Cleveland Metroparks and partners today broke ground on the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center, a world-class community center coming to E. 55th Street Marina.
When complete in 2026, it will be the first community sailing center of its kind along Lake Erie in Ohio, offering stunning views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie sunsets. The project will provide unprecedented public access and sailing opportunities to the region, thanks to major support from partners including the Parker Hannifin Corporation, Madeleine Parker, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation and The Cleveland Foundry. Construction on the $18.5 million Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center is expected to be completed in 2026.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Cleveland Metroparks unveiled new features of the upcoming project. Two new facilities will comprise the Sailing Center. The east building of the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center will feature two stories of multi-purpose learning spaces, indoor and outdoor community areas, dining, and a marina store. Totaling nearly 24,000 square feet, the education space will house two sailing simulators and for the first time bring indoor waterfront dining to E. 55th Street. Outdoor dining will be available on the first level as well as the Washkewicz Rooftop Terrace.
The nearly 4,000 square foot Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Boathouse, which will sit to the west, will serve as the sailing hub with boat and equipment storage, multipurpose spaces and a covered exterior classroom space. The Sailing Center will be fully accessible, featuring adaptive equipment and wheelchair-accessible amenities, exceeding ADA standards by incorporating universal design principles.
