Northeast Ohio Parent Cuyahoga Falls Community Focus October 2021

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SEASONS OF THE FALLS

Discover Adventures for Everyone

C u y a h o ga Fal ls

DOWNTOWN & BEYOND

Shop, Play, Dine, Learn FALL IN LOVE

Residents Share Reasons

CUYAHOGA FALLS

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Becoming Part of the Falls Community with the Upton Family By Ginny McCabe From the beauty of the local parks like the Gorge Metro Park to the makeover of the historic district in Downtown on Front Street with its restaurants, shops and activities, the Cleveland suburb of Cuyahoga Falls — or “the Falls” as it’s often referred to by locals — is a family-friendly place to live and play.

Suzanne Upton, her husband, Ian, and their three sons, Berkeley, 19, Griffin, 17, and Parker, 14, moved to Cuyahoga Falls about a year-and-a-half ago for Ian’s job and to be closer to family. He has a 45-minute commute to work.

Ian Upton lived in Bath Township as a youth. Suzanne Upton grew up in Indiana, and the couple met at Purdue University.

They embarked on a “worldwide, whirlwind tour” with General Motors, before accepting a new position with a start-up. The Upton family has lived abroad in Indonesia and Canada, as well as in Indianapolis, Baltimore, Michigan and Ohio, including in Peninsula.

Although the family has moved around a lot, Suzanne says the Midwest has always been home. The family moved back in April 2020,

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at the beginning of the pandemic. She says because their children are starting to graduate, they wanted to downsize their home.

“In January of 2020, the start-up company that bought the GM plant, Lordstown Motors, asked my husband to come back and join the company as a director,” Suzanne Upton says. “Even though we’d only been gone for nine months, we packed up and moved back down here. We’ve always loved what was going on in the Falls, so it was really a no-brainer for us. The second time around, we had the opportunity to put our kids back in the same school.”

She owns a travel business, “Travel with Suzanne,” and during the four years the family lived in Peninsula, she was a member of the Rotary Club of Cuyahoga Falls, during the transformation of Front Street. Now she’s a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce, one of the first things she joined after the family moved back to the area.

all the Mexican restaurants in town.

In Cuyahoga Falls, she and her family appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like talking with their neighbors and taking walks in the local parks.

“I love sitting in my front yard and talking to all of the neighbors who walk by — young, lifetime Falls residents and new Falls residents,” she says. “My kids know every dog by name.

We absolutely love being part of a community like that, and because our house backs up to the Summit Metro Parks’ Gorge Metro Park, when we sit in our backyard, we can talk to people who are walking on the trails, and it’s delightful.”

In addition to HiHO Brewing, a few of their other favorite places to eat include Leo’s Italian Social, as well as

bors. It’s not an unusual evening in our lives,”

CONNECTING WITH THE FALLS

“To me, this town has so much to offer

somebody who loves small-town life, and

that’s me,” she says. “I always want a city nearby. I want to know that I can go to the theater

or shop in the high-end, big fancy malls, but

I don’t need them in my immediate life, I just want access to them. Everything that I need in my day-to-day life is right here.”

Another family pastime is hanging out at

school events. Their sons have played soccer

and tennis, and Parker is a member of the marching band, so they attend school football games.

The family has an Italian Bolognese,

named Ghetti, which is short for spaghetti (as

in spaghetti Bolognese) and a black goldendoodle named Alli.

“It’s not unusual for me to grab a dog or

both, we have two, and go for a walk and not

come back for two hours, because I stop and have hour-long conversations with our neighSuzanne says.

“As a newer person to the community,

but someone who lived on the periphery for

a while, I think Cuyahoga Falls is known for becoming a welcoming place for families in all stages of their lives, including newlyweds and young families. And it’s a destination for

people to come and do things like dine and hike,” she says.

“I love that the Burning River Endurance

Run & Relay came through here, and that the

city hosts events like the Cuyahoga Falls Kayak Race. Cuyahoga Falls is becoming a desti-

nation city in Northeast Ohio. If you don’t live here, it’s fun to come play here, and we love being able to live where we can also play.”

The city also hosts festivals and live enter-

tainment events, and families with young children love the Downtown Splash Pad.

“We have everything you need right here,

and if it’s not right here, it’s in Akron or Cleveland, so you don’t have to go far,” Suzanne Upton says.

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Celebrate the Seasons with Cuyahoga Falls Submitted by city of Cuyahoga Falls Photos by Jeffrey Stroup

T

he City of Cuyahoga Falls has plenty of opportunities for visitors and residents to participate in recreational experiences, whether in the water, on the ice or in the park. Every season has family-friendly activities and events to try.

WINTER

Families can enjoy the outdoors in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Put on your skates and glide on the downtown ice rink from November through mid-February. The rink is located on the plaza in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls with free admission and skates available for rent. Along with watching the annual tree lighting ceremony during the holiday season, you can shop, dine, and bring your furry friends in holiday-themed costumes for the Jingle Dog Parade.

SPRING

If you are looking for a place to get outdoors after the long winter, practice for the summer’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Lions Park, fly high on the swings, take a family walk, play baseball, have a picnic and more, visit the 26 neighborhood parks in the city. Try Downview Sports Center for golf and family entertainment, including a miniature golf course, skate park and batting cages. (1621 Bailey Road, cityofcf.com) Also, the annual Egg Dash events draw families to visit the different parks or schools to find the colorful eggs.

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SUMMER

CELEBRATE SUMMER AT THE FALLS WITH FESTIVALS AND WATER ACTIVITIES.

Come enjoy recreation on the Cuyahoga River. Residents and visitors can kayak, canoe, float, and fish. Kayaks and tubes are available for rent through Float the River and Burning River Adventures.

There’s a Mobile Rec Parks and Recreation staff member who activates park space with kids activities out of a repurposed ambulance, which offers safe, free programming for kids to get outside and be active. It truly is parks programming on wheels.

Other places to enjoy the summer season, include WaterWorks Aquatics Center, the Cuyahoga Falls Farmers Market, Falls Downtown Fridays, Wading Pools, Festivals including Cultural Fest, which celebrates different cultures in the community, Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Splash Pad, Movies in the Park, Blossom Music Center and more.

ALL SEASONS

FALL

Fall Hiking Spree hikers can enjoy the spree through the many trails of the Summit County Metro Parks.

Also, families can watch the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Fire Truck Pull, where teams of participants compete to be the fastest to pull a Cuyahoga Falls Fire Truck 40 feet across the finish line to raise money for a local food pantry, Pantry on the Corner.

Cuyahoga Falls is the home of nine neighborhood walking trails spread throughout the city. They range from 3/4 mile to 1.5 miles and are marked at 1/4 mile intervals so walkers can choose their own starting and stopping points and their total distance.

Also, enjoy the hiking, biking, and running in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit County Metro Parks, and the Towpath.

The city’s 26 neighborhood parks are spread throughout the city so families

of all sizes can enjoy the outdoors at their leisure. Take advantage of playground equipment, green space, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, and picnic areas.

The community gardens at Keyser Park and Galt Park offer fertile land where residents can come together to till the earth so families can enjoy healthy, locally grown produce throughout the summer and fall months.

Cuyahoga Falls parks and recreation also offers adaptive programs so individuals of all abilities can take part in parks programming.

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Spend The Day in

Cuyahoga Falls

By Georgia Lattas

I

lluminated by the bright blue colors of the waterfalls and filled with the sounds of families and people kayaking on the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Falls is the perfect place to spend the day exploring. Grab your friends and family and plan some adventures in the second-largest city in Summit County.

Start your day in downtown Cuyahoga Falls on Front Street and Olde Town Loop. There are plenty of events happening throughout the seasons, as well as year-round shopping and activities for everyone. Check out a map of boutiques, food, breweries and more. (downtowncf.com)

Feeling hungry? Start your day with brunch at Leo’s Italian Social on Front Street. Established in 2019, Leo’s is the newest concept from the restaurant group that owns Burntwood Tavern, M Italian and Rose Italian Kitchen. Furnished with an open patio, a pair of bocce courts and a sign that says “rose all day,” Leo’s is the perfect place to grab avocado toast topped with arugula and feta cheese or ricotta pancakes with caramelized bananas and candied pecans.

(2251 Front St., leositaliansocial.com)

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Following brunch, The Workz on Front Street (a 2-minute walk from Leo’s) is every kid’s — and possibly adult’s — dream: a virtual reality gaming system, an arcade and even duckpin bowling. Played since the 1900s, duckpin bowling is very similar to traditional 10-pin bowling, except bowlers get three balls per frame instead

of two. Perfect for all ages, guests can rent a lane for an hour ($25 to $35, depending on the day) and try their hand at one of Babe Ruth’s favorite sports. Not a fan of bowling?

Transport yourself into another universe through the VR gaming system. Battle robots or dragons, fight off zombies or board a pirate ship and explore. For the younger kids, the arcade has games such as Space Invaders, Skeeball and MarioKart – don’t forget to claim your prize at the redemption counter.

(2220 Front St., playattheworkz.com)

While you are downtown, check out the Clifford Mini Auto Museum, which provides a blast from the past from vintage cars to gas pumps and more. The personal collection of William Clifford can bring a historic experience to your family’s visit. (​​1950 Front St., Facebook.com/shoemakercllifford) If you want a treat, head to Metropolis Gourmet Popcorn to try sweet, savory, spicy and cheesy flavors. Also, look for gluten-, nut- and dairy-free selections and traditional delights. There’s a gourmet flavor for everyone.

(2164 Front St., metropolisohio.com)

Would you swim somewhere that used to have an inflated, removable roof? Established in the ‘60s, The Natatorium on 4th Street is the perfect place to incorporate

some fitness into your day. Equipped with a full range of strength-training options, an upper-level ⅛-mile indoor rubber sports floor walking track, an upper-level fitness floor for cardio, and a 10,000-square-foot basketball court, the Natatorium has you covered for all your fitness needs. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as the Natatorium also includes an aquatics center with three pools, as well as a 21-person spa and men’s and women’s saunas. Adult Cuyahoga Falls residents can attend for $9 and nonresident adults can attend for $12.

Ages 2 and younger are free, and resident children ages 3-17 can attend for $7, or $9 for nonresidents.

(2345 4th St., fallsnat.com)

After a long afternoon saving the world from zombies and relaxing with cucumbers on your eyes, treat yourself to homemade hickory-smoked wings, ribs, chicken, pork and more at Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ. Established in 2010 in Carrollton, Ohio, by Jimmy and Sara, the pair invented their recipes in their backyard for family and friends.

Decorated with bright orange walls that say “Smokin’ BBQ Smokin’ Fast,” Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ is smokin’ serious about their meats, which are hand-rubbed and smoked daily. Try their Jimmy Boy sandwich ($7.49) that features pulled pork and smoked sausage.

(2345 4th St., jimmysbackyardbbq.com)

Tee time anyone? While Brookledge Golf Club started off as a backyard farm course in 1941, it has transformed into the ninth best golf course in Ohio per PGA. com’s ranking. Opened in 1992, Brookledge sits on over 120 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, creating an amazing scenic experience for pros or anyone wanting to try their hand at golfing. Spend some time in the sun, and prepare for some family fun.

(1621 Bailey Rd., brookledgegc.com)

The Cuyahoga Falls Library is where you want to enjoy some downtime. Every bookworm knows the feeling of grabbing their favorite book and nestling into a chair while escaping into another universe. Also, The MakerSpace library room offers guests free access to tech and craft equipment such as a jewelry-making tool kit, button makers, green screen and more. Find events such as Storytime in the Park, aimed towards ages 2-6, for stories and songs and rhymes outdoors at a local park. Or, bring your yoga mat for Yoga in the Yard, where patrons can participate in gentle yoga, fresh air breathing, and relaxing stretching. Check the calendar of events to find the perfect session for you and your family. (2015 3rd St., Cuyahoga Falls, cuyahogafallslibrary.org) End the day by treating the kids to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on Front Street.

Stacked from floor to ceiling with candies, sodas and novelty items, this shop is the cure to your sweet tooth. Grandpa Joe’s has over 250 candy bars and over 100 bulk candies and carries 225 flavors of old-fashioned glass-bottled soda, from ginger beer to bacon soda. With over 15,000 pounds of candy in store, you are sure to find something you love at Grandpa Joe’s. (2156 Front St., grandpajoescandyshop.com)

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City of Cuyahoga Falls: cityofcf.com Mayor Don Walters: cityofcf.com/mayor Downtown Cuyahoga Falls: downtowncf.com

DIRECTORY

Cuyahoga Falls Library: cuyahogafallslibrary.org The Natatorium of Cuyahoga Falls: fallsnat.com

Summit County Developmental Disabilities Center in Cuyahoga Falls: summitdd.org

A Mayoral Meeting

“We bought a condo in Cuyahoga Falls on the riverfront downtown. When we applied for electric service, which you had to do in person, we were asked if we would like to meet the mayor. ‘He likes to meet all new residents.’ We had lived in over half a dozen cities and never heard of this. Mayor Walters’ passion for the city was very evident. He confirmed the wisdom of our choice, and further, went on to tell us his vision and the status of the plans to revitalize Front Street. We were very impressed with the planning process and his desire for community input and buy-in. He never forgot our story and recounted it to several others, proud of the fact we picked Cuyahoga Falls as our home. We now live here year-round and have become quite involved in the community. He is a community-builder, always striving to introduce strangers to each other so their talents can meld to make the community better. As the leader of a local nonprofit food pantry, I, like many other local nonprofits, have seen my organization benefit from Mayor Walters’ support. He often speaks of the services offered by local nonprofits, both to those who need our help and to those that can help us. He has inspired me and others to serve on city boards and commissions. I am proud and happy to be a citizen of Cuyahoga Falls and thankful for a consensus-building mayor who daily exhibits pride in and passion for our city.”

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— Resident Bob Goldstein

Mayor’s Message: Mayor Don Walters

“Our neighbors and community connections are our greatest assets in the City of Cuyahoga Falls. I always stress the importance of welcoming neighbors, so everyone has a true sense of belonging and community here. We are a tightly knit city that always looks out for each other. I want to make sure that every resident and business owner knows that they are a valued stakeholder in our city and that they are proud to take ownership of all our city has to offer. I stay connected with our community members through our many public meetings, am always available through email and social media, and am always willing to meet in person at City Hall. Through our Front Yard Interaction meeting, I am able to bring City Hall into the neighborhoods to help keep my finger on the pulse of neighborhood issues and concerns. I work every day to ensure that there are two types of people in the world – those who live in Cuyahoga Falls and those who wish they did.”

Education Options in Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls is home to many educational opportunities, including the home of the Black Tigers, Cuyahoga Falls School District, and many other independent schools. With so many options to choose from, there is a learning environment for every family’s needs. Here’s a list of schools to consider: • Cuyahoga Falls School District, According to the school vision, Cuyahoga Falls City School District is “the hub of our community, committed to a culture of caring!

We innovate. We create. We personalize education for all.” cfalls.org

• Absorbent Minds Montessori School, serving children 2.5 years old through sixth grade, thesmarterkids.com • Childtime of Cuyahoga Falls, infant, toddler, preschool, school-age and early education programs. childtime.com

• Chapel Hill Christian School, serving children in preschool through eighth grade, chapelhillchristianschool.org • Cuyahoga Falls KinderCare, serves infants through kindergarten, before- and after-school care, and other enrichment programs, kindercare.com/our-centers/ cuyahoga-falls • Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, a college-preparatory, non-denominational Christian middle and high school, cvcaroyals.org

• Education Alternatives, serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. alter-

native learning programs for students who need enhanced behavioral, emotional, and special education services. easchools.org • Immaculate Heart of Mary School, serving children in preschool through eighth grade, ihmgradeschool.org

❝

“The hub of our community, committed to a culture of caring! We innovate.

We create. We personalize education for all.”

