Fostering pride and love for one’s community begins at home and this summer, there’s never been a better time to show our youngest residents the many things that make North Royalton truly great.
The city officially turns 200-years-old this summer, so why not make the kids’ summer vacation all about enjoying local activities and feeling more connected to their hometown? To help, Mayor Robert Stefanik, a grandfather of three, provided his summertime activity favorites. Tape this activity list to the fridge and challenge your family to try them all. And since we’re fans of keeping things simple and enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer, there’s also plenty on this list that aim to show kids that they don’t need a phone or tv screen to feel engaged. We guarantee you won’t hear “I’m bored” even once!
Fun Summer Activity #1
Representatives from civic organizations, committees, and members of City Hall have been meeting for months to prepare for the community’s Bicentennial Celebration, which kicks off in late-July. Activities include a city-wide sidewalk sale on July 28 and 29, the annual Pet Carnival, a Bicentennial Ball on August 4, a Picnic in the Park, the annual Festival Pageant on August 2 and Community Festival from August 10-12, and the Old Timers Banquet on August 18. Many of our community’s annual activities will have a bicentennial theme.
“The bicentennial really should give families an opportunity to enjoy more activities locally this year,” said Mayor Robert Stefanik. “The Pet Carnival, which really kicks everything off, is free for families and if you have a pet, there’re many giveaways, raffles and really great information. Our other great events include a Picnic in the Park and the Community Festival with the fireworks display.”
Watch the Royalton Recorder for complete event dates and times.
Fun Summer Activity #2
No summer in North Royalton would be complete without homemade ice cream at both Loder’s Shake Shoppe and Mr. Divot’s (and a game or two of mini golf).
“After baseball games, the tradition continues that Divot’s and the Shake Shoppe are the places to be,” Stefanik said.
There’s also plenty of hand-dipped flavors at Pinecone Ice Cream housed at Maria Gardens. Keep an eye on their website for monthly featured flavors like May’s Lemon Chill Zing.
If enjoying a cone on your front porch is more your speed, listen daily for the sounds of an ice cream truck slowly driving through various North Royalton neighborhoods.
Fun Summer Activity #3
Parkland makes up nine percent of the city’s total area, so there’s no excuse not to get outdoors and enjoy time in greenspace.
The city’s newest venture is the Chippewa Creek Headwater wetlands park housed between the library and YMCA. The short, peaceful trek is perfect for youngsters who aren’t quite ready for longer hikes. North Royalton is also home to a gorgeous section of Brecksville Reservation. Walks and bike rides along the All-Purpose Trail can be the perfect morning or after-dinnertime activity. Memorial Park is another summertime staple, where youngsters can spend the day climbing the playground and walking the large, open grassy area near the catch-and-release pond. Don’t forget your fishing rods!
“Now with City Hall being located at Memorial Park, I always smell something good grilling when I’m leaving City Hall in the evenings,” Stefanik said of the community grills. “I’m always amazed at how much Memorial Park is used each day.”
As we all know, spending time outdoors does wonders for parents and children alike, both mentally and physically. Stefanik also suggested simply spending time in nature exploring.
“That can be a lot of fun for children,” he said. “This generation hasn’t done much of that. Being outside helps clear your head. Spend time enjoying your surroundings and hearing sounds you haven’t heard in a while like the birds and other animals.”
On the flip side of wide-open greenspace, are the many ball fields and athletic areas scattered throughout the city. Catch a game on the bleachers or cheer on your kids as they compete on city teams. Or, enjoy the amenities at the North Royalton Family YMCA.
Fun Summer Activity #4
If your family is anything like mine, then the local library is your weekly stomping ground in the summer. I stock up on juicy beach reads and participate along with my kids in the county library’s annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Libraries Rock!” and it begins June 2. The successful program features various prizes all in the name of encouraging reading.
See our Library column in this issue or visit cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Summer-Reading.aspx for more details.
The library also offers a wide variety of free events and programming for every age group. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org.
Fun Summer Activity #5
There’s plenty of goodwill during the holiday months, but what about in the summertime? Make some time this summer to instill in your children the impact of volunteering.
“Before my kids turned 16, they had to volunteer at Deaconess Family House, and actually they all took part-time jobs there. All three of my kids worked in the kitchen,” Stefanik, whose wife is an employee of Mount Alverna Village in Parma, said. “Take a day a week or a couple of times a month and go knock on the door of the nursing homes. Their eyes will light up seeing younger faces. That really would make an impact.”
Fun Summer Activity #6
Last, but certainly not least, are the most basic summertime activity staples that can be enjoyed right at home. Rounding out my list is: Disney movie marathons on rainy days, cozy nighttime bonfires with neighbors and local friends, camp-outs in the backyard, catching fireflies, playing Ghost in the Graveyard (a spookier version of hide-and-seek), splashing in the sprinkler and swimming pool, creating sidewalk chalk art, doing craft projects like making homemade play-dough, jewelry and painted artwork, baking cookies and other tasty treats, riding bikes, taking after-dinner neighborhood walks, and tending a garden (little ones love to use watering cans, spot worms and observe changes in blooming flowers and plants).
Summer vacation is just days away. Keep this list handy and make it memorable – North Royalton style!

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer