West Park Kiwanis
Making the west park a Better Place For All of Us
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West Park Kiwanis: Making History for Over 95 Years
Welcome to West Park Kiwanis, where history meets service and community. At the heart of West Park, we are proud to be a part of Kiwanis International, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on children’s lives worldwide. Our journey began in 1927, and ever since, we’ve been wholeheartedly committed to shaping a better, brighter future for our community.
A Vibrant History of Community Support
Throughout our rich history, West Park Kiwanis has been the driving force behind numerous community projects, providing unwavering sponsorship and support for endeavors such as:
- The Independence Day Parade at Kamms Corners for the past 34 years.
- Meals on Wheels.
- The “Bread Basket” food programs.
- St. Joseph Academy’s Key Club.
- Riverside Elementary School’s K-Kids Club.
- The “Heroes Race Run.
- West Park Kamms (formerly known as Kamm’s Corners) Development Corporation.
- The West Park-Fairview Y.M.C.A.
- Fairview Hospital.
- The West Park Historical Society.
Community Building and Generosity
Our commitment to the community goes beyond sponsorships. West Park Kiwanians have granted financial support to institutions like the Bell Greve Center for Behavioral Health and special education classes at Newton D. Baker School and Our Lady of Angels on Rocky River Drive. In 1930, we even played a pivotal role in building the first West Park “Y” and preserving its current location at 15501 Lorain Avenue when it was slated for closure.
In the early 1950s, our annual Ox Roast fundraisers, initially held at Commander Ray’s West Park Chevrolet on Lorain at Trisket Road, became legendary. These events later combined with Kids’ Day and found a home at the fantastic Puritas Springs Amusement Park.
We have also been dedicated to enriching the lives of our youngest community members, donating hundreds of books to the children’s pediatric ward at Fairview Hospital and contributing a treadmill for the hospital’s special rehabilitation program.
A Salute to Our Heroes
Our history is marked by the unwavering support of local servicemen and women. Thanks to our efforts, we were able to present a remarkable $100,000.00 check to the 3rd Battalion 25th Marines “Wounded Warrior Fund.” Our commitment to our heroes is a testament to our dedication to those who serve our nation.
A Legacy of Service and Progress
From our very inception, West Park Kiwanis has been a driving force for good in our neighborhood. In the early days, we played a pivotal role in spearheading essential public safety projects. These initiatives included the construction of the New York Central railroad underpass at Lorain Avenue and West 143rd Street, a significant improvement that eliminated a dangerous street-level railroad crossing. We also illuminated Lorain Avenue from West 98th Street to the Rocky River bridge and installed the first flashing school-zone caution lights.
Notably, in 1928, we petitioned the Cleveland Board of Education to construct a new John Marshall High School on West 140th Street, where the first Key Club in the United States was chartered. Today, we proudly sponsor a Key Club at St. Joseph Academy, Builders Clubs at Puritas and Riverside middle schools, and K-Kids Clubs at Puritas, Riverside, and Douglas MacArthur elementary schools.
The July 4th Parade: A Community Tradition
One of our most cherished traditions is the July 4th parade, which has been an annual highlight for over three decades. Thousands gather to witness the spectacle as Scouts, bands, community groups, NASA, elected officials, and safety forces come together to celebrate Cleveland’s largest Independence Day parade.
Join Us in Shaping a Better Future
West Park Kiwanis meets at The Cretan Party Center on 3853 West 168th Street in the heart of West Park on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. We invite you to attend one of our meetings, become a part of our vibrant community, and help us make history while shaping a brighter future.
If you’re interested in attending a meeting or becoming a member, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Join us and be a part of a history that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of West Parkers. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Our Partners & Sponsors
