Calling it "a historic day in the city of Strongsville," Mayor Tom Perciak and other local officials launched the Strongsville Town Center Enhancement and Walkability Initiative at a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 16.
The event signaled the start of construction for the project, which will add new recreational amenities for families, employees and visitors to the center of town and make the area more walkable and accessible.
Perciak noted that the 81-acre Town Center area draws some 1 million visitors a year for events like Homecoming and the Winter Wonderland Lighting Celebration on the Commons; to enjoy the Recreation Center, playground and other sports facilities; or to visit the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
“This project that we're talking about today began at least 20 years ago," Perciak said, noting it has taken years of studies, resident surveys and cooperation between various government officials and volunteers.
Perciak was joined by other Strongsville officials, City Council members, State Rep. Tom Patton and Cuyahoga County Councilman Mike Gallagher for the groundbreaking.
Grants from Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio and NOPEC are paying a significant part of the cost of the project.
Improvements will include
an interactive fountain, a community pavilion with fireplace, a playground for kids of all ability levels, and new tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball and half-court basketball courts. There will also be a food truck area with a pavilion and a large open green space for community events and nature play.
New walkways, trails and sidewalks will better connect the amenities and promote walkability in Town Center, including a safe walkway from Pearl Road. New wayfinding signs will better identify the various features. Freedom Trail will be improved. And a three-way stop will become a roundabout to improve safety.
Grants from Cuyahoga County, the state of Ohio and NOPEC, along with donations from local businesses and civic groups are making this project possible as our city leaders continue to improve the quality of life for residents, employees and visitors.
Donations are still being sought to offset the cost of the project. Naming rights are available.
Click here to donate. Here’s the link to donate: https://forms.strongsville.org/town-center-donations/
