THE RIVERGATE REPORT- June 2026
- Cleveland Rowing Foundation
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
CRF Secures First-Ever State Capital Budget Investment
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is proud to announce that we have been awarded $250,000 in the State of Ohio Capital Budget—the first public capital investment in CRF's history.
This funding will support infrastructure improvements at Rivergate Park, helping us continue to enhance access to the Cuyahoga River and strengthen our campus for the thousands of athletes, students, veterans, adaptive rowers, and community members who call it home each year.
While this award represents just a portion of our long-term vision, it marks an important milestone. As a first-time recipient of state capital funding, CRF is honored to join a group of organizations recognized for projects that strengthen communities across Ohio. This investment also establishes a strong foundation for future phases of Rivergate Park's redevelopment.
We're especially excited to build upon the incredible momentum transforming Cleveland's riverfront. From the Irishtown Bend stabilization project and expanding public access to continued investment along the Cuyahoga, Rivergate Park is uniquely positioned to become an even greater community asset.
This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our legislative delegation, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the many members, volunteers, and advocates who believe in the future of rowing in Cleveland.
This is just the beginning.
The 30th Head of the Cuyahoga Is Almost Here!
Planning is underway for the 30th Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta on September 26, 2026, and we can't wait to celebrate this milestone with our rowing community. Each year, the HOTC welcomes more than 2,000 athletes from over 60 clubs and 15 states, making it one of the largest and most technically challenging head races in the country.
Want to be part of the celebration?
Support the HOTC
From individual gifts to corporate sponsorships, every contribution helps deliver a first-class race experience for athletes, spectators, and volunteers. As a special thank you, everyone who donates $75 or more will receive a limited-edition 30th Anniversary HOTC T-shirt. This commemorative shirt is exclusive to donors and will not be available for purchase during race weekend.
Volunteer
The HOTC is powered by an incredible team of volunteers. Whether you're a longtime race veteran or have never volunteered before, we'd love to welcome you to the team. There are opportunities both on and off the water, and we'll help you find a role that fits your interests.
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of racing on the Cuyahoga and help make this our best regatta yet!
Summer on the Cuyahoga
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation continues to grow opportunities for more people to experience the Cuyahoga River through rowing.
This summer, we've welcomed participants from 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, partnered with WRRA to host executive women leaders for a corporate rowing experience, and launched another season of Open Doors Academy's River Experience Summer Camp, introducing middle school students to the sport in partnership with Open Doors Academy.
Many of these programs are made possible through the support of the Port of Cleveland Community Investment Grant, allowing CRF to expand access to rowing and introduce the sport to individuals and organizations who may have never considered stepping into a boat.
Leading these efforts is our new Director of Rowing, Jonathan Crist, who is working to build new community partnerships while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging coaches to gain experience on the water. By expanding community programming, we're not only introducing more people to rowing—we're also investing in the next generation of coaches and leaders who will help grow the sport for years to come.
At CRF, we believe rowing should be accessible, welcoming, and reflective of the entire community. Every new partnership, every Learn to Row, and every coaching opportunity bring us one step closer to that vision.
Interested in becoming a coach or volunteering for community rowing?
Reach out to Jonathan at rowingdirector@clevelandrows.org.
We Want You! Now Recruiting Board Leadership
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is looking for passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors and committee structure as we continue building the future of rowing in Cleveland.
As our organization grows, so does the opportunity to make a lasting impact. We're seeking volunteers who are excited about expanding access to rowing, developing coaches and athletes, stewarding Rivergate Park, and helping guide the long-term future of our organization.
Whether you're a rower or simply someone who believes in our mission, we'd love to hear from you. We're especially interested in individuals with experience in finance, fundraising, communications, technology, coaching, safety, and nonprofit leadership.
Board service at CRF is hands-on, collaborative, and rewarding. Whether you're interested in serving on the Board of Directors or joining one of our committees, there's a place to contribute your talents and help shape the future of rowing in Northeast Ohio.
Comments