New Community Programming and Tennis Sessions Coming to Cleveland Facilities
Cleveland residents can look forward to expanded educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities through a new partnership between the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI). Authorized by emergency ordinance 617-2026, this agreement funds various community-focused initiatives at several city school buildings and neighborhood facilities from June 2026 through May 2027. The programming is designed to serve a wide age range, targeting youth and families between 10 and 65 years old.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes the Director of Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement with the Neighborhood Leadership Institute to implement three primary programs:
- Schools as a Neighborhood Resource (SNR): A community-based program for areas considered service-deficient. It provides 16-week workshops at no cost to residents at locations including Collinwood, Johns Adams High School, Artemus Ward, Lincoln West, James Rhodes, and Sunbeam.
- Summer Tennis Program: Running from June 8 through July 31, 2026, this program teaches tennis skills and provides mentorship to support youth transitioning to adulthood. Sessions are held at various Neighborhood Recreation Centers (NRRCs) such as Frederick Douglass, Harmody, Rockefeller, Luke Easter, Humphrey, Warsaw, Archmere, Jefferson, Impett, and Gunning.
- Youth Leadership Cleveland: A 15-session development program held at Cleveland NRRCs designed to empower young people through training in personal values, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
The total funding allocated for these programs is $453,846.22.
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Schools as a Neighborhood Resource | $343,224 |
| Summer Tennis Program | $46,982.22 |
| Youth Leadership Cleveland | $63,640 |
Who may be affected
- Youth and families (ages 10-65): Targeted participants for the SNR and leadership programs.
- Department of Parks and Recreation: The department overseeing the agreement and facility use.
- Neighborhood Leadership Institute: The partner organization implementing the programming.
- Various Cleveland neighborhoods: Specifically those served by the designated school buildings and NRRCs.
Status and timeline
The ordinance has officially passed.
- May 8, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- June 12, 2026: The final version was recorded in the City Record.
Residents interested in the SNR programs may complete a registration form including basic demographic and income information. Registration forms for the summer tennis sessions are available at City of Cleveland Neighborhood Recreation Centers.
Please refer to the official 617-2026-Legislative Summary-2026 NLI to verify all program details and funding allocations.
Source record
- File
- 617-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 7, 2026
Official documents
- 617-2026-K w Neighborhood Leadership Institute for education recreation and cultural prog in var school bgs tennis
- 617-2026-Legislative Summary-2026 NLI
- 617-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD JUNE 12, 2026 PG. 33