CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks broke ground on the world-class sailing center along the lakefront Friday.

The Cleveland Metroparks along with its partners unveiled plans Wednesday to open a community world-class sailing center, aimed at increasing lakefront access for residents and breaking down barriers to the sport.

The Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center was announced in September in 2024. It's set to be the first of its kind along Lake Erie in Ohio, the metroparks said previously.

The center, which is expected to cost $15 million, aims to bring pubic access and sailing opportunities to residents and visitors in the area. It's named after Patrick S. Parker, the former chairman and CEO of Parker Hannifin, who was a avid sailor and Cleveland philanthropist. 

The center will have two facilities, containing both indoor and outdoor amenities.

The sailing center will be built on E. 55th Street marina with its center connect the City of Cleveland's harbor to the cultural hub of University Circle. It'll be open year-round, and the metroparks said it hopes the center will provide education, retail, recreation, dining, sporting events and more.  .

The center is set to be completed in 2026.

The groundbreaking is taking place at 9 a.m. on Friday. Metroparks officials warn if you’re traveling eastbound on I-90, exit at MLK Jr. Dr., turn left and re-enter westbound I-90, then exit at E. 55th Street westbound. There are no travel impacts westbound on I-90 or north and southbound on E. 55th Street.