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Recreation & Neighborhood Programs

Where Community Comes to Life

Strong neighborhoods are built through shared spaces and joyful experiences. Neighborhood Leadership Institute creates programs that activate our parks, schools, and public places — making room for movement, creativity, and connection across all ages.

A group of children standing on a tennis court holding tennis rackets

Free Tennis for Kids Ages 8–17

Summer Tennis Program

Every summer, kids across Cleveland take to the courts with NLI. Our drop-in Summer Tennis program gives youth the chance to build skills, stay active, and have fun — all for free.

Program Details:

  • Open to boys & girls, ages 8–17
  • Led by skilled tennis instructors
  • Weather-dependent sessions
  • June 9 – July 31

Locations include:

Archmere, Gunning Park, Humphrey Park, Jefferson Park, Luke Easter Park, and more

Recreation + Enrichment for the Whole Family

Schools as Neighborhood Resources (SNR)

SNR opens school buildings after hours to offer gym access, classes, and family-focused programming in welcoming neighborhood settings.

Why it matters:

  • SNR is the longest-running school-community initiative in Cuyahoga County
  • Strengthens school-family-community bonds
  • Provides safe, inclusive spaces to connect and grow
A group of children are playing basketball in a gym.
A poster for the let them theory by mei robbins

Reading for Reflection and Social Change

Community Book Club

Launched in 2020, NLI’s Community Book Club has welcomed over 600 participants into meaningful conversations about race, equity, and justice — one book at a time.

Topics Include:

  • Understanding child behavior and communication
  • Media and technology boundaries
  • Emotional regulation and creating structure

Current Book:  Plundered by Bernadette Atuahene

Aug 5 – Sept 9 | Tuesdays at 7 PM on Zoom

Limited free copies available

Free, but registration required