Parma Heights highlights youth sports, Earth Day, new senior bus and $400,000 forestry grant

Recreation and city administrators used the April 22 Parma Heights City Council meeting to outline spring and summer community programming and recent capital improvements.

Recreation Director Bacci told the council that youth softball, baseball and T‑ball registrations close today and that registration and uniform sponsorships will close May 1. She listed upcoming events: a summer craft session on May 11 (12–2 p.m., $5 per person), an Earth Day celebration April 27 (1–4 p.m. at Greenbrier Commons) and a Youth Sports Night on July 23. Bacci said the Cleveland Guardians invited registered youth to participate in a July 23 pre‑game parade and pre‑game batting practice; tickets were listed at $23 in Section 121 and check‑in for participating children will begin at 9:00 a.m. for the ribbon cutting once details are finalized with the Guardians' charity.

Mayor Gallo reported that the senior center served or delivered 1,293 meals in the previous two weeks, that the city received a new bus (delivered April 19) and that senior membership has grown by 61 people since Jan. 1. The mayor also announced a $400,000 forestry grant; crews have begun planting trees and an arborist has been contracted to assist with planting and maintenance.

The mayor noted the Nathan Hale ribbon cutting and confirmed plans for the Memorial Day parade on May 27, and she read a proclamation designating April 28 as Workers' Memorial Day. Council removed a separate agenda item that duplicated the proclamation.

These updates are informational; no new policy was adopted. Departments were directed to follow up on logistics for community events and to coordinate scheduling where special meetings will be required (the library project will require Planning Commission time and possible special council meetings).