Westlake, Ohio
Work continues on the Parkside Athletic Field Complex, 24525 Hilliard Blvd., on the grounds formerly occupied by Parkside Intermediate School (the school was razed in 2023). The facility will feature two artificial turf fields designed to accommodate full-size football and soccer games.
The fields will also include flexible lining options to support various age groups and competition levels, making them suitable for youth through adult leagues, according to city officials.
In addition to the athletic fields, the complex will include several community amenities:
-
New playground for younger children
-
Picnic shelter for gatherings
-
Combined concession stand and restroom facility to serve visitors and participants.
The project represents key priorities identified in the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan and is being funded through resident-supported recreation levy funds.
The project is expected to be completed by September.
BAY VILLAGE
Road construction update:
Progress continues on the sewer improvement work at Lake Road and Douglas Drive. Unfortunately several water breaks within the work zone have prompted delays and additional detours for repair work by Cleveland Water and road related repairs by city personnel.
All Lake Road traffic between Dover Center and Canterbury Road is currently being detoured to Wolf Road.
Westbound Lake Road traffic will remain closed between Douglas Drive and Columbia Road. Drivers should follow all posted detours.
Grand trees:
Do you know a tree in the city that stands out from the rest? The city’s Tree Commission is looking for
nominations for the Grand and Glorious Tree Program
.
For more information, go to
cityofbayvillage.com
.
Art exhibit:
Stop by BAYarts Sullivan Family Gallery, 28795 Lake Road, now through Aug. 2 for the “My Light & Shadow,” solo exhibition by Albanian-born artist Erjon Hajnaj.
His work is known for its haunting theatricality and masterful chiaroscuro. Through a blend of satire, emotion, and allegory, the artist invites viewers into scenes that are at once intimate and surreal, according to the press release.
The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or by appointment, call 440-871-6543.
Early bird tickets:
Get your tickets now for
Moondance 2025
which takes place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at BAYarts, 28795 Lake Road
The annual features music, dancing, food and drinks – all in support of the BAYarts mission.
For more information, go to
bayarts.net
.
Shout-out:
The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center recently installed Feather Friendly to the exterior windows to support migratory birds.
Due to the reflective characteristics of glass, birds often mistake windows for an extension of the sky and trees in their habitat. The new white markers will help prevent window strikes, which are the leading cause of bird injury and death in North America.
Kudos to the
Ohio Ornithological Society
and the generous individuals who supported the Bird-Friendly Windows Project.
For more information, go to
lensc.org/bird-friendly-windows-project
.
ROCKY RIVER
Communications survey:
The Rocky River City Schools are asking the community for feedback regarding district communications.
Please complete the online
survey
, go to
rrcs.org
.
More new administrators:
Last week’s
Short Takes included several administrative changes
within the Rocky River City Schools, but wait, there’s more.
During the July 18 Board of Education meeting, members approved the hiring of Patrick Coleman as the district’s new director of educational technology. The position was previously held by Bryan Drost who resigned, effective July 31.
Coleman is currently the executive director of educational technology for the Lorain City Schools.
Two new assistant principals at Rocky River High School were also approved. Welcome Kevin Hogan and Molly Krist.
Hogan currently works in the Akron Public Schools and Krist is currently the principal at Holy Name High School.
The Board also recently approved the 2026-2027 school year calendar.
The first day of school (grades 1-12) is Aug. 19, 2026. Preschool begins Aug. 20 and kindergarten begins Aug. 24.
The last day of school for seniors is May 26, 2027. Preschool ends May 27 and the last day for the rest of the distinct is June 3.
Garden tour:
The Rocky River Women’s Club is hosting Garden Club tours through beautiful backyard oases in the city Aug. 1.
The event also includes refreshments and live music — all while contributing to the Rocky River Assistance Program (RRAP) and high school scholarship fund.
To purchase tickets, go to
eventbrite.com/o/rocky-river-womens-club-11751502698
.
WESTLAKE
Concert updates:
Due to the delayed start of construction at the Recreation Center athletic fields and park, the next summer concert will be held at the Recreation Center Pavilion, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., instead of the Clague Park Gazebo.
The concert will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 27 and features Key West Express (Jimmy Buffett Tribute and 80’s hits)
The Aug. 3 concert will be at Clague Park (same time) and features BackTraxx (rock, disco and Motown).
Stores closings, openings:
After nearly 24 years in business, the owners of the Chelsea’s Consignments, 26443 Center Ridge Road, closed the business last month.
Eddie Bauer in Crocker Park will permanently close July 29.
Dave and Buster’s, 25735 1st Street, recently celebrated its grand re-opening. The newly remodeled space features a human claw machine game and other activities, as well as a new menu.
Chopt Creative Salad Co. opens Aug. 8 at Crocker Plaza, 2209 Crocker Road (next to Verizon and Kitchen Social).
The restaurant specializes in salads and wraps. For more information, go to
choptsalad.com
.
Upcoming library events, news:
Jesse Jukebox and DJ Terkey Sandwich will perform an interactive concert for kids and families from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Aug. 1 outside in the Westlake Porter Public Library Friends Pavilion, 27333 Center Ridge Road.
In the case of inclement weather, the concert will move inside to the Porter Room.
To register, go to
westlakelibrary.org/events
.
— The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the library from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7.
To schedule an appointment, go to
redcross.org
.
— A new meetup group for individuals interested in veg/plant-based foods will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. Pre-registration is not required.
— Have quick questions about your Mac or Windows computer? Need help with basic features or navigation? A Help Session will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Aug. 12. Pre-registration is not required.
— The Board of Trustees recently appointed Celeste Fortunato as the library’s new fiscal officer.
If you have news/information, a story idea, or you’d like to share a ‘shout-out,’ please send an email to
. Read Short Takes online at cleveland.com/topic/westlake. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon.
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