Check Out Bay Village & Westlake! 

Bay Village 

History 

Beautifully nestled along five miles of Lake Erie's wooded southern shore, the city of Bay Village blends the convenience of its West Side location with the tranquility of a total residential community. Founded in 1810, by Joseph Cahoon of Connecticut, the city has maintained New England flavor and its origin both in general architectural and community life style. The settlers, along with Cahoon and his family, built a gristmill in 1813 in Dover Township. Bay Village became official in 1901 when deciding to separate from the rest of then Dover Township. 

Bay Village residents are blessed with rich recreational and cultural opportunities, from Huntington Playhouse and the Nature & Science Center in one of Bay's two major lakeshore parks to the bike paths, sled hills, ice ponds, ball diamonds, swimming pool and lighted tennis courts. This is a city that plays as hard as it works. A short ride through town will convince you that Bay Village is truly one of Cleveland's best residential areas. Industry in Bay Village (commonly referred to as just "Bay,") in the late 19th century centered on fishing, vineyards, and orchards. Today, industry has several plants that offer light- duty manufacturing facilities. Bay Village has approximately 18,000 residents spread out over its 4.5 square miles. 

Education: 

Two elementary, one middle, one high, and one parochial elementary compose the school system. Glenview Center for Childcare and Learning, honors, summer, modified mentally and physically handicapped vocational are only a part of what the Bay Village School systems offer. Special needs are also provided for preschool, along with several nursery schools. 

WestLake 

History 

Today's community of Westlake is very similar to the history of Bay Village, mainly because both communities made up the majority of Dover Township, as evidenced by Dover Center Road, which runs north and south through both communities. Both city halls are located on Dover Center Road. Most of the area's commercial activity was founded on this road as well. 

Westlake was part of Dover Township during the 1800's and first settled by pioneers from Connecticut in 1810. Dover Township was officially organized in 1811 and was named after "Dover Point," which took its name from Dover, England. Westlake became known as Dover Village in 1812. Westlake took its name in 1940. 

The early citizens made a living by operating shops and mills as well as providing labor for an iron furnace and several potash asheries. In the late 19th century, many became producers of one of the largest vineyards in the township. Since the area was incorporated in 1911, the name was later changed to prevent confusion with Dover in Tuscarawas County. Today's population has reached 28,000. Its 16 square miles includes various parks, fitness areas, a playhouse, country clubs, and a new recreation facility. 

Westlake and Bay Village became separate entities mainly because of political and economic reasons. Westlake was inhabited by mostly farmers, while Bay Village has many summer cottages and served as a recreation area for many people from downtown Cleveland. 

The Westlake Recreation Center, Westlake's newest attractions, is approximately 84,000 square feet on 86 acres of parkland. There is a five plus acre pond, sledding hill, two 300 foot baseball diamonds, five tennis courts, two soccer fields, and an 8 foot wide outside track. Other amenities include: a fitness room, aquatics center, gym, indoor track, locker rooms, tot giggler room, community/conference rooms, a multipurpose room and lobby. Since the center has opened in November 1998, the support has been warmly received and includes soccer fields utilized since September 1999, and the baseball fields will be ready in spring 2000. The Westlake Recreation Center is located at 28955 Hilliard Blvd, 440-808-5700. Hope to see you! 

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