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

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

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.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up on BLM sign on Continental Divide Trail in Rawlins, Wyoming.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule

The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

April 20 - Public Domain

Calvary Street bridge over freeway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path

Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.

April 20 - Smart Cities Dive