Paddling the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, 50 Years After in Burned

One of the great environmental success stories in the nation, manifested by the joy of paddling a river.

1 minute read

June 26, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Laura Johnston reports from the scene this past weekend of two big river-oriented events in Cleveland last weekend: the Blazing Paddles Race and the Extinguish Torchfest party. Each event was designed to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the last of the Cuyahoga River fires.

Saturday is the actual anniversary of the 1969 fire that horrified the nation and spurred the modern environmental movement. Today’s celebrations -- which began at dawn with the Blazing Paddles paddlefest and a Western Reserve Rowing Foundation regatta -- are the culmination of decades of hard work and the collaboration of hundreds of organizations.

The city got out to celebrate the river and their successes in recovering it for their enjoyment, with many more events that the two mentioned here.

The happy stories have been flowing freely on the Cuyahoga River. In March, we picked up news that fish were safe to eat on the river again, and in 2015 we also picked up news of a group of rowers who played a role in the river's rebirth.

Saturday, June 22, 2019 in Cleveland.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Wasco Viaduct under construction in California's Central Valley as part of California High-Speed Rail project.

Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR

The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.

May 8 - The Fresno Bee

Bird's eye view of Salesforce Park in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure

San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

May 8 - The Daily Californian

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8 - CBS News Chicago

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)