Cleveland has recently released the results of their community needs assessment which was conducted in the summer of 2023. The assessment is part of Cleveland City Hall’s master-planning process of parks and recreation. One of the surprising results is that half of all Clevelanders avoid their city parks and recreation centers because of “poor maintenance”. There are 172 parks and 23 neighborhood resource and recreation centers in the city of Cleveland.
The survey sought to find out what Clevelanders needed by randomly asking residents through mail, phone, and internet. The 528 responses represented a diverse group of people in different geographic areas throughout the city and demographics.
The findings of the study emphasize the significance of maintaining, nurturing, and ensuring the cleanliness of physical locations. It highlights the importance of allocating sufficient funds in budgets to address this aspect, emphasizing that it should not be overlooked or neglected. The study suggests that well-maintained spaces not only contribute to the physical environment but also convey a broader message. When a place is well-kept, it communicates to individuals passing through that they are also valued and cared for! Therefore, investing in the upkeep of physical sites goes beyond the immediate aesthetic benefits, playing a crucial role in fostering a sense of value and care for the people using those spaces.
Both the Philadelphia study on vacant lots (posted here on this blog earlier) and the Cleveland survey convey a similar message. The Philadelphia research indicates that residents living near improved/beautified vacant lots experience notable enhancements in mental health. In contrast, the Cleveland survey reveals residents avoiding parks because of their lack of maintenance. Both studies point to how caring for an urban space translates to residents feeling cared for… and, vice versa, that an uncared for space implies that residents are not cared for.
What Cleveland ends up doing with these results is still up in the air. According to the mayor’s office, “the plan will assess and make recommendations on park maintenance, but at this time it’s too early to comment on anything specific” regarding additional funding and capital for parks and recreation centers.
Recreation centers play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of a community. These centers provide a space where people of all ages can come together to engage in various activities and programs. They offer a hub for recreational and social interaction, promoting a sense of community and unity. For youth, recreation centers offer a safe environment to participate in structured activities and sports, contributing to positive development and skill-building. Additionally, these centers often host educational programs, fitness classes, and cultural events, catering to diverse interests within the community. By fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for physical and mental well-being, recreation centers contribute significantly to the overall vitality and cohesion of a community.
Many studies conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association back up the importance of rec centers. Doing fun and organized activities is really good for young people. Studies have found that kids who join clubs or teams do better in many ways. They feel better about themselves, do well in school, and are less likely to get into trouble. This is especially true for kids who face challenges; being part of after-school programs can help them do better in reading and math tests. The studies also show that kids who don’t do any after-school activities are more likely to drop out of high school, use drugs, and get into trouble with the law compared to those who spend time in structured activities.