Cleveland Parks board reviews Campbell Park splash pad changes, Samuel Park renovations and library outdoor learning plans

At a meeting of the City of Cleveland Parks and Recreation Board, members reviewed maintenance and improvement plans for several neighborhood parks, discussed restroom access and vandalism at Campbell Park’s splash pad, and heard an update on an outdoor early-learning concept being developed with the library.

Board members said the splash pad at Campbell Park has been running continuously and staff are seeking quotes to change its operation so it is not on constantly, to reduce water use. "We had a little issue with the splash pad being momentarily on and off ... we are working on getting some quotes to make it [operate] momentarily. That way, we won't be using up so much of a city water," Roger, a parks staff member, said.

Roger told the board staff recently received a free demonstration of a security camera for the park and are exploring installing solar power for safety lighting. He also said crews removed three trees that were encroaching on nearby residences.

On Samuel Park, Roger said staff are planning renovations in August and September that will include work on basketball goals, the walking trail and playground units, and a renovation of the pavilion on the Martin Luther King side of the park.

A board member raised concerns that restrooms at the Campbell Park splash pad were locked during a daytime visit at about 2:30 p.m. Roger said restroom access can vary because of vandalism and other safety issues but that bathrooms are "on the east side of that building" and are normally open within park hours. Another board member suggested adding more trash barrels near the pavilion; Roger said he would take care of that request.

At Municipal Park, board members said they plan to improve entrance landscaping and flower beds. "We're trying to make that sign more beautiful," one board member said while noting verification work is underway for the park entrance.

A board member reported meeting with Emilia Livario to sketch an outdoor education early-learning area at the library. "We met for about an hour, got everything where we would like to put things. And then we'll bring it back to you, as well as EDC, and make sure everybody's on board with what is the vision," Mary, a board member, said. The concept is not finalized and will return to the board and the Economic Development Corporation for review.

Lee Tipton, the city manager, introduced himself to the board and described steps to improve park maintenance schedules and prioritize tasks such as limb removal while planning larger projects. "We're gonna start to address, try to get a little bit more of a systematic schedule going, so the parks will kinda maintain the cleanliness that's expected," Tipton said.

Formal board action at the meeting was limited. The board approved the minutes from the Aug. 14 meeting by motion; members also moved to adjourn.

Votes at a glance - Approve minutes from Aug. 14 board meeting — motion by Regina, second by William; motion passed (voice vote; tally not specified). - Adjourn meeting — mover not specified; second by Coach Holly; motion passed.

The board did not take formal votes on park projects during the meeting; most items were updates or requests for staff follow-up. Board members asked staff to seek cost estimates and to return to the board with more detailed proposals and timelines.