Happy Anniversary Southgate Farm! April 1, 2025 will mark 5 years of partnership between the City of Green and Southgate Farm, located in Southgate Park. Rachel Bellis,
along with her husband Justin Turner, began farming at Southgate in 2020. With successful harvests each year, Southgate Farm offers a farm shop in the main barn, opening for the season on May 1, 2025. The shop includes
Southgate Farm produce, pastured meats, and homemade products. The farm also offers CSA (community supported agriculture) shares. Learn more about Southgate Farm at southgatefarm.com
Text to 9-1-1 Now Available for Emergencies
Text to 9-1-1 is now available in Summit County! In critical situations when calling isn’t possible, you can now send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for help. This is especially useful for the hearing impaired, those in dangerous situations, or anyone who feels safer communicating via text.
Remember to include your location and the nature of the emergency. If you can call, please do, as voice communication is fastest! Stay safe and spread the word!
Rocco Yeargin, Mayor mayor@cityofgreen.org (330) 896-6602
Spring is one of my favorite seasons because it’s baseball season—my sport of choice. There’s just something about a sunny spring day at the ballpark that brings back all the good feelings of being a kid at the sandlot, stepping up to the plate with a big swing and boundless hope. It’s a season of fresh starts, extra innings, and the chance to turn small moments into big wins.
As mayor, I’m thrilled to throw out the first pitch at our new Adaptive Sports Field at Kleckner Park this spring—a field where every kid, regardless of ability, will have a chance to step up to bat, round the bases, and return home. This project is a grand slam for inclusion, ensuring that every child gets in the game. Whether it’s their first at-bat or they’ve been in the game for years, every player deserves a shot at knocking it out of the park. See page 12 for more details.
But the momentum doesn’t stop there. The City’s indoor recreation facility, being built alongside the Green Middle School, is under roof and making its way toward the final stretch, with a grand opening planned for early November. Originally referenced as Community Courts— a placeholder name because of the various sports courts it will house, including pickleball, basketball, and volleyball—this facility is stepping up with a brand-new name.
I am pleased to announce that Community Courts is now The CORE—Green’s Center of Recreation & Education. This new name hits home because it perfectly illustrates the role this facility plays in our city’s lineup of recreation options. Strategically positioned in the center (aka core) of our City, this facility will be a place where our community can come together, connect, and strengthen the bonds that make Green such a winning team. Just like a strong core is essential to athletic performance, The CORE will be a central hub for recreation and learning—helping residents of all ages build endurance, resilience, and lifelong friendships.
Spring is here, bringing new energy and opportunities for our community. In baseball, you score by making it home—and in Green, we thrive by building a community where everyone feels at home.
Opening November 2025
Featuring:
• Four full size basketball courts
• Indoor turf field
• Elevated walking track
• Two studios
City of Green Contact Information:
General Information (330) 896-5500
Mayor’s Office (330) 896-6602
City Council (330) 896-6604
Engineering Department (330) 896-5510
Finance Department (330) 896-6603
Highway/Stormwater Division (330) 896-6607
Human Resources Division (330) 896-4138
Income Tax Division (330) 896-6622
Law Department
Lisa Carey Dean, Law Director (330) 896-6615
Parks & Recreation Division (330) 896-6621
Planning Department (330) 896-6614
Public Service Department (330) 896-4176
Zoning Division (330) 896-6605
9-1-1 Emergency
Fire Division Non-Emergency Number (330) 896-6610
Summit County Sheriff Non-Emergency Number (330) 643-2181
Connect with us
@cityofgreenohio
@cityofgreenoh /cityofgreenohio
/green-ohio
cityofgreen.org
news CITY
At the 2025 City Council Organizational Meeting, Jeff Noble was voted in as the 2025 Council President and Justin Speight as the Vice President. In addition, the 2025 City Council Committee Assignments were decided and are listed below.
