Ohio City community cleanup kicks off new tool-sharing initiative ahead of Oktoberfest

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Volunteers rolled up their sleeves Wednesday morning to clean up Market Square Park in Ohio City, tackling persistent litter issues just in time for this weekend’s Oktoberfest celebrations.

Organizers say the morning cleanup is only the first step in a broader neighborhood effort. Ohio City Incorporated, a local community development nonprofit, plans to use the momentum to launch a new community tool shed that will allow residents to borrow equipment instead of buying it.

“Trash around the neighborhood, it’s been a consistent issue,” said Mia Basit Hightower, volunteer coordinator with Ohio City Inc. “I know that some of the residents have already taken initiative.”

The forthcoming tool library is made possible by a $5,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation. The funds will go toward purchasing rakes, shovels, and power tools that neighbors can check out for local cleanups or personal home repairs.

“Help supply the community with things that keep them coming back out to continue to maintain the park and clean the neighborhood, or if in the future someone needs to do a repair at their home,” Hightower said. “We definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity. This is something we’ve been stirring up for a while.”

While details and launch timelines for the tool shed are still being finalized, park visitors will see immediate results ahead of this weekend’s events.

Hightower emphasized that revitalizing public spaces is critical to strengthening community pride.

“This is part of the larger initiative by Ohio City to start activating our parks, like public spaces,” Hightower said. “Part of it is to activate it so we can get back to positive neighborhood representation.”