The Summer Solstice, 2024, a huge event at the steps that symbolizes the beginning of summer and celebrates its vibrant arrival.
The Lakewood Solstice Steps are more than just a set of stairs—they are a gathering place where people come together to celebrate and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Located in a picturesque spot, these steps have become a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike. As Lakewood continues to grow, the Solstice Steps have become a key part of what makes the city unique, offering a space that reflects the energy and spirit of the community.
However, the area where the steps now stand wasn’t always so inviting. Before their construction, the site was avoided mainly due to its steep terrain and the uncertainty of what dangers might lie beneath the surface.
Despite their timeless appearance, the Solstice Steps were built in the 2010s. Before their installation, parkgoers largely neglected the area, which had steep hills and loose gravel that made access to the water below challenging.
“It was very difficult to get down to the water level there,” said Lou McHanon, the visionary behind the project. McHanon recognized that people felt unsafe near the water and believed something needed to change.
At the time, McHanon lived in Lakewood with his young children and often visited Lakewood Park. Over time, he became increasingly aware of the area’s untapped potential. He was inspired to create something that would connect people to the lake’s natural beauty and foster a stronger sense of community.
McHanon soon realized that bringing his vision to life would require more than just an idea—he needed funding and support. He engaged with local government officials, including then-Mayor Michael Summers, and community leaders to gain momentum to secure state funding. He also partnered with like-minded allies, forming the Lakefront Coalition, a group dedicated to advocating for the site’s reinvention.
The ambitious vision faced skepticism. The area, once considered dangerous, seemed an unlikely candidate for transformation. Many residents and city officials struggled to imagine how such a wild and untouched space could be reimagined into a landmark.
“Some people had negative opinions about the project,” McHanon said. “There were comments like, ‘Don’t make something good, people will come.’ It was disheartening, but we didn’t let these opinions stop us.”
Despite the criticism, McHanon and his coalition pressed forward. They knew that their vision for the Solstice Steps—an iconic gathering place to celebrate the changing seasons and connect with nature—had the power to unite people and revitalize the community in ways that couldn’t be immediately seen.
The project gained traction as the coalition worked to share its vision with the public. The Solstice Steps would provide a place to admire the stunning views of the lake and sunset and serve as a symbolic and physical connection to the natural world. What once seemed like an improbable dream gradually evolved into a tangible plan that sparked excitement and enthusiasm throughout the community.
While McHanon spearheaded the effort, Mayor Summers played a key role in managing the project’s finances and design. The $2.3 million project faced significant hurdles, including securing a lease from the Sisters of Charity and gaining environmental approval to build on a 1950s landfill. The Environmental Designs Group’s creative design and Great Lakes Constructions’ precise execution were crucial.
“Now there’s another piece of magic that I thought was important.” Summers said. “Who was going to actually construct this?”
Beyond financial concerns, the site’s history as a landfill posed a significant challenge. “Well, one of the big challenges apart of the money, which we worked through eventually, was the fact that in the 1950s and 60s, Lakewood Park on the lakefront was a dump,” former Mayor Summers said. “Really, it was a landfill dump.”
The team worked closely with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to navigate regulations and ensure that the project wouldn’t harm the lake. Mindful of environmental sensitivities, the coalition collaborated with the EPA and ultimately got approval to construct the Solstice Steps on the former landfill site.
Once completed, the Solstice Steps became more than just a set of stairs. They quickly became a vibrant gathering place that united residents and visitors alike. The steps now host a variety of events, from annual summer solstice celebrations to gatherings for astronomical phenomena like solar eclipses. They also provide a serene setting for quiet moments of reflection, drawing people to watch the sunset over the water. These events help foster a sense of belonging and community spirit, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the beauty of Lakewood and the changing seasons.
The Solstice Steps have significantly benefited our city by promoting community engagement, encouraging outdoor activity, and offering a space where people can connect with the environment and one another. They serve as a reminder that even the most overlooked places can be transformed into something meaningful, helping to cultivate a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant community.
Local Lakewood Resident sits at the Solstice Steps on a quiet Wednesday afternoon.
