Ohio's Abandoned Airport Site Will Thrive Again As A New Waterfront Park With Trails And Boardwalks

Once a busy gateway for both domestic and international flights, the former Griffing-Sandusky Airport has entered into an exciting new phase of its waterfront development. The family-run airport on the shores of Lake Erie's Sandusky Bay in Ohio closed its runways for the final time back in 2013, with much of the land being used for the Cedar Point Sports Center complex. The wetland section beside the water is currently being turned into a 27-acre public park, with an assortment of trails suitable for walking, cycling, and birdwatching, and opportunities for paddling, boating, and fishing on the lake.

Located around one hour from Cleveland, construction on The Landing began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in spring 2027. A section of the Sandusky Pathway – part of a proposed 100-mile network of multi-use trails which will eventually connect Lake Erie communities between Elmore and Vermilion — will pass through The Landing, connecting to raised, ADA-friendly walkways through the phragmites and lily-covered waters of the wetland habitat.

Possible thanks to a $24.5 million grant as part of a new connectivity corridor project, the finished park will give residents and visitors alike unique access to Sandusky Bay. It will also provide a quieter alternative to the theme parks and waterparks for which the area is celebrated, such as this Midwest amusement park for thrills and family fun. Speaking to News 5 Cleveland, project manager Megan Stookey said, "Our water is our greatest resource, so to get our community closer to the water, especially into the wetlands and the habitats that we have here on this property is so unique." 

Having opened a new section of the Sandusky Bay Pathway in July 2026, two miles of the proposed trail will wind its way through the Landing. Access to the waterfront park will be by way of raised boardwalks and bridges so as not to disturb the fragile wetland habitat and the wildlife within. Expect some fantastic photo opportunities from the Canopy Walk, a walkway rising 20 feet into the treetops. With wonderful views over Sandusky Bay and the distant roller coasters and rides of the family-friendly Cedar Point, birdwatchers should look out for bald eagles and white pelicans, with warblers being frequent visitors in spring. In fact the park's opening should be nicely timed around spring migration, when thousands of birds flock to Lake Erie. Another boardwalk will lead down to a secluded seating area at the water's edge, where visitors can relax among the reeds and grasses, while keeping an eye out for turtles and other wetland wildlife.

There will be plenty to keep you occupied in and around the water too. Sandusky Bay is already a popular fishing location drawing anglers with its walleyes, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. As well as having plenty of shoreline space for casting a line, non-motorized boats are also permitted. Paddlers will be able to make use of a new kayak launch which, along with the pier, will make up part of The Point, the Landing's main recreation area, situated at the end of the former runways.

Once the take-off point for aircraft heading out to Lake Erie's islands and Canada, the former runway will now take you to a 180-foot long pier at The Point instead. This will be the main recreation center of The Landing. While plans already include a pavilion for special events and a kayak launch, the initial phase will also include restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas, with the possibility of food and beverage concessions being added at a later date. Next door, Cedar Point Sports Center does have some facilities open to the public, such as an indoor walking track and climbing walls, but it's generally used as a community sports and tournament venue rather than a public recreation center.

The Landing is located just off Route 6, which runs alongside Lake Erie, and when open, will make a pleasant day trip from the budget-friendly Midwest city of Cleveland. Sandusky is worth exploring further, and has twice been voted USA Today's Best Coastal Small Town in America. As well as having a lively waterfront and world-class amusement parks, it also has a thriving dining scene, various accommodation options, and plenty of shops to browse. You could even take a bike ride along the completed sections of the Sandusky Bay Pathway. While we wait in anticipation for The Landing to open, enjoy the natural surroundings of Pipe Creek Wilderness area, also in Sandusky, or Sheldon Marsh State Nature Reserve in Huron instead.