Overview:
This guide is co-published through a partnership with the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition and Trust for Public Land (TPL). The coalition advocates for an equitable parks and recreation system and supports resident-led stewardship and activation of city parks. TPL works to connect all Ohioans to the outdoors through land conservation, parks, trails and schoolyards. This article is written by Tait Ferguson, coordinator for the coalition. This guide is specifically for City of Cleveland parks, not Cleveland Metroparks.
Organizing a group of neighbors is a great way to advocate for, program and take care of your local Cleveland park. These groups often range in size, scope and focus – that’s all up to you and your neighbors! Your group can range from a few passionate residents to several dozen taking care of a local park with consistent programming and maintenance.
How do I get started organizing a group for a Cleveland park?
There is no one right way to start or maintain a group for your park. This guide offers some possible steps, but please make it your own. You can reach out to the Parks & Greenspace Coalition if you need some help getting started.
- Check to see if there is already a group organized for your park. Search online, ask neighbors, or send an email: parkscoalitioncle@gmail.com.
- Gather a few neighbors. You can do this by knocking on doors, distributing flyers, making an announcement at the next community meeting, or posting to social media.
- Determine the purpose of your group. Hold an open meeting to discuss what you hope to accomplish. Some groups focus on maintenance needs, some on programming, others on a large improvement, or all of the above.
- Find a way to keep spreading the word. You can create a social media page, talk with nearby businesses, survey neighbors, put up flyers or join community events nearby.
Where can I get funding or supplies to get going?
The Parks & Greenspace Coalition may have some event materials and park clean-up supplies to help you get started. Send an email with your request: parkscoalitioncle@gmail.com.
Suggested Reading
Neighborhood Connections awards Neighbor Up Action Grants two times a year, accepting applications in February and August. These grants range from $500 to $5,000 and are a great way to get your initial program off the ground. More funding opportunities are shared here.
You will need a fiscal agent to apply.This is an organization with nonprofit status that can handle the money and insurance requirements. Often, groups use a nearby church or community development corporation (CDC).
Do I need to get approval from the city?
No, you do not need approval to form a group for your local park. That said, you will need approval for any planned park improvements or large events your group plans.
Recently, the city launched the Community Projects in Parks Program (CP3), which creates a new process for resident-led groups to enter into annual stewardship agreements with the city. This allows you to make improvements throughout the year without going back for approval on each project.
You can learn more about the process to set up an agreement on the city’s website. Unless you have liability insurance, you will need a fiscal agent who can offer this. Liability insurance is required for the annual agreement.
If you have more questions, you can reach out to: parkscoalitioncle@gmail.com.
Do you have a question about parks and greenspace in your community? Connect with the Parks and Greenspace Coalition and submit your question here. You can learn more about the Trust for Public Land’s work in Ohio here.