For years, the City of South Euclid officials have prioritized creating a diverse, sustainable city that caters to virtually every lifestyle. The city has thriving business community, active and engaged residents of a median age of 36 (although the city also has active senior programming), and plenty of community events like the South Euclid Community Market and  Rock the Block (the city’s biggest party).

It’s no wonder the city’s motto is “Come Together and Thrive,” as evidenced in artist Lisa Quine’s 2019 mural “Come Together,” which spurred a call for additional murals across South Euclid.

South Euclid Parks & Recreation director Daniel Subwick suggests that what makes the city thrive is the incredible amount of greenspace, parks, and other outdoor recreation packed into approximately four square miles.

“We have over 60 acres of parks,” he boasts. “We connect directly to the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation, we have eight community gardens, and if it’s not our community gardens, it’s our four pocket parks. These are examples of how we've been able to stay innovative when it comes to stabilizing our neighborhoods.”

South Euclid Food Truck Park From the South Euclid Food Truck Park to the Oakwood Green Nature Preserve on the former Oakwood Golf Course, to one of the area’s first dog parks, the city and its residents love their city parks and their amenities.

Of all the options, Bexley Park, at 1630 Wrenford Road, is South Euclid’s most visited park. “It's our largest and most popular park,” says Subwick. “We have four baseball fields, we have a pool, and then we have an updated pump track and the Playground of Possibilities, which is a barrier-free playground. I wish I had this type of stuff when I was growing up—it’s fantastic.”

And Subwick says the concession stand is about to go healthy. He and Sara Continenza, Food Strong founder, healthy food educator, and South Euclid Ward 3 City Council member, are working to bring healthy food to the newly remodeled concession stand.

“It’s great to work with somebody who has a vision about the health and vitality of our residents,” says Subwick, noting that the stand previously offered the typical junk food concessions—hot dogs, chips, and soda. “She really wants to see healthy offerings from the concession stand. We're seeking a more creative use for it.”

The space is ready for the right vendor. “It’s not a terribly big space—it’s about 500-square feet—but it’s completely redone,” Subwick says. “We got it to pretty much white box condition, so the concessionaire can come in and really make use of the space. ”

Sara Continenza, Founder and Executive Director of Food Strong Renovations began last year. While the space can’t accommodate a grill or other appliances that require an oven hood, Subwick says the kitchen area is ready to go for the right operator. There are commercial sinks, food prep stations, dry storage, a refrigerator, and a few countertop appliances.

“We'll expect them to bring in equipment,” he says. “Some folks already running their businesses might have some equipment they can bring in—there's just limitations to the space. But there are opportunities for paninis, salads, smoothies, really creative juice drinks. All can be done inside the space.”

Subwick says he envisions the Bexley concession building almost like a food incubator for small food entrepreneurs. “We know that there business owners out there who are maybe operating in a ghost kitchen or they're thinking about getting a food truck—they're in that gazelle stage where they're really ready to hit the market,” he says. “I think we could fill that role for a lot of people. We'll be here to support it because we want this business to grow.”

The space is available for a “nominal fee” and the city will help accommodate the business as it grows. “If they graduate if they find that they need more space, then we'll try to situate them here in South Euclid,” he says.

The city is currently accepting letters of interest in operating the Bexley concession stand. The deadline is Friday, March 22 and can be emailed to Subwick. There is also an open house, so potential operators can tour the space on Thursday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We're looking for somebody who can really take the space and run with it,” Subwick says. “Someone who offers healthy, tasty items here in South Euclid, in our most popular park.”