Doan Brook Restoration & Lower Lake Dam 

Over the next several years, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, as part of its Stormwater Management Program, will undertake two major projects in our community: (1) remove the dam at the former Horseshoe Lake and restore the Doan Brook to its natural state, while also creating a new 60-acre public park and (2) address the deficiencies at Lower Lake dam.

Doan Brook Restoration near Horseshoe Park

Background

NEORSD wrapped up the pre-design phase of the project in summer 2023. During this phase, the project team worked to determine an overall approach to restoring the Doan Brook and creating a new 60-acre public park. Community engagement was an integral part of the pre-design phase and helped create the vision for the project. The design team held three rounds of community engagement during the pre-design phase, including both virtual and in-person events, in August 2022, November/December 2022 and May 2023. The project is now in the detailed design phase. 

As of summer 2025, the project team is wrapping up the final design phase. During this phase, the team has worked to design not only the restored Doan Brook but the entire 60-acre park. As part of this project, NEORSD will fund two trails in the new park -- an east-west trail connecting Park Drive and Lee Rd. and a north-south trail connecting North Park and South Park boulevards. The cities of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights will fund additional trails and amenities, such as a nature play area, an outdoor classroom and a sensory garden.

Click here to learn more about NEORSD's recommendation to remove the dam.

Lower Lake Dam

Current status: Pre-design phase
Project website: neorsd.org/lower-shaker-lake-project

The Sewer District and the cities of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights continue working to determine the best outcome for Lower Lake Dam on Doan Brook, as the Brook flows from the Heights area downstream through University Circle, into Rockefeller Park and out to Lake Erie.

Learn more about the Lower Lake Dam on this question and answer page and in this series of brief videos.

Public Engagement

The Sewer District regularly provides opportunities for the public to learn more, ask questions and share feedback on these projects -- and there will be more opportunities to come. Sign up here to receive notifications from the City here: shakerheightsoh.gov/Stay-Connected.