Western Reserve Land Conservancy Awarded $500,000 for Hough Green Space Initiative
Congresswoman Shontel Brown Secures Funding Package Signed Into Law
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is thrilled to announce Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s allocation of $500,000 in federal funding for the Hough Green Space project. The funding, recently signed into law, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance community spaces and promote environmental conservation in the Hough neighborhood.
The Hough Green Space project, spearheaded by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, will bring much needed, high-quality park space to the east side Cleveland neighborhood of Hough, through the re-purposing of the 2.6-acre former Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) John W. Raper school site, now vacant land, into a vibrant, naturalized park area.
The project is intended to be an open yet dynamic space, building on the momentum of the adjacent Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center to invite visitors into the park. The Land Conservancy has engaged in a thorough community engagement process to refine conceptual designs for the Hough Community Green Space and ensure the final product is reflective of the unique characteristics and desires of the community it serves. The vision currently includes meandering walking paths; benches, tables, and curated areas for gathering; native plantings to beautify the landscape, including 70+ trees to shade walking paths and cool ambient air temperatures; and lighting and low perimeter fencing designed to improve safety and accessibility by inviting walkers and bicyclists inside. ADA compliance is a guiding design principle, and the site will be engineered with the utmost care to ensure accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities. This initiative aligns with Congresswoman Brown’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for constituents.
“My office is very proud to have secured the federal funding. The Hough neighborhood was neglected for a long time, but thankfully that is starting to change. This project is important because everyone, in every neighborhood, deserves access to park and green space. The quality of life for the people of Hough matters, and this project funding will contribute to improving it. I’m pleased with the efforts of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to bring green space to Hough as part of the broader revitalization of the community,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.
The Land Conservancy has been instrumental in driving the Hough Green Space project forward, working collaboratively with local stakeholders to identify opportunities for green space development and revitalization. The organization’s dedication to conservation and community engagement has been integral to the project’s success thus far.
“We are immensely grateful for Congresswoman Brown’s unwavering support and advocacy in securing this funding for the Hough Green Space project,” said Matt Zone, Senior Vice President of Western Reserve Land Conservancy & Director of Thriving Communities. “This investment will enable us to continue our mission of preserving natural areas and creating accessible green spaces that enrich the lives of residents in the Hough neighborhood.”
The allocation of $500,000 for the Hough Green Space project underscores Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting equitable access to green spaces in underserved communities. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, initiatives like these play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of residents across Ohio’s 11th District.