WPKND Recognizes Residents and Resident-Led Groups Making West Park a Better Place
Every year, West Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development recognizes the neighbors, organizations, and groups that make West Park Kamm's a great place to live, work, and play through our community awards. At this year's West Park Blossom Bash, we gave out four community awards to those we felt deserved recognition for their hard work, their service to the neighborhood, and their dedication to West Park. Read all about them below!
Community Impact Award-Donnell Stephens Sr.
Over the last couple of years, Donnell Stephens Sr. has reignited several sports leagues at Gunning to give kids the opportunity to be active, make new friends, and learn how to be part of a team. Donnell grew up in the West Park neighborhood and has fond memories of playing in leagues out of Gunning Recreation Center. When he saw they were no longer active, he decided to step in and bring them back. Donnell knows firsthand the impact sports can have on youths in helping them develop important life skills on and off the field. As a result of his efforts, Gunning now offers year-round sports activities including football, basketball, and cheer.
Bob Bohr Safety Award- West Park Better Streets
The West Park Better Streets Committee is a group of residents advocating for the safety, comfort, and accessibility of our streets. Convened by Bike Cleveland, the group has been meeting since 2023. Their work has included the official establishment of the West Park Greenway in 2026.
The Greenway provides a network of streets with low vehicle speeds and volumes, creating safer bicycle and pedestrian connections for people of all ages and abilities. It is the first greenway in Cuyahoga County and would not have been possible without the advocacy of the West Park Better Streets Committee
Volunteers of the Year- Hans and Kristi Luenger
If you've visited Kamm's Corners Farmers Market in the last 2 years, chances are you've seen Hans and Kristy greeting you at the entrance. Over the last 2 years, Hans and Kristy have completed a total of 114 volunteer hours at Kamm's Corners Famers Market and beyond! Hans and Kristy love greeting guests to the market, counting how many customers come through, and giving extra special greetings to all the furry friends who come visit KCFM.
Hear from Kristy: "Hans is a second generation West Park resident and has enjoyed getting to know people in his community. We enjoy cleanup days and helping to keep West Park looking its best. Hans' preferred volunteering is greeting everyone at Kamms Corners Farmers Market. It’s great to see his “regulars” that stop to visit and say hi. Especially the puppies! West Park truly encompasses being an inclusive community that embraces Hans and his special needs. We cannot be more proud than to be a part of such an amazing community."
Emerging Leader Award- Taylor Lamborn
Taylor is a West Park resident, musician, and community leader dedicated to strengthening both the cultural and environmental life of her neighborhood. She began her work with West Park Kamm’s as one of the inaugural West Park Tree Stewards in 2024, helping care for the trees planted at the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Riverside Park campus. Over the past two summers, she has served as Tree Steward Manager, coordinating volunteers and working with the program’s arborist to help plant and maintain trees throughout West Park and across Cleveland. Taylor enjoys every opportunity she has to share the joy of trees with the children and residents on the Riverside Park campus.
In addition to her environmental work, Taylor is the Executive Director of Roots of American Music, the nonprofit where she previously taught, continuing its mission of connecting students and communities through the power of music. As a performing musician, she is a familiar face in West Park, sharing her music at neighborhood events such as the West Park Farmers Market and the annual Hooley festival.
Through her work in the arts, education, and environmental stewardship, Taylor is committed to building connections and creating opportunities for neighbors to come together. She is honored to play a role in helping West Park (and all of Cleveland) grow greener, stronger, and more connected.