What a more perfect way to start off the summer than with a splash! Residents are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new Splash Pad at Memorial Park. According Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, a formal ribbon cutting will kick off the celebration at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, at Memorial Park, located at 14600 State Road.. A rain date of May 28 is planned if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
“One of the focal points of my administration has been to provide enhanced recreational opportunities, while also building upon the amenities at our Memorial Park, which is really the jewel of our community” said Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz. “This project accomplishes both. I’m excited to celebrate with residents and unveil this great feature for our youth.”
This is a great new feature of Memorial Park,” said North Royalton Council President, Paul Marnecheck. “It is becoming easier for a family to pack a picnic basket and spend the day in the sunshine, making memories! I could see myself using the trails to ride my bike from the Metroparks and using the splash pad for a quick dip to cool off before playing pickle ball.”
Guests will be treated to free chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A, ice cream cups from Loder’s Shake Shoppe and water bottles (while supplies last). The chicken nuggets are being donated by the following local businesses: Lena Antoskiewicz Haggerty of Elite Family Chiropractic; Jennifer of Jennifer Cleaning; Angela Meola Marrero of Trends Salon and Spa; Heather McAfee of PaperPie; Ryhannon Haase-Johnston of Midwest Cheer & Dance Elite Cleveland; Lisa Bargmann of Holistic Halo Salt Spa; Tracy Marx, Realtor – Howard Hanna; Wendy Suto-King of KingPin Computers; and Jackie Canter of BlueLine Classics. The ice cream is being donated by Loder’s Shake Shoppe. Balloon decorations are being donated by Contessa Michel, owner/designer for BoBella Party Design & Gifts.
The Splash Pad opening celebration and other events this year are the making of the City Event Committee, who has been working to plan and organize the list of city-sponsored events for this year. This will be the second year the Committee has gathered to offer opportunities for residents to gather as neighbors of North Royalton. “We are always trying to think of other things to add,” said Antoskiewicz, “but we’re looking at what we are doing to see how we can make them better.” One change he is referring to is the Parkapalooza, which will be moved to the City Green this year. “I think, based on who we are going to book for a band, we think it might work out better at the City Green. One of the things we found at Memorial Park, as good as we have it with the island, what we don’t have enough to work with is electricity. I hope that one of the things we’re looking at with the walking trail, is electricity to the park. I only have so many outlets. We’ve made it work, but it was difficult. I think the City Green will be a better venue for that.”
Here is the rundown for the rest of the 2023 City Events:
May 29, 9 a.m. – Memorial Day Ceremony
June 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Modock Fishing Derby
June 16, 7 p.m., Movie Night
June 24, 5-9 p.m., Parkapalooza
July 14, 7 p.m., Movie Night
July 30, 1 – 4 p.m., Pet Carnival
August 25-27, Community Festival
August 27, dusk, Community Festival Fireworks
September 16, 9 a.m. – noon, Shred Day
September 23, 4-7 p.m., Community Car Show
October 21, 2-5 p.m., Halloween Madness
October 31, 6-8 p.m., Trick or Treat
November 4, 8 a.m. – noon, Health Expo/Bear Run/Turkey Trot
November 26, 4-7 p.m., Holiday Lighting Parade
CL Market, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 24, July 22 and August 12
Although the City’s budget contributes to the cost of offering these events, donations and sponsorships are being sought from residents and businesses to help subsidize the cost. Donation forms can be found on the city’s website northroyalton.org. Completed donation forms can be returned to North Royalton City Hall, 14600 State Road. Questions can be directed to the Mayor’s Office at 440-237-5686.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer