Cleveland Foundation continues support for redesigned Public Square with $100,000 grant for community programming

release date: 11.14.2016

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Foundation board of directors today announced a $100,000 grant to support ongoing community programming on Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza in Public Square. This grant to the Group Plan Commission continues the foundation’s support for the Square, including an $8 million centennial grant in 2014 for the transformation of Public Square and the creation of Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza. 

Since the Square’s reopening in June 2016, inclusive community programming has drawn new and diverse visitors to the space. This latest grant will support the continuation of high-quality programming in the coming year, with a focus on attracting a wide range of audiences. Community engagement event categories will include education, music, art, culture, wellness, recreation, and food.   

“The Cleveland Foundation is proud to reiterate our support for this vibrant gathering place in the heart of our city,” said Ronn Richard, President and CEO. “We hope this revitalized Public Square will continue to be a welcoming and engaging destination for all Greater Clevelanders and visitors.”

The Cleveland Foundation also announced it will present a free day of ice skating on Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink, to coincide with the return of Winterfest in Public Square.

From 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 26, skaters will enjoy free skate rentals and a free 45-minute session on the ice, weather permitting. Tickets are required and will be distributed at Public Square on Nov. 26 on a first come, first served basis; no more than 150 tickets will be distributed per time slot. The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink will remain open for the season until Feb. 28, 2017 with skating available for $10 per skater, which includes skate rental. Additionally, Holiday Friends and Family 10-packs will be available for sale on-site. The Group Plan Commission will apply proceeds from the rink to future programming in Public Square.

“Cleveland Foundation’s generous support of Public Square Programming and Operations extends our ability to provide ongoing free activities and events to the entire community on the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza and Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink,” said Sanaa E. Julien, CEO, Public Square Programming and Operations. “Public Square’s financial and social impact is now being realized and ongoing activation will further the Group Plan Commission’s mission of transforming the heart of our city for today’s Clevelanders and for generations to come.” 

Details about Winterfest programming are available via:
http://www.downtowncleveland.com/events/winterfest

Additional information about Cleveland Public Square programming is available via:
http://www.clevelandpublicsquare.com