Why are we raising $85,000 for Cleveland Park?
In 2020, the City of Cedar Rapids Parks Department has plans to upgrade the playground equipment at Cleveland Park. The Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association would like to match their playground improvement budget of $85,000 to include additional playground upgrades, including inclusive playground equipment for our community. 

What is ADA-compliant and inclusive playground equipment? 
Every playground is required to be ADA compliant. It is the law. This means that the park equipment is easy to approach and reach by kids of a wide age range and include lowered money bars, ramps that lead to the upper parts of the playground equipment, and swing seats with backs on them to make them usable for people who need support. 

When you add inclusive playground equipment, these are pieces of equipment and overall playground designs that encourage all types of play with a mix of physical, sensory, and social activities for multiple challenge levels. The activities are more designed into “pods” on the playground to make the playground easier to access and navigate. Inclusive equipment also includes easier access for wheelchairs and strollers to enter and navigate the playground. At Cleveland Park, we want to be sure that everyone feels welcome and able to play with their friends, family, and neighbors on our playground. 

When is this project happening?
We are fundraising through November 1, 2019. The actual park improvements will start in late spring or early summer (May-June) 2020. A specific date will be announced along with a groundbreaking event in late spring 2020. 

What is the deadline to raise the money?
The final date for any donations to be made is November 1, 2019. Most grant cycles also end at this date, and we need to submit requests for proposals to playground design companies for our project ASAP. This target end date allows us the most opportunity to receive public or private grants and sponsorships yet in 2019. 

What happens if we don’t meet our goal?
All money raised through our fundraising efforts will be put towards this playground improvement project, no matter the total dollar amount raised. Every penny helps. Of course, the more we raise, the better! 

Why isn’t the city building us a new park?
Oh, they are! The city has an $85,000 budget for the playground improvements that are planned for 2020. The money we raise from this fundraising project will allow us to add a variety of other playground equipment pieces, including some inclusive equipment. 

What do we have so far? 
We are very excited to have a donation of a net climber by the Cedar Rapids Kiwanis Club. We also have a small amount of donations from our summer 2019 pancake breakfast set aside. This totals roughly $15,000 as of July 15, 2019. 

How do I donate? 
Donations can be made by check to Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association and mailed to CANA, PO Box 8501, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408. Donations can also be made via PayPal at paypal.me/CANA108. 

Can I write this donation off on my taxes? 
Yes! Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations to CANA and CANA projects are tax-deductible. Please contact our treasurer at clevelandpark108@gmail.com. 

How can I help with fundraising efforts?
Spread our message! Share our goal! Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to check out our space at Cleveland Park. Encourage them to make a donation via check or PayPal. If they can’t make a monetary donation, ask them to share our flyer or share our message on Facebook. Ask your local business contacts to support our project through sponsorship and donations. We can’t hit our $85,000 goal without you!

I have another question. Who can I contact?
With questions regarding the playground improvement project or CANA in general, please reach out to President George Heeren at clevelandpark108@gmail.com. ​

A big THANK YOU to 100+ people who made it to Safe Fest & Pancake Breakfast today at Cleveland Park! The rain held off, the sun shined bright for a while, and a good time was had by all. Our volunteers enjoyed hosting everyone and we are pleased to announce the winners of our giveaways today:
- Briggs Lamb - Adventureland tickets
- Zuriel Shehann - HyVee $50 meat package gift certificate
- Amelia Bockoven - Kernels "Party at the Park" ticket package
- Annalee Beltz, Savannah Becker & Teresa Myers - car seats

Winners have been contacted or will be contacted with additional information on their prizes. Thank you to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Cedar Rapids Central Fire Station, and Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association - Cedar Rapids, Iowa for donating the prizes!

THANK YOU to the volunteers with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Safe Kids Linn County for making this event possible! THANK YOU to organizers with Cedar Rapids Central Church of Christ, Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association, and the Cedar Rapids Jaycees for planning and executing this event. We can't wait to bring it back in 2020!

