Parma Heights highlights Earth Day turnout, pool opening and returns Memorial Day parade; residents urge clampdown on unregistered contractors

Recreation Director Bacci told council on May 13 that the citys 3rd Annual Earth Day event drew strong participation and that summer programming is ramping up. "We held our 3rd Annual Earth Day in the Commons on April 27th," she said, and noted the Parma Heights Garden Club plant sale and expanded Yoga in the Park.

Bacci said the city will use the MyRec registration system to notify participants of weather-related moves and urged residents to enable mobile notifications. She reminded council that the Parma Heights pool is scheduled to open May 25 for weekend operations, with weekday programs limited until Parma City Schools finish the school year on June 14 because most of the seasonal pool staff are school district employees. She also said the Cleveland Guardians invited youth baseball and soccer players to a pre-game parade and batting practice; tickets are available at $23, Section 121.

Council President Tom Rounds and others noted the return of the Memorial Day parade, scheduled for May 27 after a 9:30 a.m. ceremony at Parma Heights Presbyterian Church. Safety Director Scharschmidt said two Parma Heights officers, both veterans, will serve as keynote speakers at the ceremony.

In public comment, resident Riaz Shirazi praised Earth Day but raised concerns about flooding and sidewalk parking; council clarified the large water facility near the Walmart is in Parma city limits and the mayor said she would pass the concern to Parma's mayor. Resident Fred Koch urged the city to enforce contractor registration and to address contractors leaving grass clippings in the street after mowing, which he said wash into drains after rain.

What council will do next: Service and code-enforcement staff are aware of citizen concerns; no specific enforcement action or timeline was recorded on the meeting record.