Community Newsletter June 2023 Edition
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Note from Mayor Meghan F. George |
In Lakewood, we are fortunate to have a fantastic team of officers at the Lakewood Police Department (LPD) serving us every day and keeping us safe. Police work is not easy – the hours can be tough and the work itself can be both dangerous and demanding. I know we all appreciate what our LPD team does for the community.
The Lakewood Police Department (LPD) continues to provide some excellent innovations in adding to the ways they approach police work. I’ve spoken before about things like our de-escalation and crisis intervention training, but LPD’s leadership refuses to rest on their laurels and continue bringing new ideas to their work.
Recently, LPD announced the introduction of the Safe Place Program, which partners with local Lakewood businesses willing to place the “Safe Place” sticker in their window. This lets anyone who is experiencing harassment or threats to step inside, contact police, and stay safe until officers arrive. The program is aimed at those who are frequently victims of targeted threats and violence such as our LGBTQ community. Our officers will be contacting businesses, and those interested will receive training from LPD. The Safe Place Program originated with the Seattle Police Department, and a number of others across the U.S. and beyond have begun to integrate it. I’m proud of our police department for being one of the first in the State of Ohio to adopt this program, and I urge local businesses to consider joining the effort. I know it will make a difference.
LPD also recently was awarded a significant grant from the Community West Foundation to purchase a large number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), ensuring that all officers patrolling our streets will have one in their vehicle. This adds to our officers already carrying items such as NARCAN/Naloxone spray for overdoses victims to help our safety forces be prepared for anything. I want to thank the Community West Foundation for its generosity and support and our LPD leadership for pursuing this opportunity.
Recently, the nation once again celebrated National Police Week, a time established by President John F. Kennedy and the US Congress in 1962 as a way for us all to honor America's law enforcement community. As we all go about our business this month, I encourage you to think about the service the brave and dedicated men and women of our Lakewood Police Department provide to us, day-in and day-out. If you see one of our officers out and about, consider giving them an extra word of thanks. I know they will appreciate it.
Mayor Meghan F. George
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Upcoming Events & Updates |
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Safe Place Initiative
The Safe Place Program is an innovative model, developed by the Seattle Police Department in 2015, that provides a community-based approach to safety and policing that builds relationships within our community to assist victims of hate crimes, harassment, and bullying.
Our Lakewood Police Officers will begin meeting with and training local businesses and organizations interested in providing convenient “safe place” for victims of hate crimes and harassment. Ultimately, this program helps build trust in migrant, immigrant, and minority communities with its police, all of which significantly under report crimes to the police. This model has been adopted by over 300 law enforcement agencies across the country, and Lakewood is among the first in the State of Ohio to rollout this program.
For more information about the how to participate, click here.
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City of Lakewood Presents at Ohio Stormwater Conference
The Ohio Stormwater Conference is an annual conference dedicated to advancing the knowledge and understanding of comprehensive stormwater and watershed management for those dealing in all aspects of planning, design, implementation, and regulatory compliance.
On May 11, Representatives from the City of Lakewood Engineering department were invited to present on the topics of Monitoring, Inspection, and Maintenance in relation to the innovative work Lakewood has done on the sewer infrastructure. Congratulations to City Engineer Mark Papke and Engineering Project Manager Brian Shields on being selected to present at this major industry conference.
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Fourth of July Applications
Applications for the 2023 Lakewood Fourth of July Parade are now available! The parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th at 10:00 AM. Applications to participate in the parade must be received by Thursday, June 22nd.
For more information and the application to participate, click here. |
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Improvements Continue at Community Parks
The City of Lakewood is continually working to improve our public spaces. Last year's ribbon cutting on the new playground at Kauffman Park paved the way for a summer of birthday parties in the new picnic shelter with parkgoers enjoying the new nature themed playground. The water pumps gurgling into replicas of the Rocky River watershed continue to be a popular feature as the hot weather arrived early this year. A new swing set has been added to the park on the north side of the playground, much to the delight of parkgoers. Additionally, the old tennis courts at the park entrance have been demolished to make way for a brand new tennis court, with multi sport court that is striped for badminton and volleyball. The badminton/volleyball court will have an adjustable height net to accommodate all age groups.
Also in progress are the new pickleball courts at Lakewood Park. Once the surface for the courts is laid it must cure for a month before the additional skin coat and striping can be added, and the nets and new fencing installed. A significant investment by the city, the courts will provide a variety of healthy outdoor recreation for many years to come.
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Spectacular Vernacular
Attention Artists! The city of Lakewood's public art program, Spectacular Vernacular, is accepting applications of interest from artists until 12:00 p.m. on June 16th. The focus for this year's program is transit waiting areas and bus shelter vinyl wraps. The City is seeking individual artists or artist groups that will create a series of vinyl window art installations on 15 shelters throughout the community.
Since 2016, the City has been investing in public-private art projects to increase its value as a place that attracts and retains residents, entrepreneurs, employees, and entertainment offerings. Higher community values like these help attract and retain businesses and residents, while increasing social connections.
For more information, click here. |
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Summer Safety Days
The Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood Fire Department are launching a Summer Safety Days Program for children ages 3-9 and their parents at Cove Community Center. Children participating in this program will gain a better understanding of safety as well as engage in personal interaction with safety forces. The four-hour program will be offered several times throughout the summer for two different age groups. Each participating child must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. There is a limit of 50 children per session.
For more information about the dates of the sessions or to register, please click here. |
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We are Hiring!
The City of Lakewood is currently seeking applicants for the following openings:
- City Planner
- Entry Level Patrol Officer
For more information and to apply, please click here.
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City of Lakewood | lakewoodoh.gov
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