Green Space + Parks

Perk Park - Photo Bob PerkoskiPerk Park - Photo Bob Perkoski

Public parks offer more than convenient refuge from the pressures of urban existence; they create a sense of community by bringing people of various backgrounds together in an informal setting. For that reason, parks matter now more than ever, some could argue. As large public works projects finally begin to take shape in and around Cleveland -- from the Medical Mart and Convection Center to the Lakefront and Flats East Bank projects -- its imperative that meaningful public spaces be part of the local conversation. "The quality of open spaces is a measure of the desirability of a city," Greg Peckham of LAND studio notes. "Parks and park systems really matter to people."

Spiders, skeletons, and candy! Enjoy kid-friendly spooky, silly crafts at the Nature Center
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes will be celebrating Halloween today, and all weekend long, with plenty of spooky kid fun at the welcome desk. Stop in wearing your favorite costume and celebrate the season!
Fairytales in the Forest: Nature Center welcomes Fall with AutumnFest this weekend
AutumnFest: Fairytales in the Forest, a free family-friendly event, is set to enchant visitors at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes this weekend with a variety of activities, storytelling, s'mores, craft-making, and food trucks. Guests can also check out the annual bird seed and perennial plant sales.
Harvest Moon: A culinary celebration under the stars
Holden Forests & Gardens will host its only annual fundraiser, Harvest Moon, on Sept. 13 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Friday the 13th event will be an evening where mysticism meets philanthropy among Cleveland's top chefs.
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership asks the community to Take to the Lake
This Saturday, the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership will host a day of relaxation, kayaking, canoeing, and yoga on the Lower Shaker Lake. Dr. Roy Larick will lead an informative hike around the lake to learn about the region's history and geology.
Bridging the nature gap: Empowering urban youth with outdoor experiences
Nature is a foreign place to many urban young people who may not have the exposure, money, gear, and guidance to enjoy nature more. Several local groups, like Footpath Foundation, Sankofa Circle International, and Children & Nature Network, introduce Cleveland's urban youth to the wonders of nature.
Community effort: Kids have a place to play in St. Clair-Superior neighborhood
A new park on East 60th Street and Prosser Avenue in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood—now home to "Manny" the sea monster—adds community greenspace and gives kids a place to play, thanks to the efforts of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, Emmanuel Promise of Hope, Ingenuity Cleveland, and numerous additional community partners and donors.
A century of celebration: Ever-expanding Cleveland Cultural Gardens embraces city’s diversity
Built on 254 acres in Rockefeller Park, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens opened in 1916 with what is today known as the British Cultural Garden. Today, 108 years later, there are 35 gardens that celebrate a world of ethnicities and cultures. As the World on Stage series starts this weekend, and with One World Day in August, contributing editor Grant Segall looks at the history of Cleveland's cultural gem.
Come Together: South Euclid looks for vendor to make healthy eats at Bexley Park
The City of South Euclid has more than 60 acres of parks in its four square miles, each with a wealth of recreation options. South Euclid Parks and Recreation director Daniel Subwick wants to add healthy eating to the menu at Bexley Park—the city's largest and most popular park.
Gardening withdrawal cure-all: Nature Center offers class to start seeds now for spring planting
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes recognizes that many people’s green thumbs are itching to get outside and dig in the soil during this cold, dreary period of winter. So, it is hosting a Winter Seed Sowing Workshop, using seeds from the Nature Center's Native Seed Library, to get people ready for spring plantings.
Holiday brilliance: Wild Winter Lights returns to Metroparks Zoo
For the fifth year in a row, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is bringing back Wild Winter Lights—its biggest holiday celebration that transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with musical light shows, an enchanted forest, and Santa Claus himself.
Enhancing nature: Metroparks' Zimmerman has spent past 13 years on improvements, more to come
Many positive changes have occurred at the Cleveland Metroparks since Brian Zimmerman took over as CEO in 2010, with many more projects ongoing and on the horizon.
On the prowl: Young bobcat joins the Perkins Wildlife family at Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Diego, a one-year-old bobcat, arrived the CMNH's Perkins Wildlife Center in March. He is adapting well to his new home and getting to know fellow bobcats Bob and Bitty.
Water music: Cleveland Metroparks announces 16-week traveling waterfront Summer Concert Series
Cleveland Metroparks is gearing up for summer, with its Summer Concert Series at various Metroparks waterfront locations. starting May 18, and opening its summer operations and lifeguarded swim areas.
Holden Forests & Gardens celebrates Arbor Day
Arbor Day is tomorrow, Friday, April 28. In honor of the day set aside for the planting, upkeep, preservation, and celebration of trees, Holden Forests & Gardens has a bunch of activities planned.
The fate of Euclid Beach Motor Home Park
After more than a year of planning and community meetings on the Euclid Beach Mobile Home Park, Western Reserve Land Conservancy in February told the residents they must move out and the property will become a part of the Cleveland Metroparks and a larger revitalization project for North Collinwood and Lakeshore Avenue.
Take a hike: Cleveland Metroparks 2023 Trail Challenge is underway; a look back at the 2022 trails
The Cleveland Metroparks 2023 Trail Challenge is underway! Find out how to enroll and read about Erin O'Brien's experiences on the 2022 Trail Challenge in this recap.
Enjoy the weather: Spring is in full bloom at the Cleveland Metroparks
Spring has arrived in Northeast Ohio, and Cleveland Metroparks has planned plenty of April activities to get out and enjoy the weather.
Help the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department name the two newest additions to the K-9 unit
The Cleveland Metroparks Police Department welcomed two new K-9 officers-in-training to its force in December. As they begin training, they need names.
Holden Arboretum receives federal earmark to fund local urban reforestation efforts
The Holden Arboretum will receive $335,000 in Congressionally directed spending to help preserve and expand Northeast Ohio's tree canopy, thanks to Senator Sherrod Brown.
Keeping it clean: Metroparks embraces green infrastructure to naturally treat stormwater runoff
The Cleveland Metroparks has slated four 2023 projects that will naturally clean millions of gallons of stormwater and expand the park system's stewardship of our fragile fresh water.