​Photos from Safe Fest & Pancake Breakfast have been posted on the CANA Facebook page! Check them out here:www.facebook.com/CANA108/photos *Tag, share, and download to share your photos with friends!*

CANA raised over $400 from the pancake breakfast and donations to our 2020 park improvements project. Thank you to everyone who donated and enjoyed breakfast with us! 

CANA June 2019 Meeting Minutes
Attendance: George Heeren, Carleta Cherry, Nicole Schroeder, Ashley Vanorny, Denise Klemp, Gary Keller, Annette Lorenz, Greg Smith, and Lt. Harrison
Call To Order: 7:00PM

• Lt. Harrison - Cedar Rapids Police Department
  • Review of CRPD Calls for Service in Cleveland Area
  • Reminder of 9pm routine to check car and home doors, lights, windows, and locks to reduce risk of break-ins
  • CANA's "Coffee with a Cop" will be held this coming Wednesday, June 19th from 9am to 11am at HyVee on Johnson Ave NW
• Treasurer's Report - Nicole Schroeder (Acting Treasurer)
  • After today's $400 deposit from City reimbursement, current balance of bank account is $3,735.52.
  • Outstanding bills include permit fees for 6/22 Safe Fest as well as other miscellaneous expenses for Safe Fest. Final payments due will be settled after the festival as we are combining expenses with Central Church of Christ. 
• Chief Greg Smith - Cedar Rapids Fire Department
  • Review of City News
  • Over 700 in attendance at CRFD's 150th Anniversary Celebration at Fire Station #1 last weekend
  • "Coffee with a Firefighter" will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd from 9am to 11am at HyVee on Johnson Ave NW
• Annette Lorenz - Safe CR
  • Nicole Schroeder reported overgrown lawn that is obstructing line of sight for vehicles exiting the Jefferson High School lower parking lot at the bottom of Chandler St. Property address is 2101 Chandler St SW. This is a vacant property as of the early 2019 fire. Property has been ordered to be demolished or repaired by July 15th. Since the report of overgrown lawn last week, the property has been cleared of lawn debris and grass has been mowed. For reference, city code is a maximum of 12 inches in height. 
  • Gary Keller reported broken glass to the Parks Department in the restrooms at the Cleveland Park Pavilion early last week. It has since been cleaned up. 
  • Chief Greg Smith said that charcoal briquettes should NOT be disposed of in the grass or yardy carts after grilling. Briquettes should be watered down and disposed of properly where there is no risk for heating/fire. 
• Councilwoman Ashley Vanorny - City of Cedar Rapids District 5
  • July 13th is "Ride the District" bike ride. Ashley will be joined by Councilwoman Poe and the ride will be split into two days: one day specifically in District 5, the other day throughout the entire city.
  • Cleveland Elementary School will be in the first round of schools rebuilt in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. The new school will be built on the same property and opened in 2021. More information to come on that.
  • The City is looking for a new, clean, and simple flag design. Design applications will be accepted through November 2019. 
  • George questioned if Ashley knew anything about the land development near the Cedar Rapids Airport. Ashley commented that the land is willingly being sold for development by the current land owners. 
• Safe Fest 2019
  • Safety fair is this Saturday. We will set up beginning at 7am at the park. HyVee will be delivering the pancake batter and pre-cooked sausage links at 7:30am. CANA is providing milk, juice, and water. We will NOT be doing eggs this year. This is different than years past. Nicole will update Safe Fest information to reflect this. Festival starts at 8am and runs until 12pm. Most in attendance at tonight's meeting will be volunteering for CANA as well as others who were not in attendance at the meeting tonight. 
• Playground Updates
  • George, Galen, and Nicole will be meeting with Parks Director Scott Hock on Tuesday 6/25 at 2pm at Cleveland Park to discuss playground equipment and a preliminary footprint/design to approach businesses, sponsors, etc. Others are welcome. We are looking for a total fundraising amount of $85,000 through direct mail, online marketing, and sponsorships/donations from businesses. 
  • We have the pedestals for the soon-to-be sign install by the City!

