Alex Robertson, a graduate of NLDP Cohort IX, is a self-proclaimed "dodge ball enthusiast" who is proud to have won two University School Founder's Day Championships. Alex is also passionate about youth workforce development and was shocked to find out four years ago that many of the young people he worked with in his Lawn Life landscaping program had never played dodge ball. That's when he found out that 42% of schools have eliminated recess. Thinking of the fun he had during the University School Founders Day Field Day playing dodge ball, tug-o-war and three team soccer, the idea for Recess Cleveland was born. Alex applied for a Neighborhood Connections grant and was awarded a grant in 2015. They received enough funding for 5-6 events, but had so much community support in Glenville when they began putting them on, that they did 10 events that summer. 

Recess events bring a wide variety of recess equipment into vacant spaces, underutilized spaces, schools, and more to engage children and adults in fun outdoor activities. They have exciting equipment that many kids have no other opportunity to use like giant soccer balls, zorbs (person-sized inflatable balls you get inside), human-sized connect four, a bounce house, and more. Kids can play by themselves or with their friends and then each Recess Cleveland event engages all attendees in at least one big team game like dodge ball or kickball. 

Since its inception, Recess Cleveland has only grown.  Last year, recess reached 7,000 people and partnered with 28 organizations. This year they are planning 100 events over the course of the year, and hope to reach 10,000 people. They also have their very first hospital partnership with University Hospitals and will be putting on recess events on Saturdays with the UH Rainbow Center for Women and Children. Recess Cleveland will provide different fun-filled games and activities each Saturday and UH will provide tables to share the wide array of free resources that are available to the community. 

If you are interested in learning more and connecting with other change makers in our community, check out their Innovator's Monthly Meetup. This meetup is the place for community and social change professionals to connect with peers, share wisdom and learn together. The next meetup is Friday, May 10th 12:00pm- 1:30pm. For more information, visit  https://case.edu/socialwork/communityinnovation/upcoming-events .