City Council Committees
Finance
Gerard Neugebauer*
Clark DeVitis**
CJ Meager
Environmental & Parks
Rick Miller
Justin Speight
Barb Babbitt
Rules & Personnel
Jeff Noble
Barb Babbitt
Rick Miller
Transportation, Connectivity, & Stormwater
CJ Meager
Jeff Noble
Gerard Neugebauer
Public Safety
Barb Babbitt
Rick Miller
Clark DeVitis
Intergovernmental & Utilities
Justin Speight
CJ Meager
Jeff Noble
*First council member listed is chair of the committee. **Second listed is vice chair of the committee. Contact city council at 330-896-6604 or council@cityofgreen.org
Planning & Economic Development
Clark DeVitis
Gerard Neugebauer
Justin Speight
City Council Meetings
Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Central Administration Building, 1755 Town Park Blvd. cityofgreen.org/Council
Three Ways to Stay Informed on Council Proceedings
• Attend in person. These are open public meetings and all are invited to attend.
• Tune in to the live stream of the meetings at cityofgreen.org/videos. Recordings are also archived on this page. This is a great option if you just want to view a particular legislation discussion. Simply pull up the video and click on the legislation in the agenda to take you to that portion of the meeting.
• Local access channel available online. The City of Green Cable access channel is available online at cityofgreen.org/GreenTV or via channel 1022 for Spectrum customers. These meetings are replays, not live productions. Tune into either to see the schedule of replay for Council and other public meetings.
CJ Meager, Ward 2
Barbara Babbitt, Ward 1
Clark DeVitis, at-Large
Jeff Noble, President, Ward 4
Rick Miller, Ward 3
Gerard Neugebauer, at-Large
Justin Speight, Vice President, at-Large
news CITY
Income Tax Information
2024 City Income Tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
Who Must File:
• Residents & Partial-Year Residents: All residents of Green aged 18 and older, including partial-year residents, must file a return, regardless of taxable income. Partial-year residents are subject to Green income tax on earnings made while residing in the city.
• Non-Residents: Non-residents who work in Green and whose employer has not withheld Green income tax must file.
• Rental Property Owners: Non-residents who own rental property within Green are required to file.
Volunteer of the Year
At the City of Green’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, Mayor Rocco Yeargin honored volunteer Carl “Rocky” Wargo as the City’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year.
Ways to Get Involved
Become a Park Ambassador: These volunteers support Green's Parks & Recreation by providing information, promoting stewardship, assisting at events, patrolling trails, checking facilities, and advocating for the park system.
Join the Garlic Mustard War: Pull Garlic Mustard, an invasive species, from our parks on May 3 from 8 am – 12 pm.
Learn more at cityofgreen.org/Volunteer
• Real Estate Agents & Brokers: Those earning commissions on property sales in Green must file.
• Businesses & Contractors: Any business, contractor, or subcontractor operating within Green must comply with filing requirements.
Online filing and fillable forms available at cityofgreen.org/tax or contact the City’s Tax Office at 330-896-6622.
New Income Tax DropBox
During the Summer of 2024 the secure income tax drop box moved locations. It is now located on the side of the Central Administration Building, 1755 Town Park Blvd, facing the parking lot, near the electric vehicle chargers. There is signage in place to guide visitors.
news CITY
Green Fire Expands Outreach Programs
Community Outreach Social Worker Offers Mental Health Support
The Green Fire Division recently expanded its community outreach and safety education team by adding a part-time mental health community outreach associate. This new team member, a licensed social worker, will work alongside fire and sheriff deputies to connect residents with vital mental health resources and services.
Green Outreach Team (GO Team)
The Green Outreach (GO) Team is a Quick Response Team that follows up on emergency calls involving overdoses or drug use. A fire medic, sheriff deputy, and social worker visit individuals affected by addiction to offer support and connect them with resources. While the team primarily assists individuals who have experienced an overdose, they are also available to help families seeking guidance for a loved one in need of treatment.
Services for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities
Community Paramedicine
The Community Paramedicine program promotes safe and independent living for seniors by providing advocacy and ensuring compliance with recommended medical treatments. This initiative helps older residents maintain their health and well-being at home.
Residential Knox-Boxes
To assist emergency responders, the City of Green provides Residential Knox Boxes, secure key safes accessible only to first responders. These are available at no cost to seniors, shutins, or individuals with medical or mobility concerns, based on availability.
Life Alert Programs
For eligible seniors, the City of Green offers Life Alert, a medical alert system designed to ensure a rapid response in home health emergencies.
Drug Task Force Scholarship open to Graduating Seniors
High school seniors who currently reside in Green and meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for $1,000 scholarship at cityofgreen.org/DrugTaskForce.
• Have been impacted by substance abuse, lives or have lived apart from a parent or guardian due to the parent/guardian substance abuse; and/or
• Are pursuing a career in addiction recovery services
Application deadline is April 25, 2025 at 4 pm. The scholarship will be awarded in May.
Most services are provided free of charge, regardless of income, except for the Life Alert program, which requires income eligibility. Through these programs, the City of Green Fire Division remains dedicated to keeping the community safe, informed, and prepared. To learn more, visit cityofgreen.org/fire or call 330-899-6609.
New METRO Program: METRO NEXT
METRO Regional Transit Authority recently launched METRO NEXT, a pilot program designed to bridge the gap between southern Summit County communities and METRO Direct fixed-line routes. This program offers curb-to-curb service within the Service Zone from 8 am to 5 pm. Each trip is five dollars for passengers, with an option to transfer to METRO’s fixed-route service. METRO NEXT will provide more frequent, reliable, and accessible transit options to southern Summit County residents with improved connectivity. Learn more at yourmetrobus.org/NEXT
news CITY
Seasonal & Part-Time Positions Available in Green
Each year Green hires 20 to 25 seasonal staff members to help meet the needs of our busy summer season. In addition to these positions, we anticipate several full-time positions opening in the coming months in various departments including administration, fire, and service. Visit cityofgreen.org/careers for the latest job postings.
Site / Sports Field Monitor
$12.15 - $15.15/per hour based on experience
Splash Pad Attendant
$10.80 - $13.80/per hour based on experience
Summer Day Camp Staff
$12.15 - $15.15/per hour based on experience
Seasonal Laborer
Seasonal Laborer I
$12.85 - $18.00/per hour based on experience
Seasonal Laborer II
$14.90 - $20.90/per hour based on experience
Fabric of Our Community
2024 City of Green Annual Report
“Our community of Green is made up all sorts of families and individuals who collectively make up our story, our place, and our community – very similar to the pieces that make up a quilt. As mayor, my goal is to ensure that every resident in Green feels their name is proudly stitched into the fabric of our community.”
– Rocco Yeargin, Mayor
Financials
Green is in a solid position financially - making the City well-equipped to meet our needs and continuing to build a sustainable future for our community. With more than 1000 businesses in our community and not one business making up more than 2% of our income tax revenue, we are able to weather businesses leaving or closing without much impact on our financials.
General Fund balance as of 2024 $22,977,636
A strong fiscal foundation is the bedrock of delivering the essential services that uplift and sustain our community. As a municipality, our focus is on providing services that flourish through collective effort and shared responsibility—services like EMS, fire and public safety, community parks, roads, highways, and more. Together, these are the investments that make Green a great place to live, work, and thrive.
Safety Services
Green Fire Division responded to nearly 5,200 calls—a slight decrease from 2023. As has been the ongoing trend, 80% of these calls were EMS-related. While there was a 2.9% decrease in calls in 2024, we believe this number reflects a momentary dip rather than a lasting trend.
145 city employees
Policing Services
The City of Green continues to contract with the Summit County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) for policing services. With dedicated patrol deputies, one K-9 officer, and five school resource officers, these safety professionals serve as an extension of the City offering the highest level of service to our community.
In collaboration with the SCSO, the city installed 14 FLOCK cameras at key intersections and roads throughout the City. These cameras represent our proactive approach to law enforcement, leveraging technology to prevent crimes and catch offenders efficiently. FLOCK cameras work by scanning license plates and using a connected database to assist law enforcement in solving and preventing crimes.
