Irishtown Bend Park

The Mandel Foundation approved a grant of $5 million in 2022 to Ohio City Incorporated (OCI) as a challenge grant to support the Irishtown Bend project – a two-phase initiative to stabilize the hillside along the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in Ohio City and construct a 23-acre park in that area. The project is a collaboration between OCI, LAND Studio, the Port of Cleveland, the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Metroparks. Phase One began in 2023 and is expected to take 24-30 months. Phase Two, the creation of Irishtown Bend Park, will be a regional draw for Cleveland, connecting over 100 miles of a growing trail network across the region, and featuring an event lawn, visitor center, play space, healing garden, a riverwalk, and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Maritime Theatre. LAND Studio and OCI launched a capital campaign to support the additional investment needed for the park in early 2023, and Mandel Foundation funding serves as a challenge grant to encourage additional philanthropic support.