Will you commit to developing parks and greenspaces in your Ward so that 100% of Clevelanders have access to a high-quality park within a 10-minute walk from their home? If yes, how would you do this?

According to The Trust for Public Land’s 2021 ParkScore(R) rankings, 83% of Clevelanders currently live within a 10-minute walk from a park. You can learn more about the 10 minute walk campaign and Cleveland’s overall ParkScore(R) at www.tpl.org/city/cleveland-ohio

Richard Starr: Yes. By working with groups like yours to ensure we can make this happen.

In your role as councilperson, would you commit to conducting an independent, third-party quality assessment of city parks during the first year in office? If yes, how will you measure equity while performing this assessment?

We define equity as “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Unlocking the promise of the nation by unleashing the promise in us all.”

Richard Starr: Yes, and that the same standards are applied across the board no matter the zip code. To have people at the table that reflects and represent the community.

How would you specifically prioritize racial equity while investing in the Cleveland parks system?

Neighborhood parks support residents through improving physical and mental health outcomes, providing safe and welcoming spaces for recreation, promoting economic activity, and improving air quality.  Many residents, especially those who are predominately black and brown- do not have access to these benefits because of lack of or poor quality greenspaces in their neighborhoods.

Richard Starr: By addressing poverty and education with real solutions. This came to be done in concert with investing in Cleveland Parks. For far too long. We have accepted crumbs when we can have the whole pie. Let work together to make Cleveland work for us all.

How would you ensure that parks and greenspaces are physically accessible for all Clevelanders?

Park amenities as well as paths and routes to the parks impact residents ability to use and enjoy our parks system. 

Richard Starr: To support efforts to make sure people with physical limitations have access to paths and routes.

How would you specifically ensure community input was a part of the planning, development, and improvement of parks and greenspaces in your Ward?

Richard Starr: By actually talking to the people I serve. To ensure I am representing their interest including as stated prior making sure they have a voice and seat at the table.

How would you provide resources to residents so they can advocate and care for neighborhood parks through programming, maintenance, and ongoing stewardship?

It is vital that residents be empowered with the information and tools necessary to care for their local parks. For example, programs like Philadelphia’s Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Employment Program help create a pipeline of park advocates. 

Richard Starr: Educate them and provide them with resources like your organization and others who are doing similar work. Providing ways to employment and volunteer opportunities to expose people to the work that is being done.

Will you commit to partnering with relevant agencies to create a coordinated and transparent parks and greenspace master plan that prioritizes both neighborhood and destination parks? How would you go about this process?

Richard Starr: Yes, I am open to listening to what is being done what is working what is not and being an advocate to making sure we can get it done.

As a member of Council, would you commit to the creation of a standalone Parks & Recreation Department, with cabinet-level leadership and experienced staff? How would you ensure this department was adequately staffed and funded?

Currently the parks and recreation services must compete with several other citywide services within the Division of Public works.

Richard Starr: I would need to hear more on this.

How will you increase transparency around this funding process and ensure that funding is invested equitably?

Throughout our engagement with 100+ stakeholders, it was consistently mentioned that people lack clarity around the City of Cleveland’s parks investment process for park improvement and maintenance. This was even true amongst professionals who work on public space investment.

Richard Starr: To make sure the process is open and resources are provided to those who are new to the process to make sure everyone has fair and equitable funding.