What is the park all about?
At the intersection of two of the longest streets in south Norwood, the micro park is a place for neighboring. Take a rest after a jog. Dispose of your pest waste. Meet up with a friend before walking to Birdie’s or Wasson Way. This space is for friendly interactions and meeting new neighbors.
Who created the micro park?
Conceived by Jon Moore, then a resident of Hudson Ave, the park was funded and implemented by a group of neighbors. Since its installation in October of 2020, the park continues to evolve and be maintained by a team of volunteers. As of May 2025, that group includes Emily Sapp, Nik Mize, Jeremy Schubert, and Melanie Mize.
How did it come into existence?
Throughout Norwood, Ohio, the land between the sidewalk and the street (AKA “the tree lawn” or “the devil’s strip”) is technically public right of way for city utilities that the individual property owner is required to maintain.
On a few streets in Norwood, like Floral Ave, that bit of land is exceptionally wide. For the vast majority of the 180 parcels on Floral Ave, that “tree lawn” is just a continuation of the front yard.
However, this is not the case at the southeast corner of Hudson Ave and Floral Ave, where the “tree lawn” is actually the distant side yard of an apartment building. In a way, it’s sort of a blank canvas that nobody was using or felt territorial about.
In the spring of 2020 – at the height of the pandemic when outdoor gathering spaces were at a premium – Jon Moore worked with neighbors, city officials, and the apartment building owner to reach an agreement. The city would let a group of residents implement their plan for the vacant “tree lawn.” In turn, the residents would relieve the apartment building owner of their responsibility to maintain that portion of their property. By passage of city ordinance, this agreement was made official for an indefinite period of time, so long as the city is satisfied with the maintenance of the park… and so long as the resident volunteers care to carry on the project.
Where is the Hudson Floral Micro Park?
You can find the park on the western boundary of the property at 2301 Hudson Ave, Norwood, Ohio 45212. It is located in the “tree lawn” of the apartment building found at that address. That said, park visitors are prohibited from accessing the apartment building, which is a private residence.
How to get involved?
The best way to volunteer at the micro park is to sign up for a shift on the mowing and maintenance schedule. This is open to anyone who is willing to help.
The second-best way to get involved is to strike up a conversation with someone you see mowing, gardening, or sitting at the micro park.
See ya out there!