Creating Thurgood Marshall Green has transformed a vacant 2.6-acre lot into a vibrant community park in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. This project represents what’s possible when neighbors, community organizations, city staff, elected officials, and partners work together.
When the Cleveland Metropolitan School District offered vacant school properties for redevelopment in 2021, Western Reserve Land Conservancy saw an opportunity to address what Hough residents needed: quality, accessible greenspace. The former John W. Raper school site sits right next to the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center—making it the perfect location for a complementary park.
From day one, this project was guided by Hough residents’ voices. Working with trusted community partners—Village Family Farms, Little Africa Food Co-op, Famicos Foundation, and Councilwoman Stephanie Howse—we launched extensive community engagement.
Our team went door-to-door, held neighborhood meetings, and organized workshops where residents shared their vision: an intergenerational park serving everyone from young children to seniors, with spaces for both active play and quiet gathering. The community asked for safe walking paths, a playground for children of all ages, shaded gathering spaces, beautiful landscaping, and a design complementing the neighboring recreation center.
Cornell University planning students worked directly with residents in design workshops, producing four concept plans reflecting community priorities. City Architecture and Layer Cake then created the final design through continued resident collaboration.
The completed park features over 100 new trees providing 70-80% shade coverage, accessible pathways connecting different areas, a community pavilion for gatherings and events, a modern playground, and thoughtful landscaping designed for beauty and sustainability.
The City of Cleveland now owns the park, and will maintain it long-term. Local community organizations will continue to help activate the space with programming and events. We have also established a “Friends of the Thurgood Marshall Green” group—a volunteer network that helps with ongoing stewardship and advocacy.
Thurgood Marshall Green represents community development that puts residents’ voices first. The park serves as an anchor for additional neighborhood improvements, supporting local organizations’ ongoing work to make Hough an even better place to live.
In October 2025, the Land Conservancy hosted a community celebration to open the new park and honor the collaborative spirit that made it possible. We’re thrilled to have completed this transformative project with the help of partners and residents in the community. This vibrant new green space will continue to serve the Hough neighborhood for years to come.
