Council approves Cole Zellwin Central Park naming after $50,000 donation

The Solon City Council approved an agreement authorizing the mayor to enter into a naming-rights agreement with Jeremy and Courtney Zellwin for the Central Park area, accepting a $50,000 donation for a 10-year naming term with an option to extend for an additional 10 years with an added donation.

The measure, recorded as Ordinance No. 2025-145, was included on the council’s consent agenda and passed as part of the consent package. Councilmember Zellwin recused himself from discussion and abstained on the vote for that specific item; the consent agenda passed by roll call with that abstention noted.

The Zellwins addressed the council during public comment and thanked the administration and staff who worked on the naming process. Jeremy Zellwin told the council, “Courtney and I don’t want to have to name the park in Cole’s honor. This isn’t something we want to have to do. But we do want to send a very big thank you to the council and the administration for approving our personal donation to name the Cole Zellwin Central Park in Cole’s honor.”

Mayor remarks during administration comments praised the family’s gift and said the naming will honor Cole’s memory alongside other community efforts, including a scholarship fund and a memorial foundation that supports young people fighting blood cancers. The Law Department stated it was honored to work with the Zellwins and described the naming agreement process as straightforward.

Discussion at the meeting noted the Zellwins’ plans for a community celebration when the park’s refurbished phase is complete, including a kickoff concert tied to fundraising for the family’s foundation. No additional conditions, amendments, or legal challenges were recorded during the council’s consideration.

The item was introduced as part of the consent agenda; the full consent package included multiple items that were passed together under suspension.