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Parks Reimagined

Find out how city leaders are working to transform Brunswick’s parks into vibrant spaces for everyone, one investment at a time.

4095 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

Welcome Greener Future

Welcome to the 2025 edition of Take a Look at Brunswick. Thank you to the many new businesses that have made Brunswick home and to our longtime businesses that are experiencing growth and expansion.

You are invited to visit us and see for yourself what makes our community such an attractive, safe and inviting place to raise a family. Our parks system boasts over 335 acres of green space. North Park Lake has been dredged to improve the water depth and quality for decades of enjoyment into the future. Several neighborhood parks have seen playground equipment replacements, and the rec center is undergoing a few upgrades. More is planned as we implement the ideas and visions presented in our newly released Parks Master Plan.

Our partnership with the Medina County Park District enhances the opportunities for relaxation throughout the county, including a new kayak ramp at Brunswick Lake and many activities at the Susan Hambley Nature Center. The completion of Phase 3 of the scenic Plum Creek trail now connects Brunswick Lake with Plum Creek Park.

single-family homes to convenient, low-maintenance townhomes, Drees offers a variety of plans to match your lifestyle. Build from the ground up or move into a home already under construction in vibrant communities across Northeast Ohio!

Our staff is ready to help and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to your visit!

Respectfully,

Carl S. DeForest City Manager/Safety Director

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ADMINISTRATION

Carl S. DeForest, City Manager/Safety Director

Robert Safran, Police Chief

Greg Glauner, Fire Chief

Todd Fischer, Finance Director

Dennis Nevar, Law Director

Wood | (440) 276-6378 awood@dreeshomes.com

Taylor Petkovsek, Parks and Recreation Director

Grant Aungst, Community and Economic Development Director

Paul Magovac, Service Director

Tom Keppler, Project Editor & Information and Communication Manager

Gia D’Amico, Administrative Services Manager

For advertising opportunities, please call 216-377-3693. Take a Look at Brunswick is fully funded by participating advertisers. No tax dollars were used

Pool Power

Brunswick’s Girls’ swim team rises to the top with a sensational season.

By Lisa Galek

The Blue Devils girls swimming and diving team marked a first in school history by winning the Northwest Division I District at Bowling Green State University in February.

With 235 points, the team climbed to the top ahead of second-place Magnificat (183) with its 200-yard medley relay team (senior Lily Richard, sophomore Olivia Hruschak, junior Anya Dragan and sophomore Lillian Giacomazza) placing second with a time of 1:49.12.

Meanwhile, the 200 free relay team (sophomores Rylan Sheets and Giacomazza, Dragan and senior Chloe Parr) also placed second (1:38.91), despite being seeded eighth and swimming from an outside lane.

Other notable achievements were Giacomazza placing fourth individually in the 100 fly (59.13), and Rylan Sheets placing fifth in the 200 individual medley (2:14.59), while diver Alex Burns set a school record in the six dive and broke her own record.

The district championship capped a remarkable season that peaked with a Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) Championship win as well as Coach Mike Milliken being named coach of the year by the Northwest District, the GCC and the Medina Gazette

“These experiences in the pool — learning to push through challenges, working as a team, handling both success and setbacks — are preparing our students with skills that extend far beyond athletics,” says Brunswick Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer. “The entire district is proud of what these Blue Devils have achieved."

Brunswick Area Television 4274 Manhattan Ave. Brunswick, OH 330-220-1726, bat@brunswick.oh.us www.brunswick.oh.us/ brunswick-area-television

Recreation

The Brunswick rec center has something for everyone, like summer camps for kids (left); open swim (left below); or SilverSneakers classes for seniors (below).

Recreationally Speaking

Programs create a place for everyone at the Brunswick Community Recreation & Fitness Center.

By Christine Schaffran

For more than 30 years, the Brunswick Community Recreation & Fitness Center has been providing residents with a place to swim and sweat out their fitness goals in a 55,000-square-foot facility located on Center Road.

With boundless opportunities to exercise and socialize, Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek breaks down the most popular programs for children and adults as well as the top reasons to join the rec center’s more than 6,100 dedicated members.

Children’s Summer Camp

When it comes to children’s activities, there’s no topping the Children’s Summer Camp Program, Petkovsek notes. Reintroduced in 2021 after the pandemic, the weekly program hosts 120 first through fifth graders per day. Among the highlights are daily dips in the swimming pool, indoor Gaga ball and pizza Fridays. Weekly field trips to nearby attractions such as Scene 75, Fun ‘n’ Stuff, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium have been known to sweeten the deal.

