City of Cleveland releases comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment to shape master plan, future developments

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 - Cleveland - The City of Cleveland is pleased to announce the public release of the Cleveland Community Needs Assessment report, providing valuable insights into the present and future state of parks and recreation centers in Cleveland. The report is the result of a comprehensive study conducted by Olin Studios for the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects in collaboration with the community. 

Employing diverse public programs, the study engaged over 1,500 touchpoints, incorporating stakeholder interviews, statistically valid surveys, online feedback mechanisms, open houses, pop-up events, youth workshops, and the distribution of conversation kits to numerous community groups.  

“We are so grateful for the hundreds of Clevelanders that took time to share feedback and their vision for the future of Cleveland’s parks and recreation facilities,” said James DeRosa, director of the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects. “This knowledge is the key to creating our first modern, citywide, resident-focused parks master plan to guide investment over the next 15 years.” 

The report sheds light on the most critical park and recreation needs identified by participants. Notably, it highlights the top three barriers for park and recreation center visits — a need for improved maintenance, a lack of awareness regarding available offerings, and the perception of an uncomfortable atmosphere.  

In addition to community concerns, the assessment showcases positive feedback. “When the City renovates recreation centers, they do a really good job,” said a neighborhood participant from Hough. Another participant said “I like that older facilities are kept up and running, like Halloran Park, places that give a flavor to the neighborhood they serve. I also like that a lot of the bigger parks are on bus lines.”  

These insights will serve as the foundation for advancing the City's 15-year plan to achieve just capital investment, equitable connections, and meeting community needs. To read the full report, please visit Community Needs Assessment – Cleveland Parks & Recreation Plan (cleparksrecplan.com)


Related: Cleveland kicks off Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan process | City of Cleveland Ohio - Mayor Justin M. Bibb