Heights Halloween Festival
When: Saturday, October 19th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: Cedar Lee Business District
Celebrating a Successful Community Engagement Event for Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights
On a sunny autumn day, the Heights Halloween Festival provided the perfect backdrop for community engagement as Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights set up an interactive station along the Cedar Lee Business District. This lively event, bustling with residents and visitors, offered a unique opportunity to connect with the community about an issue that affects us all: street safety.
Building Awareness and Capturing Feedback
The primary objectives of our engagement station were clear: build awareness about the Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights initiative, hear directly from the community about their roadway safety concerns, and gather actionable feedback to guide future improvements.
To achieve these goals, we distributed 200 postcards filled with information about the Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights process and directed attendees to our project website at www.safestreets4ch.com. We also facilitated meaningful conversations with over 50 individuals, learning about their main safety concerns, areas where improvements should be prioritized, and their thoughts on proposed recommendations. Feedback was documented using comment cards, ensuring that every voice counted in shaping safer streets.
Gratitude and Partnerships
A highlight of the experience was our partnership with Dobama Theatre, whose invitation to participate made our presence at the Heights Halloween Festival possible. This collaboration stemmed from their involvement in our Open House 2.0 event on August 21st and reflects the power of partnerships in fostering community connections. We are excited to continue working with Dobama Theatre, exploring opportunities to merge artistic expression and cultural performances with the impactful projects the City is leading.
Community Engagement in Action
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the chance to engage with residents and visitors of all ages. The festival’s dynamic environment allowed us to "meet people where they are," creating an accessible and approachable space for conversations about street safety. The stories and suggestions shared by community members underscored the importance of prioritizing safety improvements and reaffirmed our commitment to implementing changes that reflect the needs of Cleveland Heights residents.
Looking Ahead
As the Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights initiative continues, we are committed to keeping the community informed and involved. The feedback collected at events like the Heights Halloween Festival will directly influence positive changes, and we want residents to understand the collaborative process driving these improvements. By amplifying public input and raising awareness, we aim to create streets that are safer for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our station, shared their thoughts, and helped spread the word about Safe Streets for Cleveland Heights. Your participation is vital to the success of this initiative. Together, we can make Cleveland Heights a safer, more connected community for all.
Learn more about previous public outreach events on our Engage page.