What Do You Want From Lakewood's New Community Center?

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood residents are running out of time to share their thoughts on the Cove Church redevelopment project.

The former Cove Church site is being developed into the Lakewood Intergenerational Community Center. Infinity Construction is handling the project.

An online survey collecting insights on the project will close Wednesday. Residents can share their thoughts on how the property should be best utilized online and then participate in a Zoom discussion on March 23.

The Cove Church property is a 1.77-acre site. The building was constructed in 1969 and is approximately 18,000 square feet, the city said. Lakewood City Council approved the purchase of the site in June 2019.

The intergenerational community center would consolidate the Department of Human Services into one building, while expanding the services offered by the city. The department is currently housed in three municipal properties across Lakewood.

Residents are being asked to weigh in on what types of amenities they would like to see at the facility, including: a grab-and-go bistro, outdoor activities like a walking loop or bocce ball court, and more. Residents are also being asked whether they would rent the facility and how they would like the center to be named.

Officials have also said the site would aid Lakewood's stormwater management infrastructure and the city's compliance with the Clean Water Act. The Cove Church site has been incorporated into the city's Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan, which was submitted to the federal and state EPA.