Bay Village Celebrates “Village Green” Opening

It was truly a day of celebration in Bay Village last Friday, June 7, as Bay Village cut the ribbon to its new Village Green.

Truly a graceful touch in the heart of Bay, the Village Green sits on the north side of Wolf Road just west of City Hall and east of the library.

With its charming gazebo, tasteful walkways and gardens as well as inviting seating areas, the Village Green is a focal point of Bay’s parkland. It also sits near the aquatic center, Play in Bay, baseball diamonds and across the street of Bay Square shopping center.

Mayor Paul Koomar welcomed guests to the opening, reporting that the Village Green is the culmination of city Master Plan efforts begun in 2016. Its central location ties the heart of Bay to walking and biking trails that unify the community from Cahoon Park to Huntington Reservation and the lakefront Bay Point (still under development).

Pete Winzig, city councilman at large, commented that support for the project from community organizations, the Bay Village Foundation and Bay Kiwanis in particular, was instrumental in the project.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, a Bay product, was especially delighted to recall his days in Bay, calling the community family.  He looked out over the landscape as he reminisced about former Bay landmarks like the Bay Canteen (Bay Way Cabin where the library now stands) and Avellone pharmacy. Funding for the Village Green was also supported by Cuyahoga County.

Lydia DeGeorge, city council Ward 2, offered a moment of silence for Amy Mihajevic, whose memorial marker is located in the green. Members of the Mihaljevic family were in attendance to take part in this continuing remembrance.

Tony Nasrallah, head of Groundworks Landscaping, offered his thanks for his company’s integral role in Village Green installation. Nasrallah is a Bay High grad who started his award winning company in 2009. He has always had a head for business and heart for community.