Petkovsek says the program has been so successful that they are seeking ways to accommodate additional kids.

“We’re trying to come up with options to accommodate all of those in the community who need a weekly childcare program,” she says.

Adult Classes

The rec center is looking to identify more activities for people ages 18 to 35, Petkovsek says. However, there’s still plenty for adults to enjoy. If Zumba or yoga is your idea of a good workout, the dance studio is destined to become your favorite hangout. If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, pick up a paddle or a ball and try your hand at pickleball or basketball in the gymnasium. For those who prefer aquatics, water aerobics and open swim offer a kick of cardio without the pressure on your joints.

When you’re all done chipping away at calories, you can relax in the locker room sauna or relieve stress in the hot tub.

SilverSneakers

Lace up your sneakers and hit the gym, the walking track or any other amenity with your free rec center membership via SilverSneakers. Those 65 and older who qualify through Medicare Advantage plans receive a complimentary membership that includes nearly 15 weekly SilverSneakers classes, including classic workouts, Tai Chi, circuit classes, Zumba and water workouts, to name a few.

“We’re fortunate that we’re in a good community to begin with, but a lot of the staff members who work here really care about this place,” Petkovsek says of the rec center. “And I think that it shows.”

PARKS IN PROGRESS

The Brunswick Parks Master Plan aims to elevate the city’s green spaces to new heights.

By Christine Schaffran

The 23 parks that span 335 acres throughout Brunswick now have a blueprint that pinpoints the facilities, amenities and improvements most desired by residents. In fact, Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek considers the Brunswick Parks Master Plan a roadmap to success.

“I think the alarming consensus is that we have a lot, but we need to maintain the things that we have,” Petkovsek notes of her takeaway from the master plan, which was adopted by Council in early 2025. “Instead of building something new or something that’s hot right now, we need to enhance the facilities we already have.”

An expedition led by Columbus-based Designing Local began in June 2024 to uncover what residents and city administrators wanted most in their parks. It revealed a laundry list of requests, such as:

Better aquatics facilities and programs

Parking and restrooms at Hopkins and Mooney Parks

New trails and walking paths

Additional pickleball capacity

Additional shade and benches in parks

Nonsports youth programs and family-friendly community festivals and events

Public open houses in July and October as well as an online survey in summer 2024 garnered resident input while more than 15 city officials weighed in via 30- to 60-minute conversations with the consulting firm’s representatives.

After 12 years with the city, Petkovsek says she is confident the current focus on parks is a positive step in making them radiate with support from the community.

To reinforce their commitment, City Council approved an amendment to the 2025 budget allocating an additional $1.2 million for “future park improvements to be identified through future discussions and the results of the park master plan study.”

In the meantime, Petkovsek is thumbing through the pages of the 100-plus-page master plan and plucking out projects that can be handled immediately.

“My goal this year is to look at all the parks, see what kind of an impact I can make now in the short term and show all of these neighborhoods that we heard what they said, we appreciate their feedback and to try to do something for every park, not just the destination parks,” Petkovsek says.

In tandem with Tom Adams, the Parks maintenance technician, they are addressing what they can while awaiting further direction — and funding.

“This master plan is a five-year plan, and obviously nothing’s going to happen overnight,” Adams points out. “But, there are various things that we can look around and say, ‘This matters to people, and we’re going to address this because it doesn’t cost a million dollars.’”

Adams’ can-do attitude and longtime commitment to the city and its parks have been instrumental in bringing these plans to fruition.

Here’s a look at some of the improvements that have been made as well as some of those to come:

The reopening of North Park. North Park reopened in March after the lake was dredged for restoration and reduction of storm discharge. Fish restocking is underway, including largemouth bass and bluegill. The project was partially funded by an EPA grant.

Pickleball enthusiasts enjoy courts at Neura Park and the rec center.

Benches, picnic tables and walking paths offer many ways to enjoy Brunswick’s green space.

Improving walkways and areas for shade aims to enhance the park experience for visitors.

There are 12 playgrounds to explore at Brunswick’s parks.

New fencing at the dog park. The 0.75acre dog park on Cross Creek Drive opened in 2005 with some picnic tables, a couple of interactive amenities and a fence that was intended to be temporary while determining whether the open field would be used for its intended purpose.

“The temporary fence was put up with the thought process of, ‘Let’s get this up, see if it’s used, and then we’ll go back and we’ll put in a nice fence.’ Well, that never happened, and it’s been years that we’ve had this fence,” Petkovsek remarks.

