LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Lakewood's Solstice steps in Lakewood Park have been crowded with people in recent days as the architectural monument to the summer solstice prepares to enter its first summer.

The steps were finished in October, but until a few days ago, the weather in Northeast Ohio hadn't been ideal for their use.

But in the past several days, runners ran past them along the lakefront, couples sat and gazed in wonderment at the unparalleled view of Lake Erie, dog lovers walked their canines along the shore and a few people took pictures with their phones.

The $2 million project was scheduled to be finished for the summer of 2015, but heavy rain during the spring and the challenges posed by building on the side of a cliff delayed the project.

The start date on the steps' construction was also pushed back after the Ohio EPA asked Lakewood to address water run-off issues.

More than 90 percent of the lakefront in the city is privately owned and Lakewood's government wanted to ensure that the little that it has control over is easily accessible and offered residents an unobstructed view of the lake.

City officials said they hope the steps will raise property values and encourage more visitors and economic development in the west shore suburb.

But several residents of the city said that, for now, they are inclined to simply enjoy the view. Although some said the money could have been better spent on something else.

Tracy Morse regularly rollerblades along the lakefront and says the view provided by the steps is breathtaking.

"It's a wonderful design," she said. "Both the steps and the upgraded path (along the lake)."

Mary Prech Osburn called the steps a "unique asset" to the city.

"I bet no other city in America has what Lakewood has," she said.

The steps curve along the lakefront and resemble bleachers made of concrete. They are centered along the summer solstice, when the sun reaches its northernmost point on the horizon.

Jon Wagner said he recently moved back to Lakewood (his childhood home) and he's happy to see the city use the lakefront in a way that accentuates its natural beauty.

"Chicago builds beaches and running trails and Ferris wheels along the lake," he said. "(Cleveland) builds airports and factories and fences. So seeing Lakewood actually embrace the water in such a unique way really means a lot to me."

Sandy Twardesky said the steps have a beautiful glow when lights shine on them in the dark.

"It's a really nice place to have pictures taken," she said.

A few people however, said some of the tax dollars put toward the steps may have been better spent on something else.

"(The steps) are wonderful, but we need more trash bins in the park," Josie Majcher-Rayner said. "After lunch with friends, we can't find any trash bins nearby."

Deb Sweeney also agreed that the steps are beautiful, but felt the city had more pressing matters that required taxpayer money.

"They should have fixed all the streets and sidewalks in Lakewood," she said.

The city has scheduled a solstice celebration in the park on June 21 that will include live entertainment and food trucks.

The video below shows a rendering of the steps intended appearance. Compare it to the photos in the gallery above.