Clark Field Park

A Glimpse Into the Past

Tucked between Tremont and the Industrial Valley, Clark Field Park spans 50 acres of Cleveland's urban landscape. The park's story begins in the early 1950s when the city invested $75,000 to create a football stadium and two baseball diamonds - quite the sum back then!

Like many urban parks, Clark Field went through some tough times. But in 2001, locals refused to let their green space fade away. The Friends of Clark Field group formed, rolling up their sleeves to clean the grounds and breathe new life into recreational activities that had once flourished here.

From Neglect to New Beginnings

The park's journey back to life included tree plantings, a new basketball court, and the addition of places to sit and gather. But the real game-changer came more recently. The U.S. EPA stepped in with a $5.5 million environmental cleanup, removing contaminated soil and replacing it with clean fill by late 2020.

In the last few years, a complete renovation has transformed Clark Field into a modern space that serves its community well. New playground equipment, refreshed sports courts, and updated recreational areas have made this park a neighborhood space once again.

Connecting Communities

One of the coolest developments is the Cleveland Metroparks' extension of the Towpath Trail along the western and northern edges of the park. This isn't just a pretty pathway - it's a car-free connection that makes the park more accessible to Tremont residents and provides excellent options for cyclists and walkers alike.

Play Ball!

Sports fans will appreciate that Cleveland Guardians Charities built a championship-quality synthetic ballfield here. Named "Jose Ramirez Field" after the Guardians' star third baseman, this field now represents home turf for Lincoln-West High School's baseball team and the Cleveland Guardians Nike RBI baseball teams.

Beyond baseball, you can find two tennis courts and two basketball courts that were included in the recent renovation, offering options for athletes of all kinds.

Kid-Friendly Fun

There's a large, modern playground that accommodates children of different ages. On hot summer days, the splash pad becomes the center of attention, with water fountains providing a refreshing escape from the heat.

Parents will appreciate the soft, safety-focused ground surface in the play area, but on particularly sunny days, you might wish for a bit more shade.

Gathering Spaces

Looking for a spot to host a family picnic? The park's pavilion offers multiple tables, some with built-in checkerboards for impromptu games. It's great for everything from casual lunches to community celebrations.

For those who don't want to miss a workout, there's an outdoor fitness area with exercise equipment. And yes, there are restroom facilities that the park keeps in good shape.

For the Fur Families

A spacious fenced dog park welcomes four-legged family members too. This popular spot typically hosts well-behaved dogs whose owners appreciate having a safe place for off-leash play and socialization.