In early March, a permanent fence was installed at a cost of $23,000.

New bleachers at Neura Park. As the gathering place for the Brunswick High School girls’ and boys’ tennis teams, new bleachers provide an opportunity for parents and grandparents to linger longer at the city’s oldest park, located on Center Road.

“We’re just trying to give people some more opportunities to come and watch these kids play,” Petkovsek explains.

And, speaking of kids playing, Petkovsek adds that she is looking at placing shade structures over the benches where parents can seek respite from the sun while they watch their children. The single-post shade structures she is eyeing will sit on the outside of the inclusive playground so as not to disturb the rubber surface.

Improvements to driveways and parking lots, and adding pickleball courts. Plans are underway to determine how to improve driveways in the park system.

“We want grandma and grandpa who maybe live in a different community to come over and be able to park their car and walk to the soccer field or walk to the baseball diamond without having to worry about the conditions of the drive or the walkway,” she notes.

Recognizing that pickleball has a huge following in Brunswick that delivers enthusiasts to Neura Park and the rec center, Petkovsek says she is also working on collecting pricing for additional courts.

Launching a Friends of Brunswick

Parks group . In the initial planning stages, Petkovsek is looking for legal assistance to write the bylaws, begin the process of forming a 501(c)(3) and file the necessary paperwork with the state to invite volunteers to help support the parks.

CONTINUING THE CRUSADE

In addition to routine summer maintenance such as tree trimming, mowing, restroom patrolling and ballfield upkeep, Adams has set his sights on additional opportunities for park

enhancements. He points to projects such as reviving tree-planting programs to replace those lost by the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species, fixing foot bridges in neighborhood parks and re-roofing the picnic shelter at Hopkins Park at Laurel Road and Diana Drive as goals for this summer.

“We want people to be proud of what they have,” Adams notes. “The five-year plan spelled out quite a few things that need attention, but I think in the last several years, we’ve made some great strides.”

PLUM CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL

After three phases, one project will be marked as complete in 2025 — the Plum Creek Greenway Trail.

The third phase includes 3,200 feet of asphalt for a recently completed multipurpose trail from Laurel Road to Brunswick Lake Parkway. Also under construction (at press time) is a 250-foot connector trail from the main trail at Brunswick Lake Parkway to the north end of Eisenhower Drive, which should be finished this summer, says City Engineer Jenny Zoldak. The $963,000 job is being completed by Mark’s Construction.

The first phase opened in September 2022 and extends from Plum Creek Park to Mooney Park. The second phase, which opened in July 2024, continues north from Mooney Park across property owned by Grace Baptist Church and ends at Laurel Road.

The Medina County Park District will maintain the trail as part of a 25-year management agreement.

“There’s been some chatter about not letting this trail end at Brunswick Lake,” Petkovsek notes. “It could be five or 10 years down the line, but it would be a tremendous asset if that was accomplished.”

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES

With so much to look forward to, Petkovsek and Adams both take time to acknowledge that the people who put the time into the parks is what makes them thrive. Whether a city official, an elected official, a resident, an employee or a volunteer, those who grind out such spectacular spaces for community members do so as a labor of love.

“One of the more rewarding things is working toward a common goal,” Adams says.

“We want people to be proud of what they have.”

– TOM ADAMS

United We Celebrate

Brunswick celebrates freedom, history and community this summer.

By Lisa Galek

Brunswick’s enduring patriotic spirit shines this summer in community events that honor history, celebrate freedom and spotlight heroes.

How We Became Brunswick

This year, third graders from Brunswick schools will journey back in time at Heritage Farm, stepping into the lives of early settlers who arrived in March 1815. Hosted by the Brunswick Area Historical Society, this handson experience teaches students about the bravery and resilience of those who left New England to begin a new life in the Ohio wilderness.

Arriving in the dead of winter, these settlers faced extreme hardships. Schools and churches quickly became the heart of their community. “The first election had 19 men over the age of 21 who owned land. That

was the criteria [to vote],” says Sam Boyer, corresponding secretary of the historical society. Brunswick’s first three elected officials in 1818 were Revolutionary War veterans.

After a COVID-19 hiatus, the historical society resumed its annual field trips last year. Students begin their day at City Hall, learning about local government, before spending two hours at Heritage Farm, a historic site purchased by the city in 1995. The children are fascinated by how settlers lived. “I can always get a response when we talk about outhouses and the fact that there was no toilet paper,” Boyer says.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Historical Society hopes to grow these educational experiences, inspiring students to connect with the nation’s early history.

