September ‘26 Update
Coalition Update
Hello! Thank you for being a part of the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition network. Right now, our coalition steering committee (who is the steering committee?) is working to improve how we serve resident leaders and build on-ramps for you to get more involved in coalition resources and activities.
Expect to see updates from the steering committee in each newsletter, starting this month. We also made a draft ‘menu’ (below) of ways the coalition can support you, which will definitely grow in the next year. Please let us know if there are ways we can better support your work as a resident leader.
- Tait Ferguson, Coordinator, CPGC
What does the coalition offer residents right now?
In-person convenings with other Cleveland resident park advocates and city staff to share resources, ideas, and challenges.
Digital resources, such as the Park Action Guide and best practices for organizing and leading Friends-of-Groups.
Loaner clean-up and engagement supplies.1-on-1 general assistance for you and your neighbors! Always happy to talk strategy, make connections, and help you find resources.
Monthly newsletter with resources, events, and occasional funding opportunities.
Occasional City Hall advocacy opportunities for your input on new city policies, city budgets, and more.
Coming soon: Resources such as park engagement kits, community group signage, and park advocacy materials.
Welcome to Kimberlee Welch!
Trust for Public Land has welcomed a Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow to support the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition. Kimberlee Welch is a graduate of John Carroll University, where she majored in biology and minored in public health and professional writing. As an undergraduate, she was deeply involved in service, and has volunteered, interned, or completed projects for over a dozen Cleveland nonprofits. As a fellow, Kimberlee will help the Coalition expand support for resident leaders. In her free time, she volunteers at the Ohio City Farm, an urban farm; and OPAWL, an Asian women's advocacy group.
SAVE THE DATE
Cleveland Parks Learning Exchange- Free!
Join the first all-day parks summit between resident leaders and city staff
Friday, December 11th, 9:00am-3:00pm
Cleveland State University Glickman-Miller Hall
1717 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Parking provided*
CALLING CLEVELAND RESIDENT GREENSPACE LEADERS:
Present a project in a gallery walk to city staff, residents, and community leaders
Lead a breakout session to share a deep-dive on your community project
Share your expertise with other resident leaders and city staff
Stipends available for presenters and scholarships to compensate work/childcare available if needed.
💡Work Opportunity Spotlight💡
Apply now! Accepted on rolling basis
The Cleveland Resilience Corps is a paid community service program that inspires resilience and climate action across Cleveland. The program is based out of Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center.
To be eligible, you must be:
18 years or older
Commit to 20 hours a month
Available for complete trainings
Live in Hough, St.Clair, or Midtown neighborhoods
Complete a background check before final selection
Comfortable working as part of an intergenerational team
Able to provide your own transportation to local work and training sites
For questions, call 216-664-2455 or email sustainability@clevelandohio.gov.
September steering committee Update
This month, our steering committee has been hard at work planning, executing, and recapping Collinwood Park Advocate Night! Our members are now in the planning process for future events, like the Learning Exchange on December 11th (see above for more information and interest form RSVP).
You may also notice some changes to our website and social media soon - stay tuned for more updates!
Upcoming events and opportunities
WRLC Tree Steward Training, Apply now: For Cleveland residents, learn how to steward the urban canopy and take care of trees in your neighborhood. Free training with virtual and in-person options. More info attached here.
We The Culture III, Sat./Sun. Sept 5th and 6th, various times: Join New Era Cleveland to celebrate service, culture, and healing throughout the neighborhood. From community service projects to gatherings at the New Era Clubhouse and Trumpet Man/Art & Soul Park, this is an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and invest in Buckeye! More info here.
Impett Park Green Ups, Sun. Sept 13th, 20th, 27th, 9am-11am: Join Friends of Impett Park for their weekly green-ups in the park. Assist with pruning, trimming, weeding, litter removal, and more. RSVP here.
Greater Buckeye Neighborhood Festival, Sat. Sept 26, 12pm-4pm: This free event is an opportunity for Greater Buckeye residents, families, community organizations, businesses, and neighborhood partners to connect with one another and help shape the future of the neighborhood. Learn more here.
Canal Basin Park Sunday Night Sweep, Sun. Sept 27th, 4pm-5pm: New, monthly, fall volunteer litter cleanup in Canal Basin Park will “sweep” up the space after Browns' home games on Sundays. Participating volunteers can enjoy 10% off at Jukebox following the clean-up. Learn more here.
Neighbor Nights, All month, various dates/locations: Join Neighborhood Connections for Neighbor Nights—spaces for neighbors and changemakers to connect, collaborate, and brig ideas to life. Learn more on their website.
[FUNDING] More opportunities: Ag Futures Cleveland has compiled a list of local funding opportunities for neighborhood groups and small nonprofits. Explore here.
Want your resident-focused parks and greenspace event featured here?
Email us: ParksCoalitionCle@gmail.com
Register for the City’s NEW 311 service request portal! Submit broken park amenities, playground needs, garbage in parks, tree maintenance needs and more:
