​Westlake Rain, Garden Show Helps Celebrate, Protect the Environment

From the city of Westlake: The City of Westlake’s Engineering Department and the Westlake Watershed Group are sponsoring the 6th Annual Rain and Garden Show to bring together experts to help individuals, families and businesses take simple steps to help our environment stay healthy for generations to come and how to save money at the same time.

As part of the City’s “Go Green” Program, the 2017 Rain and Garden Show will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to raise awareness on storm water quality and promote eco-friendly products and healthy living. Attendees can also enter a free raffle for a special prize.

The event is FREE and open to the public. After 5 years at the Westlake Recreation Center, this year’s show will be at the new Market Square at Crocker Park, located at the end of Market Street west of Trader Joe's. Free parking is available nearby.

“The Rain and Garden Show’s theme this year is sustainability. It’s fun, educational, and, of course, free,” said Robert P. Kelly, P.E., Director of Engineering City of Westlake “It’s about a community coming together to celebrate the environment.”

With countless ways to both celebrate and incorporate simple steps into our daily lives that help protect the environment, 25 exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions, including employees from the City’s Engineering, Planning, and Service Departments, members of the Westlake Watershed Group, Westlake Garden Club, Westlake Historical Society and local vendors.

Attendees can learn practical steps for flood prevention, landscaping and lawn care, healthy eating, and much more. The healthy cooking demonstration at noon by a local chef has been one of the highlights of past shows and returns this year.

“Part of our goal with the Rain and Garden Show is to provide a fun atmosphere for families to discover eco-friendly products and services from our local vendors, as well as learn about Westlake’s environmentally green initiatives,” said Wesley M. Davis, P.E., Civil Engineer for the City of Westlake Department of Engineering.

Davis also leads the Westlake Watershed Group, a volunteer group of residents, businesses and City employees that meets at least four times a year at City Hall to direct the City’s environmental education and involvement projects. The next meeting is on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall and is open to the public. New members are always welcome.

For the Whole Family and Kids of all Ages

Adopting eco-friendly habits in a family often starts with children finding ways to apply what they learn in school at home. New this year is the Creative Recycling Competition for students in grades 7-8. They are invited to submit a bird feeder/house, jewelry or a mini garden they made out of recyclable items. Attendees at the show will select 3 winners who each will receive Dave & Buster’s Power Cards.

For younger children, Kid Zone is back again with a face painter and balloon clown from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. New this year is special guest, “Jungle Bob,” who will impress and amaze kids of all ages when they see his creatures first hand and learn fun facts about what makes each of them unique!

Complete details about the event, including a downloadable flyer and the Creative Recycling Competition can be found at www.thecityofwestlake.org/Go-Green.

About the City of Westlake Engineering Department

The Engineering Department is responsible for the general engineering requirements of Westlake, OH. The department implements all plans and programs relating to city infrastructure including storm and

sanitary sewers, structures, roadways, sidewalks and other improvements. The department also

coordinates traffic engineering and grant estimation as well as plat books, Westlake's Geographic Information System (GIS), easements and deeds. Learn more about the programs and services provided by the Engineering Department at www.cityofwestlake.org/Engineering and the Go Green Program at www.cityofwestlake.org/Go-Green.

About Westlake Watershed Group

The City of Westlake, Ohio assists residents and the world by working to improve the quality of life and the environment through keeping local waterways clean and sustainable. The City’s environmental education and involvement projects are directed by the citizens committee, the Westlake Watershed Group. Founded in 2005 and meeting at least four times a year, the group consists of Westlake residents, business people and City employees from various departments. Initiatives include the annual Rain and Garden Show, the organic fertilizer campaign, the Construction Site Erosion & Siltation Control Guidebook and poster campaigns such as “Clean your car not the stream.” The completed Southbridge and Columbia Creek Streams Restoration Project, the current Dover Ditch Stream Restoration Project. and the conversion of existing retention basins to water quality preserves are among their special projects. Visit www.cityofwestlake.org/Watershed-Group to learn more.

About The City of Westlake

The City of Westlake, Ohio is located on 15.97 square miles in the western edge of Cuyahoga County, approximately one mile south of the southern shore of Lake Erie and founded in 1811. Its more than 32,000 citizens, vibrant businesses, and many visitors enjoy outstanding restaurants and shopping including Crocker Park, scenic parks and recreational areas, a highly rated school system, college campuses, and exceptional city services and safety forces. The city’s largest employers include Hyland Software, American Greetings, Equity Trust, Nordson Corporation, TravelCenters of America, USG Interiors, and Q-Lab. University Hospitals St. John Medical Center and satellite operations for Cleveland Clinic Health System and University Hospital Health Care System are also located in the city. Westlake’s location provides easy access to most of Northeast Ohio via I-90 and I-480 and beyond with a short ride to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. To learn more, visit www.cityofwestlake.org/.

Photos courtesy of the City of Westlake