Honoring Our Heroes

Medina County Veterans Memorial Fund will host its first-ever Colors of Honor event at Cuyahoga Community College in Brunswick, Aug. 15-17. The weekend includes an opening ceremony on Friday afternoon, evening music, a candlelight vigil, a morning prayer breakfast and a closing ceremony on Sunday.

“This is really to highlight patriotism and also our veterans and first responders here in the county,” says Ed Zackery, Medina County Veterans Service Office director.

The event features a field of more than 100 flags, including those representing military and first responders, provided in partnership with the Medina Kiwanis. Visitors can walk

through a lighted display throughout the weekend. “People like to come at night because it’s a quiet time to reflect,” says Zackery.

A special section will also pay tribute to the 33 Medina County service members who died in the Vietnam War through a history project with a panel for each hero.

All proceeds support the Medina County Veterans Memorial Fund 501(c)(3), which supports Medina County Veterans and families in need as well as promotes veteran events. Last year, the nonprofit awarded nearly $50,000 in grants and hopes to raise $10,000 through this event.

Those who want to get involved can sponsor a flag, purchase a commemorative coin, volunteer at the event or just stop by for a weekend that honors sacrifice and celebrates freedom.

A Tribute to the

City

Patriotic spirit will be on full display as the Brunswick Independence Celebration Parade returns on Sunday, July 6. The event, which starts at Brunswick Middle School and follows State Route 303 to Brunswick High School, serves as a tribute to the city, its veterans, first responders and local businesses.

After a five-year hiatus, the parade was revived last year by Sheila Watson, a longtime Brunswick resident and local real estate agent.

Thousands lined both sides of State Route 303, waving flags and cheering as participants marched by. “When we turned the corner, I was just amazed at how many people were on the street,” says Watson.

This year’s parade promises even more excitement. Highlights include the Brunswick High School Band, antique cars, baton twirlers, dancers, church and sports groups and the Corvette Club.

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Left to right: The Brunswick Area Historical Society allows visitors to step back in time at Heritage Farm; The Veterans Appreciation Breakfast is one of the many ways that the City of Brunswick celebrates and thanks its veterans; and the Brunswick Independence Celebration Parade pays tribute to veterans and first responders.

Business

Now Open

Exciting new businesses are opening in town — from high-tech golf simulators to family fun centers and healthy eats. These fresh additions are bringing energy, innovation and community spirit to Brunswick.

The Back Nine Golf

Golf lovers now have a new way to practice their swing year round — day or night. The Back Nine Golf, a high-tech indoor golf simulator facility, opened in April. Brunswick is the first Ohio location for the national franchise that has expanded into 38 states.

Owner Ann Marie Fisher, who was born and raised in Brunswick, saw an opportunity to bring something exciting to her hometown. “Our city really needs something like this,” she says. “A lot of people here like to golf, so they’re super pumped about it.”

Open 24/7 for members, the Back Nine offers a large, welcoming space where players can hit the virtual links using Full Swing simulators — the same technology trusted by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy during TGL virtual play. “The courses that Tiger

is playing down at that [TGL tournament] — we’re going to have those courses on our system, too,” Fisher says.

Unlike traditional golf centers, the Back Nine has no food or drink service, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Members can stop in anytime and play a driving range or a full course. Nonmembers can book drop-in sessions or demonstrations during select times. 1434 Town Center Blvd., 330-274-4653, thebackninegolf.com/brunswickoh

The Courthouse

Looking for a place where kids and parents can play together — and maybe even battle it out in a game of glow-in-the-dark dodgeball? The Courthouse is the ultimate family-friendly entertainment destination, offering everything from axe throwing to ninja warrior challenges.

“We keep adding different attractions and different activities. So, the more we add, the bigger spaces we need,” says Nelson Schorr, CEO of The Courthouse. Originally located in Hinckley, the business relocated to Brunswick about three years ago to give it more room to grow. Now in a sprawling 50,000-square-foot

facility, The Courthouse is home to activities like NEO Extreme Games and Hoop Guru Basketball and hosts a variety of open play nights, parties, private events and fundraisers.

The newest attraction is Nexus, a live-action gaming experience that fuses the best of laser tag and paintball — without the mess. Players wear high-tech vests, score power-ups and compete in the only Nexus arena in Northeast Ohio. “It’s family-friendly fun. You can play against your kids or with your kids,” says Schorr. “We joke around that people just like to blast their kids every now and then.”

1255 North Carpenter Road, hoopguru.com/ the-courthouse

Beyond Juicery + Eatery

Since opening its doors in April 2023, Beyond Juicery + Eatery in Brunswick is working to change how locals think about eating out. The restaurant offers a refreshing change from typical fast food with a menu full of fresh smoothies, wraps, salads, sorbet bowls and homemade snacks.

“We offer stuff that’s just better for you as an alternative to getting a cheeseburger,” says Jennifer Spring, general manager of the Brunswick location. “You can still enjoy eating out at a restaurant, but there are healthier ways to do it.”

Popular menu items include the Peanut Butter Mocha smoothie — blending peanut butter, banana and coffee — and the Turkey Dijon Club Wrap, a sweet and savory combo with bacon and maple Dijon dressing. “One thing I like about this company is that they do seasonal menus,” Spring says. “They add recipes or add new items to keep it fresh.”

3849 Center Road, 330-741-3006, beyondjuiceryeatery.com

Faces of Brunswick

Meet four Brunswick residents who inspire us all. By Lisa Galek

Peter Miller

At 72 years old, Peter Miller is still chasing down fly balls in the outfield — and loving every minute of it. A proud member of the Huff-N-Puffers, a premier Cleveland league for seniors, Miller plays not just for the thrill of the game but for the friendships he’s made. “We still love the camaraderie of sports and relying on one another to win a game,” he says.

The Huff-N-Puffer league has approximately 240 members, with players ranging from 60 to 95 years old. Games are nine innings, played twice weekly at John Day Field in Parma. With 17 teams and three skill-based divisions, the league is both fun and fierce. “The competitiveness is still there,” Miller says. “You may be a little bit slower, maybe walking instead of running — but you keep going.”

A lifelong athlete, Miller was the first Brunswick High School cross-country runner to qualify for the state meet, placing second overall. He joined the army when he was 17 and played softball throughout his service. In

2017, his traveling softball team took part in a world championship in Florida.

In addition, Miller is a participant in and avid supporter of the city’s Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.

Nancy Frognowski

Since settling in Brunswick in 1981, Nancy Frognowski has been a dedicated advocate for her community.

Frognowski is a member of Homes Not Highways, a grassroots coalition that successfully worked to halt a proposed highway interchange on Boston Road — less than a mile from her home. Concerned about safety risks, displacement of neighbors and an aging fuel pipeline, Frognowski joined forces with fellow residents. Together, they attended council meetings, launched letter-writing campaigns, contacted local officials and testified before Ohio House and Senate committees.

With support from Brunswick leaders and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency

(NOACA), the state legislation was overturned, and a broader corridor study is now in progress.

Frognowski also volunteers at the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, serving food and pouring coffee at an annual meal for local heroes. “It’s near and dear to my heart,” she says. “My dad was in the Battle of the Bulge. I’m very proud of him and anybody in military service. They deserve to be honored.”

Kim Nemet

Kim Nemet’s love for Brunswick runs deep. She and her husband — both graduates of Brunswick High School — have spent their 25-year marriage raising five children in the

Peter Miller

community they’ve always called home. But their lives were forever changed in 2021, when their 11-year-old son, Collin, passed away from a brain tumor. Since then, Nemet has honored his memory through the annual Trike & Bike event, raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research.

Collin was the inspiration behind Brunswick’s first Trike & Bike in 2020. A passionate bike rider, he took part in the inaugural ride. Now, the ride is a beloved tradition that helps riders learn about fitness and contribute to a worthy cause. “I think Brunswick is a better community because of Collin,” Nemet says.

This year’s ride will happen at Brunswick High School on Sept. 19. Last year, the ride

raised $53,000, bringing Brunswick’s total to over $200,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Seth Greenfelder

Brunswick native Seth Greenfelder has been named the 2024 Special Olympics Ohio Athlete of the Year — an incredible honor recognizing his three decades of dedication to the organization, and his outstanding athletic accomplishments. The award was presented at a Special Olympics banquet in Columbus, where Greenfelder was surprised and moved when his name was announced to a standing ovation.

“I was honored and happy — it feels like winning a gold medal,” he says.

Greenfelder began competing in Special Olympics when he was just 10 years old. Thirty years later, he competes in seven sports: golf, swimming, track, field, basketball, bowling and soccer. A graduate of Brunswick High School, Greenfelder also serves as an athlete representative on the Special Olympics Northeast Ohio Advisory Board and was recently selected to represent Ohio athletes at the White House for Disability Week.

Greenfelder trains year-round by lifting weights and eating healthy and is always looking for new ways to give back. “I want to be an official for Special Olympics,” he says.