It’s going to be amazing.
The City of Solon is now focusing on phase one of the design-build portion of the Solon Community Park redevelopment and parks master plan. Improvements and additions include upgrades to Cisar Field (the varsity baseball field); a new playground; renovation of the parking lot; a new maintenance facility; a stage and amphitheater; concessions areas; restrooms and more.
“Residents get to know their neighbors on their streets, but you want everyone to come together as a community,” says Solon Mayor Ed Kraus. “When you have one large public park, it provides those opportunities. It’s also where we have a lot of our activities, including Solon Home Days, concerts, art shows, movie nights and Shakespeare in the Park. We have that central place, the space and a beautiful park. We are very fortunate.”
Solon also will add 10 to 12 new pickleball courts, with the existing courts being reverted to tennis courts.
“These will be drop-in courts, open and available to everyone unless someone rents a court or there is a special program,” says Rich Parker, director of parks and recreation.
New landscaping and shade-providing structures will offer “sun safety, which has become more important in design than perhaps in the past,” Parker adds.
Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail
Construction on the $5.9 million Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail is expected to begin this spring or early summer. The new, 10-foot-wide, paved, all-purpose trail will be owned by the City of Solon and designed, built and managed by Cleveland Metroparks. A portion of the cost will be covered by state grants.
A little more than 2 miles of the 4-mile trail is within Solon. The trail runs along the former Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Co. line and begins at SOM Center Road.
Sean McDermott, Cleveland Metroparks chief planning and design officer, says the trail corridor has been abandoned for quite a while, and there will be some challenges to protect and circumvent wetlands and tributaries. But McDermott says residents have wanted this trail for a long time.
“The trail is right in the middle of nature. There is no conflict with cars, and it’s gorgeous and peaceful,” adds Kraus, who says the project is a partnership with Chagrin Falls and the Village of Bentleyville.
Of course, the trail will create health and recreational benefits for residents, but Chagrin Falls Mayor Bill Tomko also believes the cities will see economic benefits to restaurants and retail establishments because of trail travelers. Tomko also notes that young people with children want walkable and bikeable communities, and the trail gives them tremendous opportunities.
Show Your Support
The City of Solon is actively seeking businesses, nonprofit groups, families and individuals to become donors who will be granted naming rights for park improvements and expansions. Up for grabs are baseball fields, sports courts, trails, a community room and pavilion, plus other opportunities.
“We want to ensure the finest parks and rec facilities while keeping rates low or at no cost. Partnerships can help with that,” says Angee Shaker, Solon’s director of economic development. Interested donors can contact the city for an information packet.
