About Us
About Us
Welcome to Cleveland Parks & Recreation!
Discover the heart of our community through Cleveland’s vibrant parks, recreation centers, trails, and programs. Whether you’re here to explore our green spaces, stay active, connect with neighbors, or find activities for the entire family, we’re committed to making every visit enjoyable and accessible.
From Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers to playgrounds, youth sports, and adult programs, and senior adult programs, our mission is to support healthy lifestyles, strengthen community, and celebrate the beauty of our city.
We’re glad you’re here, let’s get build community, get active, and enjoy Cleveland together!
Leadership Visibility
Strong leadership is not behind the scenes—it is present, engaged, and accessible. Our leadership team:
- Maintains a visible presence in the community at NRRCs, parks and playgrounds, and other public venues.
- Actively listens to community feedback and incorporates ideas into decision-making.
This visibility fosters trust and demonstrates a shared commitment to serving the community at every level.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable through measurable performance and continuous improvement. This includes:
- Tracking and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) such as program participation, service equity, and resident satisfaction
- Setting clear goals and tracking progress towards goal attainment.
- Including resident feedback into the decision-making process to address concerns and demonstrate a commitment to improvement.
Accountability ensures we strive for the best services to the community. While we may not always hit the mark, we hold ourselves accountable to providing the best service we can.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life for all Cleveland residents by providing equitable access to safe parks, high-quality recreation programs, and community-centered services that promote health, wellness, and connection.
Our Vision
To be a national model for urban parks and recreation—where every neighborhood thrives, every resident has access to inclusive and innovative programs, and data-driven strategies ensure lasting community impact.
Our Core Values
Equity & Access — We are committed to ensuring all residents—regardless of neighborhood, income, or background—have access to high-quality parks, programs, and services.
Community First — We listen, engage, and respond to the needs of Cleveland residents, building programs and spaces that reflect the voices of the communities we serve.
Transparency & Accountability — We operate with openness and integrity—sharing data, reporting outcomes, and holding ourselves accountable to the public we serve.
Innovation & Excellence — We embrace new ideas, technology, and best practices to continuously improve services and deliver exceptional experiences.
Stewardship — We responsibly manage and protect public spaces, ensuring they are safe, sustainable, and preserved for future generations.
Collaboration — We partner with community organizations, stakeholders, and residents to maximize impact and create stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Our Commitment
Guided by our mission, vision, and values, Cleveland Parks & Recreation is dedicated to delivering services that are inclusive, impactful, and responsive building a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant Cleveland for all.
Our Commitment to Cleveland
Cleveland Parks & Recreation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents by delivering high-quality, equitable, and innovative services. We are not just mapping parks- we are building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
Driving Data-Informed Impact
We leverage data and technology to better serve residents and continuously improve services
- Tracking Participation and Community engagement
- Using GIS mapping to visualize access and identify needs
- Providing transparent reporting on outcomes and Performance
Leadership & Administration
Alex Nichols, Director
Cydney Johnson, Assistant Director
Quiana Player, Manager of Administration
Toi Porch, Commissioner of Park Maintenance
Susie Claytor, Commissioner of Public Auditorium
Samuel Gissentaner, Commissioner of Recreation
MaryAnn Fields, Deputy Commissioner of Recreation
Tangee Johnson, Special Events Manager
Phil Jubert, Commissioner of Urban Forestry