West Park & Kamm's Corners

Kamms Corners - photo Bob PerkoskiKamms Corners - photo Bob Perkoski

Folks in search of a quality west-side neighborhood to call home have been setting down roots in West Park/Kamm's Corners area for decades, attracted by quiet tree-lined streets, sturdy and attractive homes, and a tight-knit sense of community. This city has attracted a flush of new businesses in recent years, many clustered around Kamm’s Corners, not the least of which is the Kamm's Corners Farmers' Market, which is held outdoors from June through October and attended by over two dozen vendors. Proximity to the Metroparks, downtown Cleveland, and regional hospitals make this community a gem of the near-west side.

Robotics mission: GLSC students travel to Ecuador to fit needy children with prosthetics
Earlier this year, students from four CMSD high schools in the Great Lakes Science Center's Robotics Initiative created prosthetic arms and hands and then traveled to Quito, Ecuador, where they helped nonprofit IMAHelps fit children in need with the prosthetics.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on West 117th Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Cleveland City Council approves $5 million in ARPA funds for Habitat for Humanity
Cleveland City Council passed an ordinance on Monday to provide $5 million in ARPA funds to Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. The funds will be used to build and rehabilitate homes in underserved neighborhoods under Habitat's five-year strategic plan.
Beyerle Park: Trendsetter in late 19th Century resort amusement parks on the Interurban rail lines
Cleveland Masterworks: The 1883 opening of Beyerle Park in Slavic Village marked the beginning of Cleveland amusement parks geared toward attracting guests to rides, entertainment, and relaxation by the water.
Puritas Springs Park: Cleveland’s west side amusement park, home of The Cyclone
Cleveland Masterworks: Early 20th Century Cleveland boasted about half a dozen amusement parks, including Puritas Springs Park on the city's west side., which was home The Cyclone roller coaster—the highest and fastest coaster in Cleveland.
The Salvation Army opens three new preschools in the Cleveland area
In response to the needs of three Cleveland neighborhoods, the Salvation Army Greater Cleveland in January opened Learning Zone preschools in Ohio City, Collinwood, and West Park.
Feeding the neighborhood: Salvation Army, Food Bank partner in monthly produce giveaway
The Salvation Army and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are partnering for the third year to hold produce giveaways in Cleveland's Miles Park neighborhood. 
A home of their own: City Mission, Habitat partner to renovate Buckeye-Shaker home
The City Mission and Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity have partnered to renovate houses for women and their children recovering from crises at Laura's Home. Their first project just got underway, with future homes to come. 
Improvement plan: New CDC Neighborhood Platform outlines community needs to Bibb administration
A new Neighborhood Platform, launched by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, centers on working with Mayor Justin Bibb on improving housing stock, encouraging equitable neighborhood investments, and fostering renewed public confidence in municipal operations.
How do I love thee? WRDSMTH returns to the CLE to show his love by creating 19 murals
Cleveland native and street artist WRDSMTH is in town, working with Graffiti HeArt to paint 19 murals around town in one week as a gift to the city. 
Voices on the Vaccine: Clevelanders share their reasons for getting their shots
In part one of this Voices on the Vaccine series, the Cleveland Documenters talked to more than 40 Clevelanders to hear their views on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. What they learned offers a unique window into what influences this important decision.
What’s in a name? WRHS historian to examine origins of CLE neighborhood names at virtual event
Western Reserve Historical Society's John Grabowski will explore how local neighborhood name changes have been influenced by shifting demographics, politicians, developers, and urban planners.
Fit for a queen: QUEENIAM gives Cleveland youth community and purpose in COVID times
Dameyonna Willis believes that self-love and empowerment are royally important—and that’s exactly why she started QUEENIAM to help young girls thrive. Though COVID-19 has put a cramp in Willis’ in-person meetups, she hasn’t let that stop her, instead creating a vibrant “Queen in Quarantine” virtual program to keep the movement in motion.
Finding opportunity in the pandemic: How CDCs use programs to champion Cleveland’s youth
Cleveland's Community Development Corporations are finding new ways to engage young people with unique, exciting, and accessible programming, even during the coronavirus pandemic.  
Hunka hunka body love: Local photographer set to spotlight 'Dad Bods of Cleveland'
As a lakefront wildlife haven with more than 260 bird species, Wendy Park is considered one of Cleveland’s most scenic spots. But anyone taking a stroll there last weekend was treated to some unexpected sights—namely, the men of the upcoming “Dad Bods of Cleveland 2021: A Year of Midwest Sexy” calendar.
Leap of faith: How COVID-19 has changed the way we worship
The pandemic may make it impossible for most houses of worship to congregate in-person, but institutions find their missions and prayers extend beyond the sanctuary walls. 
Street serenades: Out-of-work performers play neighborhood concerts
During the coronavirus quarantine, many out-of-work performers took to their own front yards to entertain their neighbors. Two Greater Cleveland entertainers turned the quarantine gigs into regular performances.
Scavenger Hunt: West Park challenges residents to have fun while showing their city pride
The Bellaire Puritas Development Corporation today launches Challenge West Park, a four-week scavenger hunt-type event. Have fun and win prizes while building neighborhood pride.
Cleveland Ward 17 groups team up on emergency food pantry to take care of most vulnerable#COVID-19
The coronavirus crisis has Cleveland Ward 17 community members mobilizing to stock an emergency food pantry and organize food deliveries to those in need.
This crash course on 'adulting' offers young CLE professionals a passport to the real world

Memes about adulting have pretty much taken over the Internet, but if Candace Swaisgood has her way, the phrase “bad at adulting” will eventually be a thing of the past. In 2019, Swaisgood launched Adulting: A Crash Course, offering skills-based experiential learning for young adults as they make the transition from college students to young professionals.