Kent Dam (Kent, Ohio)

USA / Ohio / Kent / Kent, Ohio
The Kent Dam (circa 1836) is a highly engineered arch dam constructed of hand-cut sandstone blocks. It is the only such dam remaining in the U.S. that originally had a canal boat lock attached to one end of the dam. In 2004, it was modified to allow the Cuyahoga River to flow around (bypass) the dam through the area originally occupied by the remants of the canal lock. A portion of the canal lock has been preserved for historical purposes.

As requested by an Ohio EPA TMDL report, the modification was made to create a free-flowing river in the previously one-mile long dam pool. This improved the water quality by increasing the dissolved oxygen level and improving aquatic habitat for the native species. Bypassing the dam also allowed migration of the fish to perform their natural life cycles.

A re-circulating waterfall was constructed to allow river water to be pumped into a trough behind the dam, then flow over the lip of the dam, thus re-creating the effect of the historical waterfall. A park (Heritage Park) was created immediately behind the dam which features several intrepretive signs to highlight the vast array of history that has occurred near the site. Three elevated observation platforms were also constructed to provide ideal viewing of the various park areas.

For photographs and additional information, please visit the City of Kent, Ohio website at www.kentohio.org/reports/dam.asp
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   41°9'12"N   81°21'35"W

Comments

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