Green by the Numbers in 2024
Population 27,475*
$269,400 average home cost
2.51 persons per household
$92,653 median household income
$2.2 million in grant funds in 2024
Infrastructure
The City’s plan for our roadways and infrastructure is to maintain what we have, leverage state and federal funding, and make connections throughout our city to alleviate any congestion points. In 2024 and again in 2025, there will be no major road construction planned. The next major infrastructure improvement will be Arlington Road from Boettler Road to just south of SR619. This project will begin construction in 2026. Once the two-year project is completed, our major corridors should meet our traffic needs for years to come.
Service and Maintenance
Cemeteries
With all traditional plots at our two city cemeteries sold, the City is constructing a columbarium at Greensburg Cemetery. The columbarium, an above ground structure typically constructed of stone with niches for the interment of funerary urns, will be completed in Spring 2025. For more information and pricing on purchasing a columbarium niche, visit cityofgreen.org/cemeteries
17 snowplows
tons3,181 of asphalt used to repave roadways in 2024
125 new home permits issued in 2024
Business Growth & Expansion
• Sargent Clean continues to complete its expansion and is expected to open its second car wash tunnel this spring.
• Neuro Behavioral Clinic Research is building on to their existing facility along Aultman Road.
• Apollo 3 Bowling, the former Turkeyfoot Lanes on Main Street, is under new ownership and opened in 2024 after extensive renovation.
The following new restaurant options are now open in Green: Bahia Bowls, Noodles & Company, Waylon’s Ice Cream, Kittles Brick Oven Pub, Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill, the Whimsical Whiskers Cat Café and Rescue, and Confessional Coffee & Pastries
Fifteen other retail and service businesses including Hometown Roofing, Prime Commercial Roofing, and Tire Source opened in Green this past year.
Mayor Rocco Yeargin launched Engaging Green, a biannual event for local businesses to learn about happenings in the City, available programs and opportunities, and networking. The first one, held in October 2024 at MAPS Air Museum, was attended by more than 100 business leaders.
Community Engagement
• Our Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Serra Auto Group, in Central Park was such a hit, its returning in 2025!
• On April 8, 2024, we hosted a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the Solar Eclipse with more than 2,000 attendees joining in the fun at Central Park.
• The Mayor created a Public Art Focus Group to gage interest in expanding public art. As a result, the City received a $50,000 grant from ArtsNow to create a Public Arts plan and fund an art installation.
• Through legislation, City Council created a Veterans Advisory Commission to advise the administration and council on ways to serve, honor, and remember our veterans within our community.
• Residents met with the Mayor at the Mayor’s Morning Meet-ups, held on the last Friday of the month at 9 am, to share ideas and feedback over a cup of coffee.
• Fourteen residents completed the 4th Green Leadership Initiative Class in 2024. Since its inception more than 50 individuals have completed the course with approximately 30% of graduates now serving our community in a volunteer capacity on City boards and commissions or local organizations.
Giving Back
$197,000 raised by the Green Great 8 Race Series for local non-profits. cityofgreen.org/Great8
2,000+ volunteer hours
• Mayor Yeargin honored Carl “Rocky” Wargo, executive director of Camp Y-Noah, as the 2024 Volunteer of the year at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in October.
Park Improvements
Construction began on The CORE, a recreational facility featuring sports courts, an indoor turf field, elevated walking track, and multipurpose studio space, in collaboration with Green Local Schools and the construction of the new Middle School. The CORE is set to open in November 2025.
Construction began on the Willadale Trail, an almost 1-mile nature trail connecting Southgate and Boettler Park to Koons Road in 2024, and will be completed in Spring 2025.
Construction of the new Kleckner Adaptive Sports Field, completely funded through grant money and donations, is almost completed and will be set to play ball once baseball season commences in Spring 2025.
