On December 2nd, the Cleveland City Council's Committee of the Whole met to discuss various important matters. One of the key focuses was the African American Cultural Garden, which is still short of approximately $2 million in construction funds despite years of fundraising efforts. Obie Shelton, the executive director of the Association of African American Cultural Gardens (AAACG), updated the council on the project's status.

Uniting Cleveland through Cultural Gardens

Money Needed for the African American Cultural Garden

The idea for the African American Cultural Garden was first conceived in 1961 and dedicated in 1977. The first phase of construction included a "Door of No Return" installation, which was completed in 2016 and overlooks Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Phase two construction, which is the current focus of fundraising efforts, includes a terrace with seating for up to 300 people and a water element symbolizing freedom. Altogether, the work will cost $4 million, and half of the financial goal has been met. Council President Blaine Griffin, Ward 3 Council Member Kerry McCormack, and Ward 16 Council Member Brian Kazy urged officials to find more money to finish this long-planned project. Kazy called on Mayor Justin Bibb's administration to cover the funding gap in full, emphasizing that "We have money for everything else, and this is a project that is well needed, well deserved."

The Greek Garden Association's Plans

The stewards of the Greek Cultural Garden are also looking to make good on a decades-old plan. The Greek Garden Association of Cleveland is set to install a large stone artwork called a frieze. Cleveland City Council passed legislation tied to the art at its last regular meeting on Dec. 2, allowing the association to accept $250,000 from the State of Ohio and move forward with the installation. In the earlier committee meeting, Cleveland Commissioner of Real Estate Susanne DeGennaro mentioned that the artwork was planned in 1939 along with the garden's creation but was postponed due to wartime shortages. The frieze is set to depict dozens of Greek historical figures.

The Euclid Beach Park Archway

The iconic archway of Euclid Beach Park is set to have a new home. McDonald's is donating land at 15891 E. 159th St., which is directly west of the archway's current spot. Planned changes to East 159th Street require relocating the arch, which greeted visitors to an amusement park that closed in 1969. Cleveland intends to develop the vacant land into a park including the archway, and Council later passed legislation allowing the city to accept the donation.In addition to these projects, the council reviewed over 30 pieces of legislation during this marathon meeting. You can read the full notes from Documenter Dan McLaughlin and watch parts one and two of the meeting on Cleveland City Council's YouTube.Signal Cleveland has been providing essential local government news and information to Clevelanders without a paywall. From covering local government, schools, and the Browns stadium saga to housing vouchers, they have been there for Clevelanders. In the wake of August storms and the heat of election seasons, they have continued to offer free, independent, and accurate news. Their reporting on housing issues has led to positive changes in the city, making complaint forms more accessible. With the support of readers like you, Signal Cleveland's work is possible. Make a tax-deductible donation today to help them continue serving Clevelanders.With gratitude,Lila MillsEditor-in-ChiefSignal Cleveland