Cuyahoga County Board of Health Presents Resolution to City for Demonstrating Strong Leadership Addressing Racism

At the February 7, 2022 Lakewood City Council meeting, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health presented a resolution to the City of Lakewood for demonstrating strong leadership on addressing racism as a public health crisis.

In 2021, after two serious incidents at Madison Park, the city chose to invest in an innovated mentoring program at the basketball courts and implement design improvements at the park to make it a welcoming, healthy place for everyone.   Following a shooting near a basketball court, the City of Lakewood engaged residents in large scale public forums to hear concerns and work towards solutions. Lakewood, rather than disinvesting from basketball courts and the youth players – many of whom are youth of color – chose to invest in an innovative mentoring program at the basketball courts and to implement design improvements at the park including: lighting, connected walking paths, a drinking fountain and grills to strengthen public engagement around the basketball court.

“The City of Lakewood appreciates the recognition from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health regarding our recent efforts to invest in Madison Park and ensure that it is a welcoming, healthy place for everyone,” said Mayor Meghan F. George.  “This coalition effort resulted in improved facilities and activation to the park in ways that made it safer while also taking into consideration the different perspectives and needs for the many people who rely on Madison Park for recreation and enjoyment.”

Click here to read the full resolution from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.