Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Weight Room Shared Between the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Parks & Recreation

Oct 18, 2024

The public and media are invited to a ribbon cutting at Stella Walsh Recreation Center and Public Safety Training Complex (7345 Broadway Ave.) to formally open a newly equipped weight room on Monday, October 21, at 2 PM. This event will highlight a collaborative effort to enhance fitness and training resources for both the Cleveland community and public safety personnel.

Ward 12 Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer enthusiastically said, "This new weight room is a significant investment in our community's health and safety. It will not only provide residents with top-tier fitness facilities but also support our Police, Fire, and EMS cadets as they train for the important work they do.”

Director Dornat A. Drummond, the head of Public Safety for the city of Cleveland, added, "This facility will play a crucial role in preparing our first responders, ensuring they have access to the best training resources. We are committed to the health and safety of our community, and this weight room is a step in the right direction. Having this shared space will also help us further community-police relationships in a neighborhood like Slavic Village."

The new equipment was funded through a partnership of Ward 12 resources and Administration funds, with additional support from Council President Blaine A. Griffin (Ward 6) and Councilman Richard Starr (Ward 5).

The weight room will be open to the public during the hours the Stella Walsh Recreation Center is open, promoting health and wellness for all community members. During evenings and weekends, it will be available to the Department of Public Safety as part of the adjoining Public Safety Training Complex. The PSTC will continue to be renovated in coming years, and soon, police cadet classes will be hosted at the facility. Already, the Department of Public Safety hosts conditioning classes at the gymnasium for future cadets, and now the new equipment will be available for them to use as well.

An ADA-accessible area equipped with mobility-friendly equipment has also been included to ensure inclusivity for all users.

Councilwoman Maurer adds, “I’m particularly excited to encourage more women to utilize the weight equipment. I will be ready to show off my deadlift technique after the ribbon cutting."

Mayor Bibb, Director Drummond, and other city staff will be in attendance at the event. Join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate the launch of this vital community resource.