Connecting Cuyahoga Valley National Park visitors to nature, the river, and each other.

UPDATE — SUMMER 2026

Oxbow Meadows is now open for exploration! Stroll along mowed paths, take in sweeping river and meadow views from scenic overlooks, and enjoy access to CVNP’s newest spot for experiencing the Cuyahoga River. Visit throughout the year to see the meadow transform with the seasons. Parking is available at 5555 Akron-Peninsula Road.
Attend programs and events at Oxbow Meadows. The Conservancy, National Park Service, and community partners host a variety of public programs throughout the year. Visit our Events Calendar to learn more and register for upcoming opportunities.
Planning for Oxbow Meadows continues. The project is currently in the Schematic Design phase and is expected to be completed in late 2026. The Conservancy and National Park Service are working with landscape architects, architects, and engineers to develop preliminary designs for the property west of Akron-Peninsula Road.

About the Project

The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Conservancy) and National Park Service (NPS), along with many other funders and partners, are envisioning and bringing to life the future of 213 reclaimed acres nestled in the heart of the national park — formerly the Brandywine Golf Course, now the Sycamore Bend area of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP).

The first phase of this initiative is focused on Oxbow Meadows, the former par-3 course edged by Akron-Peninsula Road to the east and the Cuyahoga River to the west. This parcel — characterized by rewilded meadow habitat giving way to marshland and dramatic bends in the river known colloquially as an ‘oxbows’ – presents a unique opportunity for the Conservancy and NPS to connect park visitors with transformational new river experiences.

By revitalizing the former golf course into a vibrant landscape that invites people of all backgrounds to explore and connect with the Cuyahoga River, Oxbow Meadows will create a year-round community hub for park visitors, reflect the stories of the land and its people, strengthen Ohio’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy, and safeguard vital natural resources.

Hear from Greg Peckham, President & CEO of the Conservancy, in the Fall-Winter 2025 edition of the Conservancy magazine: ‘Shaping Tomorrow: Oxbow Meadows Project Update & Forward Vision’

Future Vision

Since acquiring the property in 2021, the Conservancy has engaged thousands of park visitors, community members, and volunteers in service of developing a shared vision for the Oxbow Meadows. This process uncovered a handful of commonly held hopes, which have informed the Concept Planning and Schematic Design process.

Key project features include:

The River Center, a year-round community hub that enhances the visitor experience and tells the rich cultural stories of the area
Accessible trails to connect visitors to the Cuyahoga River, Village of Peninsula, and Sycamore Bend area of the park
Scenic overlooks and river recreation points
A nature play space to encourage learning and exploration for children of all ages
Visitor amenities, including lodging, event rentals, programmable spaces, immersive experiences, food, beverage, and retail

While the Schematic Design process is ongoing, the Oxbow Meadows project team has begun to cast the vision of the future of Oxbow Meadows, through preliminary renderings and project plans.

Renderings & More Info

Completed Work

Land Acquisition

The former Brandywine Golf Course, which operated from 1962 to its closure in 2018, featured two courses, totaling 27 holes on 213 acres. The Conservancy purchased the property in 2021 and transferred 198 acres to the National Park Service in 2022, retaining 15 acres on the West (river) side of Akron-Peninsula Road for Conservancy use. This acquisition would not have been possible without the immense generosity of individual donors and private foundations, including five foundations that offered the Conservancy recoverable grants to help us bridge this purchase. Read news release on National Park Service purchase of 198 acres.

Site Remediation

Sampling on the property identified the presence of mercury (a cumulative biotoxin) in the shallow soil of tee boxes, putting greens, and some fairways, as a result of approved fungicides and herbicides applied over many years. Thanks to a $4.5M Brownfield Grant from the Ohio Department of Development, remediation efforts included a ‘dig and haul’ of more than 60,000 tons of soil from the property, followed by grading and reseeding. Remediation efforts were confirmed successful via sampling in September of 2024.

Concept Planning

In the fall of 2023, Studio Zewde, a landscape architecture, urban design, and public art practice based in New York City was hired to assist us with community engagement initiatives, site analysis and a framework for development. In addition to the National Park Service, Studio Zewde worked with two local firms: BioHabitats of Cleveland, an ecological and environmental consultant firm, and Chagrin Valley Engineering, as the civil engineer. Download concept site plan.

Feasibility Study

In January of 2025, the Conservancy engaged Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to review the concept plans and create a comprehensive business plan for the Northern Anchor revenue generating amenities. This work assessed purpose, adaptations, fiscal management, economic impact and sustainability, providing the Conservancy with key data points for informed decision making.

Current Phase

Our work to transform the former golf course is currently focused on schematic design for Oxbow Meadows – the portion of the property west of Akron-Peninsula Road. Schematic design is the first step in design development, translating key requirements into preliminary drawings and models. This phase clarifies concepts and allows adjustments before detailed technical work begins. The work, expected to finish in late 2026, will include site and floor plans, layouts, and diagrams showing building forms and their relationship to the land.

Studio Zewde is leading the schematic design process, leveraging their expertise in landscape design to situate trails, points of interest, gathering spaces, and buildings. As we enter the summer months, they will also support ongoing community engagement and conservation efforts.

The Conservancy has also engaged architecture firm DIGSAU, engineer Buro Happold, and food and beverage consultant Ricca in planning for the River Center, a community-centered building at the heart of Oxbow Meadows, featuring spaces for gathering, programming, and special events.

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Visit Oxbow Meadows

With restoration and remediation now complete, we’re thrilled to open Oxbow Meadows in Sycamore Bend — the newest area of CVNP — for all to enjoy!

Explore on Your Own

Oxbow Meadows currently features mowed paths with some steep and uneven terrain. We recommend sturdy shoes, long pants, and bug spray. Parking is located at 5555 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264.

Programs & Activities

Discover Oxbow Meadows through a program hosted by the Conservancy, NPS, or one of our partners. We offer a variety of opportunities for all ages and interests — including guided hikes, yoga classes, concerts, photography excursions, field trips, and more.

Browse Upcoming Events

For more information on the Oxbow Meadows, contact:

Project Management – Stacey Rusher, Park Projects Director – [email protected]

Donors & Giving – Dan Blakemore, Vice President of Philanthropy – [email protected]

Media Inquiries – Audrey Houseman, Marketing & Communications Director – [email protected]

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Photo Gallery

Former Brandywine Golf Course. Photo by Tim Fenner.

Oxbow Meadows