Near West community offers input to reshape Zone Recreation Center Public workshop is first step in identifying When more than 50 members of the community met with Ward 17 Councilman Matthew Zone and representatives from the Mayor's office, EcoCity Cleveland, and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization at the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center on Lorain Avenue on September 21, 2002, they began a dialogue about defining more uses of the center's expansive, mostly unused green space. How could grassy fields be reshaped to accommodate more recreational activities, resting places, spaces that invite people to stay awhile, and areas that create a beautiful natural setting while offering environmentally and socially positive change? The ideas of the participants found below will play an important part in informing the planning process as it moves forward. Many participants spoke of the unique opportunity posed by the presence of the large open expanse of green that surrounds the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center (land that was assembled by the state for an I-90 interchange that was never built). People spoke of coming to the park to play baseball and soccer with children's leagues, of walking through the area, and of the diverse community in which it is located. People also spoke of how accessible it isnot just to those who live and work nearby, but also in terms of its proximity to bus lines and the soon-to-be renovated W. 65th Rapid stop. Short-term improvements that were frequently mentioned included:
Each of four groups at the workshop came up with creative ideas for long-term improvements for the green space. Many of these ideas fell into four main categories:
These are only a few of the ideas generated at the first community meeting. The workshop organizers hope that as the planning process moves forward, citizens will continue to be involved and invite neighbors, friends and family to participate. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to contribute your expertise!
EcoCity Cleveland
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What neighborhood kids want at Zone Rec Results of second community workshop Elements people like:
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