​Meeting adjourned at 8:01pm. 


UPDATE 6/19/19, per Councilwoman Ashley Vanorny: Coolidge (NOT Cleveland) Elementary is scheduled for phase 1 of the CR schools master plan scheduled for replacement and opening 2021.

Q: Where is Safe Fest located?
A: Safe Fest 2019 will be held at Cleveland Park in Cedar Rapids. The park address is 1600 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404. 

Q: When is this event?
A: Safe Fest 2019 will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 from 8am to 12pm. 

Q: How much does it cost to attend? 
A; Admission to Safe Fest is FREE! Yes, totally free. The only part that costs is the pancake breakfast hosted by Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association. It is $5 per person. 

Q: Where do I register for this event?
A: No event pre-registration is required. You can RSVP on the Facebook event ahead of time. Registration will be REQUIRED on-site at the welcome table(s) for your children to be photographed with the mascots and participate in the giveaways. 

Q: What is happening at Safe Fest?
A: At Safe Fest 2019, there will be five (5) safety stations for the kids learn, play games, and meet their favorite mascots. Safety stations include Stranger Danger with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Car Seat Safety, Bike Safety with Safe Kids Linn County and the Cedar Rapids Jaycees, Fire Safety with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, and Poison and Drug Safety. We are happy to host some local mascots, including Mr. Shucks from the Cedar Rapids Kernels, McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky with the Fire Department, and more. Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association will also be hosting a pancake breakfast to raise money for Cleveland Park improvements, including a brand-new ADA compliant playground. 

Q: You said free stuff! What prizes are available at the event?
A: We are proud to be giving away 100 bike helmets to the first 100 kids at the Bike Safety station, thanks to the Cedar Rapids Jaycees. The Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association will be giving away three (3) car seats to lucky winners as well as a $50 meat package gift certificate. Central Church of Christ has graciously donated two (2) four-packs of tickets to Adventureland in Altoona, IA. Plus other cool stuff! More will be announced at the festival. 

Q: Will there be food and beverages available? 
​A: The Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association will be hosting a pancake breakfast, which will include pancakes. sausage, juice, and water. Cost for this breakfast is $5 per person. It will be available from 8am to 12pm. A big thank you to HyVee on Johnson Avenue for donating the food and beverage items. 

Q: Where is parking for this event?
A: At Cleveland Park, there will be very limited parking. There will be on-street parking around the park. There is also parking at Central Church of Christ across 1st Avenue. We will be hosting crossing guards for families to cross 1st Avenue safely. 

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The festival will go on - rain or shine! The only reason for cancelling would be severe weather, including high winds or lightning. Festival organizers will make the call as soon as possible, if severe weather is a threat. Please follow the Facebook event for updates on this. 

Q: Where can I find the photo of my child from the event?
A: Photos from the event will be available on the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association Facebook page for download. 

Q: Who puts on this event? 
A: Safe Fest 2019 is organized by 100% volunteers. Volunteers have come together from Central Church of Christ, Safe Kids Linn County, the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association, the Cedar Rapids Jaycees, CRPD, CRFD, and beyond to make this event happen -- free of charge to families in the Cleveland Park area. 

Q: Will this be an annual event in Cedar Rapids?
A: We hope so! As 2019 is our first year, we will gauge the interest level and costs associated after the event and determine if we will be hosting this again in 2020. Your support will help determine this! 

Q: How do I get involved or volunteer for Safe Fest?
A: If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nicole Schroeder with Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association or register online via SignUpGenius. 

Q: I have another question. Who can I contact?
A: Any further questions can be emailed to clevelandpark108@gmail.com. Thank you! 

7:00 Call to Order
Introduction of new City Liaison Chief Greg Smith, Newly appointed Cedar Rapids Fire Chief.

