Shore Revetment Project

If you’ve been traveling east on Interstate 90 in the last few months, you likely saw semi-trucks of armor stone from the quarry in Sandusky destined for Saybrook Township Park.  Commissioners report that the shoreline revetment project has been completed just in time for the opening of the “season” and the beginning of the annual concert series “Sounds on the Shore.”

Several articles in the news have highlighted the erosion that has occurred all along the north coast shoreline due to high lake levels.  Saybrook Township Park experienced significant breaches to its existing erosion control and damage to its hillside and bluff.  A temporary emergency permit was issued in 2019 from ODNR and armor stone was added to the breach to slow the erosion and hillside slumping that was occurring.

In 2021, the Board put a .5 mill/ 5-year levy on the ballot and the Saybrook voters graciously supported the shoreline revetment project for their Park.  The low bid (over $500,000) was awarded to local Ashtabula contractor Capp Steel Erectors Inc.  The Board then began the process of getting the financing in order, securing bond counsel, etc.  Shoreline ice, weather, etc. caused delays and the project resumed in earnest in 2022.

Over 426 truckloads of armor stone, rubble, clay and sand were dumped to reinforce the entire shoreline stretching over 445 feet.  Included were 2,338 tons of armor stone and 3,330 tons of rubble.  This was placed to revet water and wave action and the slope was graded to engineering specifications.  The hillside has also been seeded to ensure stability.   Outstanding items will be addressed such as bluff fencing, re-installation of swings and benches, etc. once settling has occurred and supply chain issues are ironed out.

The Park Managers have been taking reservations and preparing for a busy 2022 season.  Summer concerts begin on June 15th (Wednesdays 7-8:30) through August 17th.  The concession stand is open weekends and each evening for refreshments.