The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes was built in 1966, keeping Shaker Parklands from becoming a freeway connecting Cleveland's Eastside to Downtown Cleveland. Citizens in the community joined together and fought the proposed Clark-Lee Freeway and now the Nature Center has been designated as a natural green-space. The mission of this establishment is to connect people with nature. It teaches children about nature through many classes, programs, workshops and school field trips. Places in the grounds can be rented for private banquets, parties or meetings.