The Observation Deck

In no particular order:

1. Hobbs the cat at the Bookstore in Lakewood,

2. The coffee at the Root Cafe,

3. The shelves of used books for sale at the Empty Nest,

4. The PB&J 2.0 sandwich at Nature's Oasis,

5. The chocolate chip cookies at Blackbird,

6. The black bean soup at the West End Tavern,

7. and, anything from Sweet Designs.

8. The potatoes at The Coffee Pot.

So far this thread would seem to support the contention that Lakewood is Foodwood.

Plus books (and a bookstore cat). Continuing on that theme, I really like the library. I have been to many in the region and ours is so nice. I also (obviously) really like the little free libraries.

I like our homegrown newspaper, too.

Community Participation On The Observation Deck.

Close to Metroparks.

How about the proximity to Downtown?

Walkability

Home with character

Diversity & relative acceptance of it

LakewoodAlive (full disclosure I'm a board member)

Lakewood Park

The shear number of parks!

Food options

Sunsets in Lakewood are second to none, and they look different based on where you are. Solstice Steps vs. Clifton Beach

Things That Are GREAT About Lakewood include:

BECK CENTER for the Arts..Classes in Theater, Dance, Art, exhibitions, recitals, and performances of Plays, Dance etc... FOR ALL AGES!!!

The LIBRARY....with meeting space on top of it's wide assortment of books and other reference materials. Programs presented on a regular basis FOR ALL AGES!!!

Lakewood RECREATION..ALL types of activities...FOR ALL AGES...sports to arts. I still remember my Mom and I taking Conversational Italian..it's been a while...I helped liquidate a Metaphysical shop and took an Astrology Class there. What Fun!

THE PEOPLE: I recently lost my keys in the snow very late at night..actually about 3:45am and didn't realize that I had done so until 4pm the next day Saturday). I had gotten into my home but went back out to take my trash can to the back yard and that would have been when I dropped my keys. Saturday afternoon, I, of course, was frantic! I couldn't see a thing in the dark. I decided to try to sleep (Saturday night) because I had to sing in my church choir the next morning and THEN go out and dig around in the daylight. ( I did not sleep well!)

A few people told me - "you live in the rough - east end of Lakewood. Kiss your keys goodbye."

On Sunday morning, I found a note on my car. A delightful man named David, said he had found my keys and that I could call him to pick them up. He had looked around to see cars of the make listed on the car key!

After church, I met David and thanked him. He was WALKING when he found my keys...doesn't have a car ...lives in an apartment building several blocks from my home. Went back to put on that note. WHAT A GREAT GUY!!!

PEOPLE ARE THE BEST PART OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO!!!

bentleymike wrote: Sunsets in Lakewood are second to none, and they look different based on where you are. Solstice Steps vs. Clifton Beach

Pam Wetula wrote:Things That Are GREAT About Lakewood include:

BECK CENTER for the Arts..Classes in Theater, Dance, Art, exhibitions, recitals, and performances of Plays, Dance etc... FOR ALL AGES!!!

The LIBRARY....with meeting space on top of it's wide assortment of books and other reference materials. Programs presented on a regular basis FOR ALL AGES!!!

PEOPLE ARE THE BEST PART OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO!!!

Things I love about Lakewood.

1) The schools, especially the new schools.

New education wing at LHS

2) The Lakewood Public Library, n top library in America year after year. James Crawford and staff have done a great job building on what Ken Warren started,

Dedication of New Lakewood Public Library

3) The ability for a small start-up move from home to store front with cheap rents, then build and grow. "because I said I would," "Melt," and the "Lakewood Observer," are all perfect examples.

Matt Fish owner, creator of Melt.

4) Lakewood Fire, Police and City Service crews. I have followed them, driven with them, observed them for 16 years and longer. We are lucky.=


Lakewood Police in stand off with the man holding a 45 automatic gun, that had just killed Shawn Joslin at McDonalds.

5) Housing stock, ambience. Lakewood is a perfect community to find a partner at a local bar, restaurant or park. Move in together. Get serious and contiplate children. Move into a larger structure. Send those kids to great schools, taking them to great parks, when then move out find condos and aparments with ease for the older folks and great views. Lakewood is the perfect incubator community on every level.

6) Parks, especially Metro Parks and the Emerald Canyon. A 150 mile park that surrounds the city of Lakewood and Cleveland. Biking, hiking, golf, horse trails, stables, world class fishing, and wildlife on the rebound that is just amazing.

Bald Eagles back in the parks, this mating pair have given birth to at least 8 babies, some are still in the area!

7) The people! Could have been first. Engaged residents that get involved in community efforts, and often put their money where their hearts are. Every community I go to comments on how engaged Lakewood residents are. Damn I wish City Hall would just pay more attention.


LakewoodAlive, especially Allison Urbanek and her crew. She filled shoes that I thought would be impossible to fill. Her love of the community and helping and saving both old structures, and neighborhoods is just amazing. Talk to her sometime, she radiates her love and respect for the community.


9) Very self serving here. Everyone that has taken part in the Lakewood Observer Project. Over 7,000 people have stepped up to share their stories, photos, illustrations and more. Ask anyone in media, there is nothing like it anywhere else in America. To each and everyone thank you.


peace/love

The Y

https://www.clevelandymca.org/lakewood.html

The longstanding administration of the Lakewood Court System provided by the Honorable Judge Patrick Carroll.

Accountability and compassion make a community great.

Lakewood Hardware

Having a good hardware store is vital to the community.

james fitzgibbons wrote:Lakewood Hardware

Having a good hardware store is vital to the community.

I agree.

Lakewood Hardware is vital to happiness and productivity.

Angelo's.
Where we can share a great small pizza and a great large salad, with a glass of Chianti, and still feel good about what we ate.

Inclusivity!

“Democrats” controlling Lakewood City government are believed to be “Republicans” but the Lakewood Dem Club allows many “Republicans” (in drag as Democrats) as members of the club.