Amount$367,000 donated to the Green Community Fund endowment as of December 31, 2024. greencommunityfund.org
15 parks
$40,000 in scholarships to Green High School students by the Green Schools Foundation in 2024. greenschoolsfoundation.org
15 miles of trails in Green parks
Honor a Veteran with a Banner or Commemorative Paver
Purchase a banner to honor a veteran or active military member to be displayed at Veterans Memorial Park from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Banners include the Veteran’s name, photo, branch of service, or war in which they served. In addition to banners, commemorative bricks are also available for a Memorial Day 2025 installation. Details and pricing available at cityofgreen.org/register (click on commemorative items.)
New Park Signs
Willadale Trail Opens Soon at Boettler Park
Willadale Trail, an almost 1 mile trail, runs from Boettler and Southgate Park to Koons Road. This trail is the start to connecting Boettler Park and Central Park in the future. Willadale Trail opens in Spring 2025.
New Park Policies
Smoking & Vaping Prohibited
City Council has amended Section 97.13 of the City’s Codified Ordinances to ban any smoking or vaping from all city property. The ordinance provides an exception for Raintree Golf and Event Center which has clearly marked designated smoking areas.
No Dogs During Special Events
Just a reminder, per our new dog ordinance, dogs are not allowed in parks during special events. They are, however, allowed in our parks at other times, if they are on a 6-foot leash, owners are picking up after their dog, and dogs are up to date on all their shots.
Wayfinding signs have been installed at Boettler Park. Look forward to Southgate Park wayfinding signs in 2025!
news CITY
New 2025 Park Rental Rates
Fees for rentals of City of Green buildings have been updated for the first time since 2019. Updated rates took effect February 18, 2025.
2025 Rental Space Days
Torok Community & Senior Center
*Blocks for John Torok Community & Senior Center and Community Hall are from 7 am – 2 pm and 3 pm – 10 pm **Pavilion Blocks are from 8 am – 2 pm and from 2 pm – 8 pm
It’s Almost Opening Day for the Kleckner Adaptive Sports Field
The City of Green teamed up with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, a national non-profit organization, for the oversight and management of the installation of an adaptive and ADA-compliant youth multi-purpose field at Kleckner Park, 4820 Thursby Rd. This is the first adaptive sports field to be built as part of the Green Park system.
Thank you to our cash and in-kind donors for their generous support of $1,189,858!
This project has been fully funded; however, donations are still being collected to fund an adaptive playground, pavilion, and more! Opening day will be in Spring of 2025. Learn more at cityofgreen.org/AdaptiveField
events CITY
march
Seasonal Hiring Party
March 6 | 3 pm – 5:30 pm
Central Park Community Hall, 1795 Steese Rd
Food, games, music, and raffles at the Seasonal Hiring Party! Stop by for fun, stay to learn about open summer employment positions.
A Change of Art: A Day of Wellness, Art & Mental Health
Sponsored by the Green Drug Task Force
March 14 | 5 pm – 7 pm
Green Family YMCA, 3800 Massillon Rd
Join in creating a new art installation at The Green YMCA to honor their 25th year in Green. This family-friendly community event is free to attend. Activities include Kids’ activity area, make-and-take art, refreshments, yoga classes, a silent disco, and a mental wellness fair. Learn more at akronymca.org/GreenFamily
Inclusion and Belonging Committee’s Women Who Shaped Summit County
March 15 | 9 am
Central Administration Building, 1755 Town Park Blvd
Fortunato Film School: Raiders of the Lost Ark
March 20 | 6 pm
Central Park Community Hall, 1795 Steese Rd
Join Joe Fortunato, film professor and WAKR radio personality, for a screening of Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark with commentary.
