Friday, March 20, 2026

City approves installation of ‘tot’ playground at Denison Park

The improvements keep coming to Denison Park. This summer, Cleveland Heights will add a dedicated “tot” playground for children five and under to the amenities it recently installed at Denison. In the last year, the city invested $1.36 million from its ARPA grant to replace the turf and scoreboard on the ball field, built two new pickleball courts, and installed a splash pad it had purchased with a $476,418 CDBG grant (2023). The splash pad is being fine tuned and will be operational this summer.

Among the other significant amenities in store for Denison, four new restroom facilities, paid for with federal CDBG (and 2025 CDSG) grants, will be installed in time for the summer.

“We’re excited about the investments coming soon to Denison Park,” said Mayor Jim Petras. “They are a big part of our efforts to further enhance our recreational offerings there and across the city.”

With its 6-0 vote this week [Stone-absent], City Council approved a $177,955 bid for a new tot playground to be purchased and installed in an area next to the splash pad at Denison. The tot playground was included in the city’s 2026 budget, under its Parks and Recreation Department. The same company that installed the splash pad — Harrison, Ohio based GameTime — will be awarded the contract to fabricate and install the playground.

“Let the fun begin this summer,” said Council President Tony Cuda on the bill’s passage.

What to expect is an ADA-compliant play structure with shaded swing areas, slides and a variety of features. The city anticipates it will be installed by mid summer.

The tot playground will add a second playground at Denison; an existing playground is designed for children ages five and up. This project is part of the city’s ongoing renovations to its parks and recreation facilities.

Gather nonperishables and household items for CHPD's "Fill the Cruiser" food drive

Starting in March 2026, over 5,400 Cuyahoga County residents face Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cuts due to new federal work requirements, with up to 25,000 in the county potentially impacted by stricter rules. Able-bodied adults up to age 64—including parents of teens and refugees—must now work or train 80+ hours monthly to maintain benefits.

Legal immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers and domestic violence survivors, are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits.

About 4,200 immigrants living in Cuyahoga County were immediately cut off from benefits. Please donate food if you're able!

Cleveland Heights, Urban League's UBIZ partner for small business relief

The City of Cleveland Heights, in partnership with UBIZ Venture Capital, announced this week the recipients of the Cleveland Heights Small Business Grant Program, an initiative designed to directly invest in and strengthen the city's vibrant small business community.

The city prioritized small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in designating $240,000 from federal ARPA funding. The city created this small business relief fund in partnership with UBIZ — the Urban League of Greater Cleveland's small business support program — to lead the application and vetting process.

Through this funding initiative, the City of Cleveland Heights aims to support local merchants who are essential to the community's economic resilience and neighborhood vitality.

“I'm excited that the City will be supporting such a diverse set of businesses located throughout Cleveland Heights," said Mayor Jim Petras, who added that nearly all businesses that applied met eligibility requirements. "These businesses survived the pandemic, but the economic impact was long lasting; this relief will help them reset and, hopefully, thrive for years to come."

To read more, including the list of businesses to receive support funds, go here.

City continues to seek input on signs until 3/31

The City of Cleveland Heights is updating its sign regulations and wants to hear from you! Your input will help ensure our zoning code supports local businesses, protects neighborhood character, and reflects what residents value.

Almost 350 people have already made their opinion heard. Do miss out on the opportunity. Please take the survey here. The survey will close on March 31st.

Public Service Announcements

City to collect storm debris

Starting Monday, for the next two weeks, the Public Works Forestry Division will pick up storm debris from tree lawns, but please follow these guidelines:

Sticks and logs must be no wider than 6" in diameter

Sticks and logs must not be bundled together because Forestry staff will be putting them directly into the City's wood chipper.

For more information, contact the Mayor's Action Center (MAC).

Warrensville Center at Mayfield to close for service line replacement work - detours posted

Beginning March 23, Cleveland Water will begin a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) on Warrensville Center Road. The work will impact Cleveland Heights, South Euclid, and University Heights. What you can expect:

Warrensville Center Road will be closed in both directions from Mayfield to Bexley roads.
No through traffic is permitted, but if you are a resident whose home is located on Warrensville Center Road in the closed-off area, you will be allowed to access your driveway.
Residents on Oakwood Drive will be allowed to drive the shortest route through the site to access the road.

Police officers will be stationed at each end of the road closure to ensure that those authorized, including residents in the area and roadwork employees, can access the construction zone.

