Floors are crumbling and nails are sticking out of what’s left. East Cleveland’s Martin Luther King Recreation Center is described as a pillar in the community, but despite its noticeable blight, it’s all some kids have.
"This is one symptom of a much larger problem,” said Christin Farmer who runs Birthing Beautiful Communities. "When I came in, the first thing I saw was what I thought was a construction zone. I literally cried for three days."
Farmer also works with East Cleveland Rise. She’s working to raise money to overhaul the rec center.
"If you're being strong all the time, that just harbors stress," she said. "It just reminds me of the consistent inequities that our communities have faced for years."
According to East Cleveland Mayor, Brandon King, He wanted to shut the center down, but kids in the community pushed to keep doors open. King said bids are being taken for work. He also said he will have a clearer idea of when work could begin in a couple weeks.
To donate to repairs, visit ECRise.org.
A Better Land:
We want to hear about your quality of life issues, what you think needs to be done to make our area - or even your street - "A Better Land," and what individuals and groups are already working to improve Northeast Ohio. Click here to fill out a brief form to help us make A Better land.