Veterans Coffee, Donuts, and Conversation
March 22 | 10 am – 2 pm
Central Park Community Hall, 1755 Town Park Blvd
This informal, open-house style gathering provides an opportunity for veterans and their families to meet members of the Green Veterans Advisory Commission and connect with representatives from local veterans’ organizations. Learn more at cityofgreen.org/ veterans
Mayor’s Morning Meet-up
March 28 | 9 am
Green Intermediate School, 1737 Steese Rd
Enjoy a cup of coffee with Mayor Yeargin
Hope & Healing Sunday & Luncheon of Hope
March 30 | Various times based on location
Green Area Churches
Sponsored by the Drug Task Force
Green area churches share a message of hope and healing on this Sunday to support individuals and families impacted by substance abuse disorder and mental illness. New this year is a gathering of all churches for a luncheon at 12:30 pm at the Queen of Heaven Parish Life Center, 1800 Steese Road, for fellowship and to hear a message of healing from survivors of addiction. Lunch is free, although registration is requested by visiting cityofgreen.org/Hope or email communications@ cityofgreen.org
events CITY
april
Raintree Golf & Event Center Good Friday Golf Outing
April 18 | 9 am
Income Tax Filing Deadline
Tuesday | April 15
Forms and information available at cityofgreen.org/tax
Raintree Golf & Event Center, 4350 Mayfair Road
Proceeds to benefit the Green Community Fund
18 holes w/cart, range, lunch at the turn, beverages and fish fry following golf.
$100 per person/$400 per team. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place, hole contests.
Register at golfraintree.com/events
Adult Egg Scrabble
April 18 | 7 pm
Central Park, 1795 Steese Rd
Registration required.
Registration costs $25 per adult. Register at cityofgreen.org/Register
Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
April 19 | 9:30 am – 12 pm
Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt | 9:30 am
General Public Egg Hunt | 12 pm
Queen of Heaven Parish Life Center, 1800 Steese Rd
Sensory-Friendly Pancake Breakfast* | 10 am
For children with special needs and their caregivers. General Public Breakfast* | 10:30 am – 12 pm
*Presale breakfast tickets are $6 for ages 5 and up, $4 for seniors, and free for children ages 3 and under. Purchase at cityofgreen.org/bunny
Mayor’s Morning Meet-up
April 25 | 9 am
Forest Lake Neighborhood, 3440 Timber Trail
Arbor Day Celebration
April 25 | TBD
Willadale Trail at Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd
Visit cityofgreen.org/ArborDay for more information.
Drug Take Back Day
April 26 | 10 am – 2 pm
Fire Station #2, 393 East Turkeyfoot Lake Rd
Hosted by the Summit County Sheriff Department, residents may drop off unwanted, expired, or unused medications for safe disposal.
SUMMER SAVE THE DATE
FreedomFest
Saturday | June 28
Boettler Park, 5300 Massilion Rd art-A-palooza Saturday | August 16
Memorial Day in Green Monday, May 26
Pancake Breakfast at Green Fire Station #1 | 7:30 am
Hosted by our Fire Union Local #2964. Donations accepted for local nonprofit.
Community Car Show | 9 am – 3 pm
Veterans Memorial Park, 1900 Steese Rd
Fishing Derby
May 10 | 9 am – 11 am
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd
Registration begins at 8:45 am. This event is for children 12 years old and under only.
Join us for a morning of fishing and fun! There will be awards in each age group for the longest and shortest fish caught, the most fish caught, and more! Age groups include 5 years old and under, 6 to 7 years old, 8 to 9 years old, and 10 to 12 years old. Smaller children can be helped by a parent or guardian. Participants must bring their own fishing pole and bait!
Memorial Day Parade | 10 am
Parade steps off from Green High School
Parade route: Boettler Rd to Massillon Rd South (southbound lanes only) to Steese Rd to Green Middle School. Interested in participating in the parade?
Please register your group by May 23. Learn more at cityofgreen.org/MemorialDay
Memorial Day Ceremony | 12 pm
Veterans Memorial Park, 1900 Steese Rd
Honor those who sacrificed for our freedoms.
Community Picnic | 12 pm – 3 pm
John Torok Community and Senior Center, 4224 Massillon Rd
FREE, while supplies last. Hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and ice cream treats!
Mayor’s Morning Meet-up
May 30 | 9 am
Parkview at Spring Hill, 1000 Spring Hill Dr
Just like last summer, the City of Green is bringing food trucks, movies, and live music to the Central Park Amphitheater, 1795 Steese Rd. Mark your calendars! You don’t want to miss out.
Movie in the Park | Saturday, June 7
Boogie Fever & BIG 80’s concert in conjunction with the Adult Track Night | Friday, June 13
