Community Involvement in Placemaking: Three Projects to Beautify Old Brooklyn

Over the past few years, Old Brooklyn CDC has been involved in many projects to improve public spaces and parks in the neighborhood, as well as mural projects to add splashes of color to blank walls along our main streets. There are currently three projects in the pipeline that will help to add a new sense of vibrancy to the Brighton Corridor and to Broadview Road.  

Serving with Purpose: AmeriCorps VISTA at OBCDC

Please join us in welcoming our new AmeriCorps VISTA, Maria DePerro! OBCDC has partnered with AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) over the last few years to assist with organizational capacity and special projects. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers are full time employees who work at their host site for a full year.

This year, Maria will be supporting the Old Brooklyn Farmers Market, the Mighty Volunteer Program, and developing a support structure for neighborhood community groups. 

New Restaurant Alert! Check out Savage Burger

We're excited to welcome Savage Burger to the neighborhood! Owner, Paul Sadler took over the former Sam Sylk's space in the Memphis Fulton Plaza last November. Savage Burger specializes in the art of crafting Smash Burgers. They also offer chicken, fries, and vegan options!

Building Futures, One Book at a Time

From the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank

The mission of the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank is to foster literacy and a love of reading by distributing free books to children through collaboration with community partners. Organizations can order free books using the Kids' Book Bank order form and families can check out community bookshelves to stock up on books for their home libraries.

If you or someone you know has gently used kids' books that they would like to donate, they can drop books off at one of the 22 collection bins located in the area. Questions about the Kids' Book Bank can be directed to Jessica at jessica@kidsbookbank.org or 216-417-1803.

We are also thrilled to announce that we purchased a building in the Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood that will be the new home of the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank! We are looking forward to relocating and continuing this important work.

Taking Action for Earth Day and Arbor Day 🌎

Celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day with a variety of events! There is so much in the neighborhood and around the community to check out:

• Arbor Day Tree Sprucing + Park Clean Up at Loew Park with the Old Brooklyn Tree Stewards on April 26th (Register here!)

• Tree Giveaway hosted by Emerald Valley Arboretum (in Old Brooklyn on Valley Road!). They will be giving away tree seedlings of Rose of Sharon, Tulip, Red Oak, and Wild Black Cherry trees (call John W. Young at 216-410-6798 to reserve one!). Pickup on Arbor Day (April 25^th)

• Tree Giveaway hosted by BarrioBoy Community Garden and Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District on April 12th at 3333 W. 33rd Street from 1-3pm. Paw Paw trees and Red Mulberry trees will be available on a first come, first serve basis!

These are just some of the awesome park cleanups and tree giveaways happening in and around our neighborhood. Be sure to check out local event listings to find others around the Cleveland community!

A Visionary Leader Wanted: Executive Director Search Begins

We are on the search for a new Executive Director! OBCDC is seeking a visionary leader to shape its future with a dedicated team of 11 full-time, one part-time, and 14 contract employees and an engaged board. OBCDC is well-positioned to drive lasting impact in one of Cleveland’s most vibrant neighborhoods. OBCDC is in its 50th year serving the Old Brooklyn community and is celebrating a 50 for 50 campaign to support a community room alongside our yearly OB Day, OB Nite, and OB Streetfest events.

Watershed Wonders: A Journey Through Nature and Discovery

Join us for Crooked River Exploration! This exciting program offers hands-on outdoor activities, field trips, and educational experiences in the Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and more. Campers will explore nature, engage in journaling, meet new friends, and deepen their appreciation for local environments. Each camp session in June, July, and August will have different focus areas sure to be fun and educational for the children in your life! 

Check out the Community Updates page on our website for weekly updates! Here's a preview:

• Tree Giveaways
• Meet with your Near West Community Development Specialist, Micki Ray
• Become a Mentor with College Now

Click the image to read more.

We're excited to share some upcoming volunteer opportunities with the OB MVPs! Sign-ups are open for:

• Arbor Day Tree Sprucing on April 26
• Old Brooklyn Farmers Market opportunities
• Community cleanups

This program is generously sponsored by MetroHealth.

Click the image to learn more!

OBCDC members can enjoy various perks, including access to a membership portal! This is where we will share member events and information.

April Updates include:



• OBN Cover Contest
• Executive Director Search
• Farmers Market updates

... and more!

Not a member yet? Sign up here!

Click the image to learn more about upcoming events in April, such as:

• Ben Franklin Community Garden Spring Fling fundraiser on April 5
• Party for the Planet on April 19 @ the Zoo
• Broadview Pocket Park Open House on April 29

...and more!

Do you have an Old Brooklyn community event you think should be shared here? Or do you have an idea for a community event that you want to chat with someone about? Let us know by clicking here.