705-Treasury Update 961.52, 4.00 savings total 965.52 in the CANA bank accounty. 3 rd Quarter report filed with the city. Of the $10,000 from the city neighborhood fund, we have spent 5065.22 this year, leaving us 4934.78 spend. I have a check for renewal of our PO box for $92, and upcoming this month will be our group insurance bill for the neighborhood association, which increased from $250 a year t0 $450.

7:10- LT. Harrison-review of numbers of police incident summary. See Email attachment of form for this this month. Car theft was up to 4 from 1 this last year, matching a trend city/region  wide, likely related to the winter weather running later this year. Otherwise, number are similar to last year.

720-Annette Lorenz Safe CR discussed with group updates of Safe CR program. Discussed how our neighborhood has been rather stable. Again talked about if any concerns of nuisance property in your area, can call Safe CR at 319-286-5720

25 – Chief Smith discussed anniversary of Cedar Rapids Fire department, 150 years this year, noting first 25 years as volunteer department and now 125 years as city service. Plans to have event with upcoming downtown farmers market with citizen appreciation event. Also CRFD will be holding an open house June 15 from 11-2pm in celebration of 150 years.

7:30- discussion of upcoming Kids Safety Fair June 22, 2019 at Cleveland park. This in in conjunction with the city with involvement of Police, Fire as well as other area Agencies. Concentrated areas will include Bike safety, Stranger danger, Poison/drug awareness, and fire safety. Discussion of the different groups that will be there and booths that will be set up. Organizing possible prizes for kids that complete the safety stations. In turn, CANA will be purchasing a couple of Car seats as door prizes and the Cedar Rapids Jaycees have offered to purchase Bike helmets as door prizes. Mr. Schucks and the Kernels will have there program there, as well as Sparky and Mcgruff the crime dog, and applied for Herky to come as well.

​7:35-discussion of upcoming roadwork in our area around 8 th street to start some time end of June to early July. Some work at the end of 18 th St is currently going on with drainage there, and there will be other resurfacing in the area upcoming as well. 

7:40-update on History happens here walking history signs. Last update George had was that this year they will being doing half of our 23 signs in our area, and finish the other half the next fiscal year.

740- discussion of city having budgeted this year for new equipment in Cleveland park, total of$86,000 of new equipment to replace existing equipment. Discussion of looking for other organizations to partner with city on other possible equipment for older kids, such as climbing tree. If anybody knows of organizations or businesses that would like to partner with this projects, they can contact the Parks department and ask about the Friend of the park program and how they might be able to help. Ideas such as addition of a rope climbing tree, which can cost over $20,000 for the tree not including the groundwork around the equipment. Noleridge park is an example of a part that had partnership for payment of their equipment with a donation
from an area insurance agency.

750- Scott Eckman Of Central Church of Christ spoke of Churches charitable activities including recent clothing drive, organization of furniture drive, and his experience as well with Matthew 25 and their gardens.

7:55 end of meeting

Attached – police sheet of stats, DEA RX takeback April 27, 2019 @ 10am-2pm CRPD med drop off and Drive up location med drop off Sunner memorial park 701 valor way SW, Opiod Town Hall ting April 18, 2019 4-7pm Cedar rapids library Attendance: , Gary keller, George Heeran, Denise Klemp, Annette Lorenz(kids safe), Lt. Toby Harrison (CRPD), Chief Greg Smith CRFD, Scott Eckman Church of Christ

Minutes by Gary Keller, CANA Treasurer.

​Tonight's meeting has been CANCELLED. We will not be rescheduling this March meeting. We will meet next on Monday, April 15th at 7:00pm. Again, we will have updates on the Kids' Safety Fair project, planned park updates, and other local happenings in addition to our general association update. 

If you have any specific questions, comments, or concerns, please reply via email or reach out to George Heeren or Nicole Schroeder directly. 

Thank you for your understanding!