Park and Greenspace Plan for NEO

Submitted by lmcshane on Sat, 10/23/2010 - 10:34.

Many rumors have been swirling regarding WC Reed Park--

I recently reactivated this page to address some of the concerns. 
http://freindsofwcreedfield.ning.com/forum/topics/improvements-to-wc-reed-field

Councilman Cummins was the representative for the part of Brooklyn Centre that included WC Reed Field, but with redistricting, Councilman Cimperman now represents the area.

Per Councilman Cimperman approximately $350,000 is available to provide improvements to WC Reed Park. Fortunately, Councilman Cummins did not withdraw his funding for the park despite the redistricting.

Immediate stakeholders include adjacent neighbors represented by the Southwest Citizens, Horizon Denison School and the newly constructed Foster Pointe Senior Housing.

Park enhancements will need to prioritize several elements and uses:

--Parking
--Perimeter fence
--Basketball courts
--Tennis courts
--Baseball fields
--Informal soccer
--Dog park
--Access

Added uses considered:
--Raised bed gardening

Residents have expressed concern over possible sales of park land to Riverside Cemetery. Councilman Cimperman has confirmed an offer has been made for land adjacent to cemetery.  City of Cleveland has precendent for transferred park property at WC Reed under Councilman Cummins to NRP and recently part of park at Estabrook Rec Complex transferred to Save-A-Lot.

Other integral elements affecting Greater Brooklyn Centre include plans for Calgary Park, YMCA Building, Browns Lanes, Lower Big Creek, Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National  Park and State Route monies for Denison and Pearl.  Future of Saint Barbara's also affects this neighborhood.

For previous WC Reed posts see:
http://realneo.us/content/who-was-wc-reed
http://realneo.us/blog/lmcshane/lake-erie-living

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Judging from that photo

Submitted by dweller1 on Sat, 10/23/2010 - 15:04.

Judging from that photo why put anything on it...I enjoy looking at the way it is...but hey I understand if a bb court/bb field/dog park is really needed in your neighborhood. I just think it would be a shame to fill it with asphalt.

WC Reed Field-Agreed

Submitted by lmcshane on Sun, 10/24/2010 - 10:12.

I agree DWeller :)  Probably best to let the park be--it just needs regular maintenance, which it does get. 

Personally, I don't want to see the tennis courts and basketball courts removed.  If City does transfer lower portion of the park to Riverside Cemetery, Riverside should be prohibited from planting any dead bodies there and instead should put in a fast-growing hedge (privet or barberry--on the park side of the current fence) to prevent folks from breaking into the graveyard after hours (which is the Cemetery Assn's rationale for acquiring the property).

Alternately, the City of Cleveland could retain the property or set up an easement with Cemetery Assn., rather than outright transfer of property.  Although, the sale is appealing for the revenue it might generate towards enhancements to the park.

(I don't know that $$ offer played a part in NPR transfer or Save-A-Lot...)


Photo shows chunk of park land given to Save-A-Lot or plaza owner to expand parking lot and tie-in to storm sewer.  Storm sewer is actually buried tributary to Big Creek which runs under Shadyside Ave. --
parking lot adjacent to Estabrook Rec Center on Fulton Parkway.

(Note: See storm sewer grate above--untreated parking lot run-off going straight into a major tributary to the Cuyahoga River--it's a little disturbing to me that I will soon be paying a NEORSD storm water fee, when big folks add to the load in the City of Cleveland and I doubt they will see the cost added to their water bills).