Alex Nichols, Director, Shaker Heights Recreation Dept.

From the Director

Dear Resident,

What a start to the month of December! This week's snowstorm blanketed Shaker Heights in a thick layer of heavy, wet snow and brought about an abrupt change to the seasons. One of the best places to enjoy the winter weather in Shaker Heights is at the sledding hill at Thornton Park. The sledding hill, which was created using dirt from the pool excavation, features two hills, one taller and more thrilling and a shorter slope preferred by smaller children. For additional information on the sledding hill, visit our website.

If the colder weather is keeping you inside, and you are looking for fun at home activities for kids this month, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram feeds for our series of #ShakerPlays at home crafts. Every Thursday we will post instructions for a kid's craft, and a limited number of craft kits with all of the necessary supplies will be available for pick up from the green metal bin in front of Thornton Park Ice Arena. Stop by sometime this weekend to pick up your supplies to make a candy cane reindeer at home. Share a photo of your completed craft and tag us on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a prize!

Be active. Stay healthy. Have fun!

Alex Nichols
Director

Recreation Programming

#ShakerPlays Virtual Yoga Classes

Are you looking for an opportunity to get some exercise and decompress without leaving your living room? During the month of December, Shaker Recreation will be offering free weekly virtual yoga classes as part of our #ShakerPlays program. Upcoming classes will be held on Tuesdays December 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 5:30 - 6:15 pm. All classes will be conducted through Zoom and will be taught by Shaker Heights resident and yoga instructor Kathy Hayes. Advance registration is required for each class and spaces are limited. This program is open to Shaker Heights residents only. Reserve your space by going to bit.ly/ShakerRec and clicking on catalog then #ShakerPlays.

Facility Updates

Explore Shaker

There are plenty of Shaker Heights parks and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy and we are excited to share these beautiful spaces with the community through our Explore Shaker program! Each issue we will share fun facts from Shaker's history and highlight the recreational amenities of a different location. This week's winter weather has made hiding our Explore Shaker tokens difficult, so we're mixing things up this issue. Visit our featured location and and take a photo of you and your family enjoying the recent snowfall. Share your photo with us via Facebook, Instagram or email to receive a fun Shaker Heights prize! Keep reading to find out more about Winslow Park.

Winslow Park

Located just south of Van Aken Boulevard between Winslow and Ingleside Roads, Winslow Park is nestled within the Winslow Road Historic District. Offering a large playground suitable for children ages 5 through 12 and a number of benches, Winslow Park is a neighborhood park worth checking out. The park also features a large open area with lots of room for fun and games or playing in the snow as well as a large shade tree.

Playground

Shade Tree and Open Space

Winslow Road Historic District

To view a map of all the parks and playgrounds in Shaker Heights, click here.

Get to Know Shaker Recreation

Erin Rose

Senior Administrative Assistant

Erin provides direct support to the Director of the Recreation Department and the recreation committee, schedules departmental meetings, and answers resident emails and phone calls. Erin has been with the Recreation Department for almost three years.

Do you have any pets? Yes! 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 goats.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl.
What is your favorite season? Summer
What was your first job? As soon as I was old enough to get a work permit, I got a job as a cashier at Marc's.
What is the top destination on your must visit list? Thailand. I want to see the elephants!

Connect with Us

Follow Shaker Recreation on Social Media

Shaker Heights Recreation Department is on Facebook and Instagram. Like and follow our page and stay up-to-date on programs, classes, and events.