—Cuyahoga Falls City School District

❞

• Redeemer Christian School, serving children in preschool through eighth grade. redeemerlutheran.us/school • Schnee Learning Center, serves at-risk youth in ninth grade and beyond, schneelearningcenter.org

• Summit Educational Service Center, serving families with children who have special needs, from preschool through 12th grade. summitesc.org • St. Joseph Parish School, serving children in preschool through eighth grade, saintjoe.org/school

• Summit Christian School, serving children in kindergarten through eighth grade, summitchristianschool.net • Walsh Jesuit High School, a Catholic college preparatory high school. walshjesuit.org

SAINT JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL TEAMED UP WITH KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AND KSU PROFESSOR THOMAS MCNEAL FOR AN X-STREAM LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN CODING LAST SPRING. PHOTO BY ST. JOESPH PARISH SCHOOL

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BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL ADVERTISER LISTINGS APEX DERMATOLOGY

Apex Dermatology was founded with a goal to offer easy access to excellent dermatology care and is now the premier dermatology practice in Northeast Ohio, specializing in medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. With 11 locations, including the newest in Cuyahoga Falls, Apex offers same-day appointments, short wait times, and a staff that prioritizes patient experience, the best option for any skincare needs. Their team is aligned around one goal: to transform lives through healthy skin. Schedule at 833-279-SKIN (7546) or at apexskin.com.

CUYAHOGA FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Businesses rely on relationships to be successful. The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce serves as the gateway to the connections businesses need to thrive and our community to prosper. The Chamber serves as the bridge to connections for businesses in any stage of their growth. Businesses active in the

Chamber are not alone in their mission. The Chamber is with them providing signature events, programming and training. The Chamber also secures services and benefits that save our members money and increase their productivity. Together, with the hundreds of member companies and partners, they serve as the preeminent voice of the business community and a catalyst to drive economic growth for an even better quality of life for all who call Cuyahoga Falls home and for those interested in coming here. cfchamber.com

THE NATATORIUM AT CUYAHOGA FALLS PARK AND RECREATION

Join today to GET NAT FIT! A 116,000-squarefoot health and fitness center including: Aquatics Center - Three pools, spa and saunas; Cardio Circuit - Upper level, hundreds of cardio pieces, cardio theater, fitness circuit and stretching area; Fitness Center – Inclusive strength training with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment, cable machines and free weights; Courts – 10,000-square-foot maple floor basketball courts; Indoor Track - Upper level 1/8 mile sports floor rubber walking track. fallsnat.com

CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy partners with families to prepare students for their future. The uniquely intentional approach equips students academically, socially, physically, and spiritually for college and beyond. CVCA is a sixth-through-12th-grade, college-prep middle and high school committed to academic excellence in a distinctively Christian environment. The dedicated faculty delivers a biblically-integrated curriculum to 850+ students from seven counties on a 70-acre campus. Learn more about CVCA and tuition assistance at cvcaroyals.org

SAINT JOSEPH PARISH: CHURCH & SCHOOL

St. Joseph Parish in Cuyahoga Falls is dedicated to bringing all to Christ through celebration of Word and Eucharist, reception of the sacraments, education, service, and community activities. It hosts a number of ministries as well as an elementary school for preschool through eighth grade. The parish supports the community through service projects for Good Neighbors and other local charities. Through faith, family fun and programs, it provides entertaining, faith-based, family-friendly events. Church is located at 1761 Second Street, and the Rectory Office is at 215 Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-2173. saintjoe.org

UNITY HEALTH NETWORK

Western Reserve Hospital is a physician-owned community hospital in Northeast Ohio, delivering 100-percent patient-centered care.

The hospital is a Level III Trauma Center and holds a 5-star Quality Hospital designation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Western Reserve Hospital offers clinical excellence with compassion, providing a unique approach to expanding the depth and scope of care capabilities. The hospital continues to increase access to more advanced clinical procedures through ever-growing specialties. 330-256-3131. unityhealthnetwork.org

Ride on The Falls

Cuyahoga Falls is located alongside Cuyahoga River. Take advantage of recreational activities on the water. Whether tubing, kayaking, or canoeing, there are experiences for all ages and levels. Or, families can enjoy the beautiful and tranquil view of The Falls.

COVER PHOTO BY JEFFREY STROUP

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