|
Lakewood Residents,
As you can see from the events calendar below, Lakewood has officially entered the busy spring and summer season. Keep an eye out for upcoming schedules for Concerts in the Park, Friday Night Flicks, and the many celebrations and festivals that will fill the months ahead.
You’ve likely also noticed the growing number of orange barrels around the city. Between ODOT’s I 90 project, the Lake–Clifton Connector, the Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project, and our annual water, sewer, and repaving work, travel has become more challenging. Thank you for your patience. Construction and detours are never convenient, but as our infrastructure ages, we remain committed to modernizing our roads, sewer lines, and water systems to keep Lakewood safe and thriving.
Please remember to slow down, allow extra space, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination so that workers and travelers alike can return home safely each day.
May is also National Bike Month, so please watch for cyclists on our streets. Students across Lakewood will take part in Hike and Bike to School Week from May 11–15.
In this issue, you’ll also find information on the Lakewood Fire Department’s annual hydrant flushing, our Adopt A Drain Program, the USS Cleveland’s scheduled pass by Lakewood, and more.
Mayor Meghan F. George
| |
Sat., May 2
Tree Giveaway Pickup Event
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bernice Pyke Park
| |
Mon., May 4
City Council Meeting
7:30 PM
City Hall Auditorium
| |
Tue., May 5
LPD Coffee With A Vet
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Cove Community Center
| |
Wed., May 6
Community Meal
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cove Community Center
| |
Sat., May 9
USS Cleveland Welcome Event
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Lakewood Park
| |
Sat., May 9
LASWAB Pet Food Donation Drive
10:00 - 2:00 PM
City Center Park
| |
Sat., May 9
Ice Skating with Safety Forces
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Winterhurst Ice Arena
| |
Sun., May 10
Car Seat Fit Stop
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fire Station #1
| |
Thu., May 14
Lakewood Diversity Potluck
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Cove Community Center
| |
Sat., May 16
Keep Lakewood Beautiful Humus and Plant Sale
9:00 AM - 12:00 Pm
Old Stone House
| |
Mon., May 18
City Council Meeting
7:30 PM
City Hall Auditorium
| |
Mon., May 25
Memorial Day
City Hall Closed
No Refuse Collection
| |
| Click below to view the City of Lakewood's full events calendar. | |
May is National Bike Month
Lakewood strives to be a bike-friendly community and is always working to make traveling safe and accessible for everyone regardless of their transit method. In honor of National Bike Month, we will share some guidance and information about biking on our social media channels throughout May.
As a part of the recognition, Lakewood school students will participate in Hike and Bike to School Week, where students are encouraged to use active transportation methods to get to and from school each day. Please drive extra-cautiously before and after school hours (approximately 8 AM start and 3 PM end times) and watch out for these young cyclists.
National Bike Month Events
-
May 6: National Bike and Roll to School Day
-
May 11-17: Bike to Work Week
-
May 11-15: Hike and Bike to School Week
-
May 15: Bike to Work Day
| |
Lakewood Introduces Adopt-A-Drain Program
On Earth Day (April 22), Lakewood joined the ranks of cities throughout Northeast Ohio and the U.S. by introducing an Adopt-A-Drain program.
Through this effort, residents can volunteer to keep a nearby storm drain clear of debris. This program helps to prevent surface and basement flooding in local neighborhoods, improves water quality, and reduces wear and tear on sewer infrastructure. After signing up, volunteers will receive a safety kit with gloves, safety glasses, and a safety vest.
The program was brought to Lakewood by Josh Conrad, GIS Coordinator in the City's Public Works Department. Conrad first discovered the Adopt-A-Drain concept in a magazine article about a community in Minnesota that started the program. He states, "As I read more about the program and saw the incredible environmental, infrastructure, and community benefits it has, I realized it was perfect for our community." Conrad added that he knew Lakewood residents would be interested right away given their dedication to volunteering and involvement with the City.
Since launching the program on April 22, dozens of drains have been adopted, with 63 drains being reserved in the first 72 hours.
If you would like to join the effort, visit the Adopt-A-Drain page below and follow the instructions on the page. Thank you for your commitment to keeping Lakewood's waterways clean!
| |
LFD Hydrant Flushing to Begin May 1
The Lakewood Fire Department's annual fire hydrant flushing will begin on May 1, 2026. Flushing fire hydrants is a necessary maintenance procedure that helps to clear sediment from the lines and keeps them ready in the event of an emergency.
Flushing takes place between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
Recommended Precautions
We recommend turning off any devices that automatically bring water into your home during flushing hours. Examples include automatic ice makers and automatic yard irrigation systems. We also recommend that you avoid doing laundry or running bathwater during hydrant flushing.
Possibility of Discolored Water
While hydrants are open, nearby homes may experience discolored water coming from taps. If you experience discolored water, follow these steps:
- Wait one hour after you are sure that hydrant flushing is completed that day.
- Run COLD water (do not use hot water) from the faucet closest to your water supply line for approximately fifteen minutes. Water should clear up.
If you continue to experience discolored water, please contact the Lakewood Water Department at (216) 529-6820. Their business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
When Will My Street Be Flushed?
Hydrant flushing does not run on a rigid schedule due to several external factors including the need to respond to emergencies and bad weather.
| | May is Building Safety Month | | |
Each year, the International Code Council recognizes May as Building Safety Month. Lakewood's Housing and Building Department would like to share some of the information presented on the ICC's website.
Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home
Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe
Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property
Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design
| | LPD To Host Second Annual "Ice Skating With Safety Forces" Event | | |
The LPD will host the second annual Open Skate with Safety Forces on Saturday, May 9 from 1 PM to 3 PM at Winterhurst Ice Arena.
The event is free to attend, and skate rental is $3 per person. Open to all ages and ability levels. Hope to see you there!
| | | | |
LASWAB Pet Food Drive
The Lakewood Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board and the Lakewood Community Services Center (LCSC) are collecting dog and cat food for 250 Lakewood families in need. Food donated will help our neighbors through the spring and summer.
To donate, please bring unopened pet food to City Center Park / Marc's Plaza at 14821 Detroit Ave. on Saturday, May 9 between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Just pull up to our tent in the parking lot and LASWAB members will unload your donation for you.
| |
USS Cleveland Welcome Event
On the morning of Saturday, May 9, the USS Cleveland will sail on Lake Erie past Lakewood on its way to Downtown Cleveland for its commissioning ceremony and a series of events that take place the following week. You are invited to come to Lakewood Park that morning to greet the ship, wave American flags, and take part in this rare opportunity.
The ship is expected to pass between 8 AM and 10:30 AM. Visit the link below for more information.
| | | | |
Diversity Potluck Returns May 14
The Lakewood Diversity Potluck will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Cove Community Center on Thursday, May 14. All are welcome!
Attendees can bring a dish that represents their family, culture, or ethnic background. The dishes will be shared, so please prepare enough to share with at least 6 people.
The Potluck is put on by the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission (LCRAC).
| |
Keep Lakewood Beautiful Humus and Plant Sale
Keep Lakewood Beautiful is holding their annual Humus and Plant Sale. Humus will be on sale for $5/bag, and they will also offer a wide range of perennials for prices ranging from $8 to $25.
The event takes place at the Old Stone House at Lakewood Park from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 16.
Keep Lakewood Beautiful is a volunteer organization that sponsors many activities throughout the city including the Adopt-A-Spot program and the Pop-Up Pick-Up litter cleanup events from spring through fall.
| | | | | |