If you have questions, please contact the Lead Inquiry Line at 216-664-2882 or email Line@ClevelandWater.com.

Severe Storm Awareness Week and how to prepare for power outages

This week’s high winds delivered a powerful reminder that natural events can catch us unprepared. To help, here are some tips on whom to contact and how to stay safe before and when the power goes out.

This post originated from the Mayor's Action Center (MAC), which fields calls from residents, including several this week expressing concern about power loss, especially for those with life-support equipment such as oxygen. A special note: FirstEnergy maintains a Critical Care list that provides specialized care for these customers.

This week also marks Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio. Spring brings the increased possibility of flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and associated hazards such as hail, high winds, and lightning strikes.

To learn more about severe weather hazards in Ohio and how you can stay safe and be prepared, visit Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.

Also, we compiled a list of ways to prepare for severe weather events. Click here for more preparedness information.

Upcoming Events

New this year at the bi-annual Shredding Day: pill bottle and alkaline battery recycling!

Reminders:

Paper: 10-box maximum per car
Prescription pill bottles must be empty, and the caps separated. Labels may be removed or blacked out.
Battery recycling: Single-use and rechargeable alkaline batteries only. [No Lithium batteries will be accepted].

Cleveland Heights and Cedar Lee Theatre will take center stage at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cleveland International Film Festival, April 9 - 18, with a showcase of films and special events, including post-screening Talk Backs with film directors, actors, and more. Cedar Lee Theatre launched the festival 50 years ago through the initiative of theater operator Jon Foreman and others.

Tickets go on sale March 18 at 11 a.m. for ten unforgettable days of independent film. To view the schedule, including the films at the Cedar Lee, visit www.clevelandfilm.org.

Youth Opportunities

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) offers exciting opportunities this summer for Cleveland Heights teens looking to earn some money and knowledge alongside local business owners. Y.O.U. is offering paid positions with Cleveland Heights businesses, from mid-June to mid-July, with flexibility to define the type of work their interested in doing.

High School Teens, please apply by May 1.

Cleveland-based Y.O.U. is also looking for businesses in Cleveland Heights who are interested in hosting a Y.O.U. teen this summer. From faith-based groups, non profits organizations, corporations, and everything in between. All costs are covered by Y.O.U.

Employers please apply by April 1.

Questions? Call 216-776-3900.

Nestled in the emerald heart of Cleveland Heights, Cain Park is thrilled to launch our 2026 Youth Theatre Camp, a dynamic new program bringing creative, community-centered arts experiences to our beloved art park. Designed for ages 8-15, the camp blends theater, imagination, and outdoor exploration to help young performers step away from screens and into the spotlight.

Campers will build essential skills—like collaboration, storytelling, confidence, empathy, and improvisation—while benefiting from a supportive 1:4 camper-to-counselor ratio and age‑appropriate groupings. Each week concludes with a Friday showcase on the Alma Theatre mainstage, giving families a chance to cheer on their rising stars. Join us as we cultivate creativity, elevate youth voices, and continue the legacy of art in the park with a summer that promises to be truly show‑stopping. Registration is now open!

Tap here for more information.

Building Heights program, Heights Middle School Shorts (HMSS®), in its 6th year, is introducing some new genres for your student to learn and create film arts. Sign up here to join our programming for all Cleveland Heights student residents grades 6-9.

HMSS® is offering Pre Production Master Classes for any student in grades 6-12. The focus is to learn the fundamentals of pre production taught by Robert Banks!! Click here to sign up today!!!

Are you a lifeguard? We are hiring

If you are a lifeguard and looking for immediate and summer employment, the City of Cleveland Heights is hiring lifeguards for the indoor pool at Heights High School and for the summer at Cumberland Pool. For questions, email HJanor@clevelandheights.gov or click here to apply.

Want to be a lifeguard but need training?

Location: Cleveland Heights High School Pool

Class dates:

April 2nd, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
April 7th, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
April 8th, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
April 9th, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
April 10th, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Cost $310

Must be 15 at time of class

Reach out to Michael at msiemen@clevelandheights.gov to register

Cain Park

The Cain Park season is just getting started!

We've had so many amazing shows to announce lately, with even more on the horizon. This season is shaping up, and we can't wait to see you in our house!

Make sure you're following Cain Park, so you can see the latest announcements (and presale passcodes).

To sign up for email alerts from Cain Park, click here.

To follow Cain Park on Facebook, go here.