Erosion shuts S. Toledo river observation deck

5/7/2002

The observation deck at Broadway and Harvard Boulevard was closed yesterday because of soil erosion on the riverbank.

City workers barricaded the ramp to the large wooden deck overlooking the Maumee River as a safety precaution, Theresa Gabriel, the acting director of parks, recreation, and forestry, said.

The deck was built in 2000 to complement a new stainless steel fountain in the circle that connects Broadway, Harvard, Glendale Avenue, and River Road. It replaced an old deck that was considered unsafe and was not handicapped accessible.

Ms. Gabriel said the city will contact a soil consultant to determine whether erosion on the riverbank has undermined the overlook, and how to repair it. "That's a big structure. I just don't want to have an accident," Ms. Gabriel said.