Ambler Park

Natural Setting

Ambler Park is a 23.2-acre public park located in Cleveland, Ohio. Situated along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and north of Fairhill Road, the park is part of the University Circle area.

The park features a unique topography, with much of it running through a steep, shale-lined ravine that drops sharply from the heights down to Cedar Road and University Circle. This geography has largely preserved the park's natural state, in contrast to more developed parks in the area.

Doan Brook, part of the Dugway Brook Watershed that connects to Lake Erie, carves through the park, adding to its natural beauty.

Historical Background

The land was originally donated to the City of Cleveland by Martha B. Ambler, a developer who owned the property that later became the elegant Ambler Heights enclave in Cleveland Heights.

In the early 1900s, Ambler Park was a popular destination, with thousands of visitors enjoying its wild beauty, birds, and summer foliage. The park was particularly favored by Boy Scout troops in the 1920s, who used it to test their wilderness skills.

During the 1930s, the park underwent some changes as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, which included the construction of steps and walkways. However, local gardening clubs successfully advocated to preserve much of the park's natural setting, particularly in its eastern section.

Today's Experience

Today, Ambler Park continues to offer a serene escape within the city, with walking paths winding through its wooded areas and along the brook.

While some abandoned brick and concrete structures from past development efforts can still be found, the park largely maintains its natural character, providing visitors with a glimpse of Cleveland's landscape as it once was.