CMHA builds new playground at Griot Village

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and KaBOOM! hosted an all-day playground build at Griot Village. During the day, more than 200 volunteers from CMHA, Morgan Stanley, Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp and the Cleveland Clinic worked tirelessly to construct a brand new playground, based on the children’s own designs. The special day was a testament to what it means for a community to come together to make a difference.

At about 8 a.m., volunteers from their respective organizations filed into the vacant lot, between Griot Village and the adjacent street, to officially kickoff the KaBOOM! Build Day. Representatives from all agencies had a chance to speak at the onset of the build to show their support and motivate their teams to work hard throughout the day until the playground’s completion.

Each representative expressed the importance of the development, which focuses on intergenerational families. The project accommodates senior residents of Griot Village raising minor children by providing a safe place for youth to play closer to their homes.

After the kickoff, employees, volunteers, and Griot Village residents worked for close to eight hours, putting together swing sets, monkey bars, and hauling tons of woodchips until the beautifully-colored play area was finished. The event concluded with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, dedicating the playground to Griot Village residents and thanking each volunteer for all their hard work. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank provided nutritious fruits and vegetables for the children and families to take home with them. This event is a philanthropic program designed to fuel innovation in coordinating the wellness, nutrition and play resources that can underpin a child’s healthy start to life.

“It is so amazing to see everyone coming together to do something great that will benefit this community,” said CMHA Board Commissioner Stephanie Y. Pope. “It truly shows everyone’s commitment to improving urban neighborhoods.”