In the early hours of Thursday, the tranquility of Euclid Beach, one of the picturesque corners of Cleveland Metroparks, was shattered by gunfire that claimed the life of a 20-year-old man and left another wounded. Cleveland Metroparks police, who responded to reports of a group of individuals and gunfire at 12:44 a.m., are now investigating this rare outbreak of violence in a park typically associated with family picnics and summer concerts. This tragedy, only a month after a similar incident in Edgewater Park, raises uncomfortable questions about safety in Cleveland’s beloved green oases and intensifies pressure on local authorities in a region striving for economic revival.
Chronicle of the tragedy
According to Cleveland Metroparks police, officers arrived at the scene on Lakeshore Boulevard, 16300, following reports of a group of individuals, reportedly minors, and gunfire after park official hours, which end at 11:00 p.m. Upon arrival, police found a 20-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and leg, who was in a state of traumatic shock. Despite immediate first aid from officers and transportation to Cleveland University Hospitals, he died from his injuries. The second victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken to MetroHealth Hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. Police Chief Kelly Stillman stated that six to eight witnesses remaining at the scene are being interrogated, but suspects remain at large. The crime scene, stretching from the Euclid Beach pier to a nearby residential complex, remains closed to visitors, and the park will be closed Thursday morning.
Community context and concerns
Euclid Beach, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system known as the “Emerald Necklace,” covering 24,000 acres of parkland. This beach, once home to a legendary amusement park closed in 1969, has become a favorite spot for summer concerts and strolls. However, recent incidents of violence are prompting the community to rethink safety measures. Just two weeks ago, on June 11, a fatal shooting occurred at Mill Creek Falls, where 23-year-old Lavia Poll was accused of killing 25-year-old Kira Jackson, mother of two children. Additionally, in June 2024, police investigated a shooting at Edgewater Park involving 16 armed individuals, which led to the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect and the cancellation of a concert for safety reasons.
Police Chief Stillman, speaking to News 5 Cleveland, emphasized that such violence is an exception for Euclid Beach, where minor violations such as curfew breaches or vandalism are usually recorded. “This park remains safe,” she said, “but we will not tolerate crimes of this nature.” She noted that Metroparks increased patrols and upgraded surveillance systems after last year’s shooting in Edgewater, where $100,000 was spent on camera upgrades. However, the lack of new restrictions on park visits after 11 p.m. has drawn criticism from local residents like Elaine Thompson, who told WKYC: “If the park is closed, why was anyone even there?”
This shooting is part of a troubling trend in Cleveland, where, according to Cleveland.com, the number of gun-related crimes in Cuyahoga County increased by 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Euclid Beach, located in the Collinwood neighborhood, borders a mobile park that was purchased in 2023 by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to create green space, sparking controversy over the relocation of 140 residents. Although known for its scenic beauty, this area struggles with socio-economic challenges, which, according to city council member Mike Polenser, “require a comprehensive approach to safety and community development.”
Festivals like the recent Ukrainian Festival in North Royalton or the celebration of Cleveland Hopkins Airport’s 100th anniversary highlight the region’s desire for unity, but incidents such as the shooting at Euclid Beach remind us of the fragility of this progress. Moreover, a June 27 FBI warning about Scattered Spider cyberattacks on the aviation industry, including sites in Cleveland, added a sense of vulnerability to a region seeking to position itself as an economic and cultural hub.
Looking ahead
While Cleveland Metroparks police cooperate with Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and Crime Stoppers, which offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information about suspects, the Euclid Beach community is preparing for a difficult recovery process. Polensek, who has represented Collinwood on the city council since 1977, called for increased youth programs, citing the success of initiatives in neighboring South Euclid, where juvenile crime decreased by 12% due to community centers. “We cannot let fear overshadow our parks,” he said at a July 3 press conference.
For residents like Anna Reynolds, who walks in Euclid Beach weekly with her grandchildren, this tragedy is a personal loss. “This place where we make memories,” she said while standing near the pier, “feels different now.” As investigations continue and the park remains closed, Cleveland faces a challenge: how to preserve its green spaces as centers of joy rather than violence? In a city striving for revival, the answer to this question will determine not only the future of Euclid Beach but also the spirit of its community.
