Placemaking + Neighborhoods

Immersive experience: Local artist creates symbolic gateway for Lakefront Nature Preserve
Cleveland public artist Stephen Manka designed and constructed a unique turnstile gate for the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, blending form and function in his newest installation. The gate, featuring silhouettes of red-winged blackbirds in an egg-like design, serves as a symbolic entrance into "a birding paradise" while also fulfilling practical needs.
Summer on the Square: Music, dance, and a safari
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is hosting a series of free summer events at Shaker Square. This week includes live music performances, a kids' dance class, and a Safari on the Square. The events aim to encourage community engagement, support local businesses, and showcase the area's unique offerings, with activities running through the summer and into the fall.
Last hoorah: Games and giveaways planned for free back-to-school carnival at Tower City Center
Bedrock will host a free Back-to-School Carnival at Tower City Center and on Public Square this weekend, with backpack giveaways, live entertainment, carnival rides, and games—providing another taste of summer before school starts.
Summer on the Square: Yoga all weekend and Christmas in July
Shaker Square is hosting a series of free summer events, ranging from free yoga sessions to next week's Christmas in July celebration. These events are organized by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress to encourage community engagement, promote local businesses, and foster neighborhood revitalization.
Nostalgic renovation: Euclid Beach Arch moves down the street to new Collinwood location
The historic Euclid Beach Arch in Cleveland has been relocated as part of a renovation project spearheaded by local officials. The 1921 wooden structure, which once served as the entrance to Euclid Beach Park, will become the centerpiece of a new public park and preserve the iconic piece of Cleveland's history, is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Summer on the Square: Yoga with Brandi Dobbs, sax with Jay Harmon
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is hosting a series of free summer events at Shaker Square. This week includes live music performances and yoga sessions. The events aim to encourage community engagement, support local businesses, and showcase the area's unique offerings, with activities running through the summer and into the fall.
Summer at Shaker Square: An extraordinary evening of guitar with Will Cheshier
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress launched a new free music and events series at Shaker Square. The events include live music, yoga and exercise sessions, and other activities to showcase everything Shaker Square has to offer.
City Club of Cleveland kicks off its free Outdoor Summer Series with Superman discussion
The City Club of Cleveland launches its annual Outdoor Summer Series this week, featuring free forums on topics ranging from Superman to the city's waterfront. Held at Playhouse Square Plaza, is meant to increase civic engagement and kicks off with a discussion on Superman's connection to Cleveland and the upcoming movie filmed in the city.
Free spirit: Cleveland Neighborhood Progress hosts free summer events at Shaker Square
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is launching a new series of free community events at Shaker Square, starting this weekend. The events, which include live music, yoga sessions, and other activities, are meant to encourage community bonding and showcase everything Shaker Square has to offer. The series will run through summer and fall, offering diverse activities for everyone.
Journey through history: Mural celebrates Canal Basin Park's past, present, and future
A 4,000-square-foot mural by artist Kelle Schwab was unveiled at Canal Basin Park in during Cleveland History Days in late June. The artwork depicts the city's evolution from an industrial center to a recreational destination, blending historical scenes with modern-day imagery of the Towpath Trail.
Howling Hero: VFR Foundation K-9 grad joins Euclid PD as tribute to fallen officer Jacob Derbin
The Veterans & First Responders Foundation last week gifted newly-graduated police K-9 Chinook to the Euclid Police Department in honor of fallen officer Jacob Derbin. Chinook, handled by Officer Jeremy Puszakowski, is specially trained in gun detection and fulfills Derbin's dream to become a K-9 handler.
Amusement Preservation Museum: Triggering memories of parks and rides of the past
Troy Parsh started the Amusement Preservation Museum in Grafton to preserve and restore artifacts from Northeast Ohio's historic amusement parks. The museum's collection includes rides, parts, and memorabilia from over 30 Ohio parks, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the region's rich amusement park history.
New housing investment initiative aims to create 3,000 affordable homes in Cleveland
The new Cleveland Housing Investment Fund (CHIF) is designed to address the city's affordable housing crisis. City officials and partners hope CHIF will create up to 3,000 affordable housing units, raise $100 million for new home construction, and preserve mixed-income rental housing.
Taking Polish traditions to the streets: Celebrate the 15th annual Dyngus Day in Gordon Square today
Cleveland's 15th annual Dyngus Day celebration, a Polish cultural festival held on Easter Monday is taking over the Gordon Square Arts District, Gordon Green, and surrounding areas today. The event features polka music, Polish food, contests, and various festivities spread across multiple venues and closed streets.
Nature Center, Shaker Historical to host tours of four homes saved by the ‘Freeway Fighters’
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and Shaker Historical Society are hosting a Historic Homes Tour, showcasing four homes along the Shaker Parklands. The event celebrates the preservation of green space following the successful "Freeway Fighters" campaign in the 1960s that prevented the construction of highways through Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
EDWINS lights up Cedar-Fairmount, carries its mission forward at former Nighttown location
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has opened in the former Nighttown site—offering both fine and casual dining experiences while maintaining its mission of training formerly incarcerated adults in the culinary arts. Local residents and business owners are optimistic about EDWINS' arrival in the Cedar Fairmount District.
Rapid beautification: Nine years of Painting the Town in Shaker Heights
The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) is launching its annual Painting the Town project, a public art initiative that transforms utility boxes into vibrant artworks along Shaker Heights streets.
Canal Basin Park reimagined: Canalway moves forward with plans for historic riverfront park
Canalway celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month with the approval of new design plans for the 22-acre Canal Basin Park along the Cuyahoga River. The interpretive park will honor the city's industrial heritage while adding a gathering place on Cleveland's riverfront landscape.
Elevating the East: Local artists paint one of largest murals in Ohio to instill community pride
A 750-foot mural—one of the largest murals in Ohio—reflects the culture and history of Cleveland's Woodhill neighborhood as part of the Elevate The East public art plan.
Seasonal spirit: St. Luke’s, GCUFF, host free holiday movie night, sips & treats event at Shaker Squ
The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival and Saint Luke's Foundation are hosting two events at Shaker Square for residents of Mt. Pleasant, Buckeye-Shaker, and Woodland Hills for a festive celebration of community and connection. The events to celebrate the holiday season include a free movie night at Atlas Cinemas featuring "Moana 2" and "Wicked" on December 18, and a gathering at Café Indigo on December 21.