Cuyahoga Falls Opens $7.1 Million River Loop Saturday

Cuyahoga Falls will open its renovated RiverLoop to the public on Saturday, Oct. 24. The grand opening event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion and Plaza on Front Street. Mayor Don Walters will lead an official tour of the new infrastructure at noon.

The city spent $7.1 million on the project, which took more than a year to complete. The new three-quarter-mile route links the riverfront with commercial properties along Front Street. The construction included a full rebuild of the lower wooden boardwalk. Walters described the lower section as having a brand new foundation and new boards. Above that level, crews installed a wider concrete walkway that meets ADA accessibility standards.

The route includes scenic overlooks, public art, and a performance stage facing the river. The stage area features colorful artwork and built-in seating. Walters said the space could hold more than 100 people and had previously been underutilized. The project also includes the South Front Street Transformation, which adds streetscape improvements to connect the river more closely to downtown.

Local businesses expect the new route to drive foot traffic. Nathan Walden, owner of Hope Soap on Front Street, said the shop makes soaps and lotions by hand. Walden believes the RiverLoop will bring more customers to the area. He noted that foot traffic has already increased in recent years and that the new walkway will further boost local commerce.

The loop contains 10 points of interest where visitors can scan QR codes to learn about local wildlife and river history. The displays cover species such as bald eagles and river otters. Walters pointed out that the water in the Cuyahoga River flows toward Niagara Falls and the Atlantic Ocean. Guest speakers will stop along the route during the noon tour to explain specific features of the project.

Visitors can pick up a RiverLoop map at the event to join the mayor's tour or explore independently. Members of the architectural and construction teams are expected to attend, along with city staff who worked on the project. Light refreshments will be available. Walters also plans to officiate a wedding at a venue within the RiverLoop during the celebration.

Walters stated that the attraction is designed for year-round use. He said residents can enjoy the space in any season, noting that the pleasant autumn weather during the opening does not limit its appeal to a single time of year.