Installed as part of the first phase of the Riverwalk, which opened two years ago, the islands are already part of a transformation that has welcomed more than a million people to the east side of the Maumee. Families, walkers, and cyclists alike are discovering not just a park, but a living example of how cities can reconnect with their rivers.

This initiative was made possible through the generosity of SSOE, a corporate leader in northwest Ohio for nearly 80 years. “At SSOE, supporting communities where we live and work is integral in our vision to design and build the future for our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Vince DiPofi, SSOE’s Chief Executive Officer. “When we learned about the Metroparks project to restore wetlands as part of the transformative Toledo Riverwalk project, we wanted to be a part of it. As a company headquartered in downtown Toledo, this project is close to home for us, and we are excited to contribute to its success.”

When completed, Glass City Riverwalk will stretch 2.5 miles on each side of the river, from the Veterans Glass City Skyway to the Anthony Wayne Bridge—an urban green corridor that connects people, community, and nature.