upper and lower promenade, extending from the existing park at the top of the slope, to the waterline with seating in between.

The existing grass hillslope will be transformed into cascading stone stairs with grass landings. The new solstice stairs will provide areas for residents to lay out and have a picnic or simply sit and enjoy a beautiful sunset. They have been coined solstice stairs because on the summer solstice, the sun will set directly upon the central node of the project. This marks the furthest north the sun sets each year.

Work is expected to begin in mid-April. The park will remain open, however, access to the walking paths may be disrupted throughout construction. All other activities at the park — including access to the baseball fields — will continue as planned.

If all goes according to schedule, park visitors will be able to enjoy the Solstice Steps by the end of summer.

“We see this as a pivotal step in increasing access to green space, without changing the footprint of the park,” said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers. “This project will allow thousands to enjoy picturesque views of Lake Erie, our greatest natural resource.”