Allen Playground Should Stay, Resident Says

A Hunting Meadows resident who asked the school district in September to better maintain the grounds at the vacant Allen Elementary School is now seeking to keep the playground there intact.

George Grozan recently thanked the Strongsville School Board for responding so quickly to residents' complaints about overgrown weeds at the former school.

"In less than one week, the schools had staff at the school, trimming weeds," Grozan said.

But residents in his neighborhood are now concerned that the district may remove playground equipment from the site, based on a recommendation from its insurance provider.

"I think I can make a case that the playground is vital," Grozan said. "It's important."

Allen closed a year ago because of declining enrollment and as a way to save money for the district. The city has  there, but the building is used only for storage.

Grozan said the Allen playground is the only one in the area and is used frequently by families. 

He asked the school board to involve the residents when a full evaluation of the playground is done to see if the neighborhood can help save the play equipment from being dismantled.

"Give the community a chance to help," he said.