Greenspace: Supporting Health and Resilience in NEO

ECO SPEAKS CLE

In this episode, we share the recording from our recent May networking event at Great Lakes Brewing Company. This event featured a discussion about greenspace with three local leaders working on expanding greenspace in our urban core and increasing access and opportunities to experience nature through outdoor recreation, especially for our historically underserved communities. Our three speakers from Cleveland Metroparks, the local nonprofit SYATT, and the Trust for Public Land speak about improving our community and environmental health by creating more access to greenspace and the collaborations that amplify their work.

At 2:18 our first speaker is Kaela Geschke, the Ohio Parks for People Program Director for the Trust for Public Land. Kell speaks about some of the projects she is working on in our region to create and protect nature-rich places and the importance of that work to the health of our community.

At 14:18, our second speaker is Kelly Coffman, a principal planner with Cleveland Metroparks. Kelly speaks about the strategic planning effort to create greenways connecting our inner city areas with our lake and other parks to increase park access. Kelly also shares the latest details on the CHEERS project, which will transform Cleveland's east side Lake Erie waterfront.

At 27:30, our third speaker is Erika Hood, the Co-Founder and Director of Equity and Engagement for SYATT (See You At The Top). This local organization provides opportunities for Black and Brown communities to explore nature and outdoor recreation. Erika shares stories about the ski and scuba outings, camping trips, and other outdoor experiences she organizes for people in Cleveland's black community and how these shared experiences are so impactful.

Speakers:
• Kelly Coffman, Principal Planner with Cleveland Metroparks.
• Kaela Geschke, Ohio Parks for People Program Director for the Trust for Public Land.
• Erika Hood, Co-Founder and Director of Equity and Engagement for SYATT
Resources:
Cuyahoga County Greenways Plan
Cleveland Metroparks active Planning & Design projects

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Chapters

1. Greenspace: Supporting Health and Resilience in NEO (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:27)

3. Kaela Geschke - Trust For Public Land (00:02:18)

4. Kelly Coffman, Cleveland Metroparks (00:14:18)

5. Erika Hood, SYATT (00:27:30)