My park needs new playground equipment, where do I start?
First, make sure you are in a City of Cleveland park. This guide will outline steps for parks managed by the city, not Cleveland Metroparks or other non-city park spaces.
If you are interested in improving a nearby play space for a Cleveland Metropark, email us at parkscoalitioncle@gmail.com.
Assistance for getting new playground equipment:
Check the current plans for Cleveland playground improvements to see if your park is included; $8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for playground improvements was approved by City Council in 2023, with one park per ward receiving updates.
Funding and planning for new playground equipment for City of Cleveland parks comes from the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (MOCAP), not the Parks and Recreation Department.
Funding for a new playground will most likely be funded by the City of Cleveland capital funding bond cycle. The city allocates this funding in three-year increments, with the current plan running from 2023-2025. But, final decisions take place on a year-to-year basis.
Funding could also come from extra funds managed by your City Council Member, or from a grant application submitted in partnership with a local organization. See our post on park improvement funding for more info.
To gain attention and funding for your project, it is important to work closely with your local council member. They can advocate for your project to be included in the city capital improvement plan and help find funds. Find their contact info here.
Once you’ve reached out to your local council member, you should also contact MOCAP (see below) and your local CDC to learn about all funding, planning, and organizing opportunities for your project.
Additional Information:
Current plans for city playground improvements outlined here.
Explore the City of Cleveland 2023-2025 Capital Improvement Plan
Explore the MOCAP website.
Find your Cleveland City Council ward at their website.
See our post on park funding opportunities.
See our post on city park improvement schedules.
Helpful Contacts:
Parks and Recreation Planning Manager, MOCAP: Jay Rauschenbach, jraschenbach@clevelandohio.gov
Division of Site Development and Architecture Manager, MOCAP: DASD@clevelandohio.gov
Your city council member’s contact information is attached here.
Your local CDC’s contact information is attached here.
