Wheeling’s downtown has been remade over the past five years — not in small ways, but with big, bold strides. From major infrastructure investments to open and vibrant public spaces, the city is recapturing its historic heart.

Now, leaders are setting their sights on something that doesn’t require a new building or ribbon-cutting, but likely will be even more impactful to the city’s overall health and image: giving residents and visitors a clearer view of the Ohio River.

City officials are preparing a project to trim back trees and brush along the riverbank near the south end of Heritage Port. It’s a simple step — yet one with big potential. The Ohio River is one of Wheeling’s greatest natural assets. Its views — stretching from the historic Suspension Bridge to Wheeling Island and beyond — define the city’s landscape.

Yet for too long, that view has been obscured by overgrowth that crept in over the years. A riverfront and Heritage Port that was designed to be an open window to the water has instead become somewhat of a mess partly walled off by neglect.

Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron, who chairs the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, put it plainly: “The original Heritage Port plan called for river views from that end of the park. Removing these trees and brush is not only consistent with that plan, but also will improve the appearance of” Heritage Port.

He’s right. This effort isn’t about removing nature; it’s about restoring the intent of a public space that was meant to showcase the river, not hide it.

The benefits will extend well beyond Heritage Port. The northwest patio of WesBanco Arena — which saw a surge in use this summer thanks to First Friday events, live music and private functions such as the Gumby’s Cigar Social — will gain a clearer, more striking view. The city’s new splash pad between the arena and Heritage Port will also feel more connected to the water. Visitors enjoying the Fourth of July fireworks no longer will have an obstructed view due to a failure to maintain the area. And for everyone walking along Wheeling’s trail system, this cleanup will make the Ohio River the centerpiece it was always meant to be.

The project’s timing also works well. With downtown Wheeling undergoing its most significant revitalization in decades through the Streetscape, polishing the riverfront view complements that momentum. A clean, open river vista can elevate the experience of visiting Heritage Port, draw more foot traffic to downtown events, and reinforce Wheeling’s identity as a city on the water.

Riverfront beauty isn’t a luxury — it’s a competitive advantage.

The work is expected to take place between Nov. 15 and March 30, when bat nesting restrictions allow tree removal. The city has done similar maintenance in the past, but this renewed focus aligns with a broader vision: a downtown that honors both its built environment and its natural setting.

There’s still more work to do when it comes to the area north of Heritage Port — specifically along the walking trail. Once you get past the Altmeyer Playground, the trail north turns into a complete mess. Part of the historic flood wall has blown out, with stones sitting on a portion of the trail since at least this spring. The overgrowth on that section of trail needs tackled. What should be another area that showcases Wheeling and the Suspension Bridge instead has been allowed to fall into neglect.

Wheeling has invested in its arena, its streetscapes and its gathering spaces. Now, it’s taking a smart step to reconnect people with the Ohio River — a defining feature of its past, present and future. A clearer view will not only make Heritage Port more beautiful; it will make downtown Wheeling feel whole.

And given the need for the city and this entire region to move quickly in finding ways to attract people here, keeping public spaces open and inviting is not only smart, it’s a necessity.