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INSIDE:

Q&A with Mayor Kraus

Upcoming Events

Transforming Solon’s

Downtown Core

Forward Together

From vibrant cultural celebrations to new parks, partnerships and neighborhood improvements, Solon moves ahead as one connected community.

The “Yes” ADVANTAGE

Mayor Eddy Kraus explains how a “yes to progress” mindset, strong schools and tight partnerships are driving Solon’s growth.

Q: Solon is in the midst of a lot of economic development, including the potential mixed-use development and new businesses. As Solon's mayor, how do you make sure the city continues to thrive?

A: When I first got here nine years ago, my goal was to say yes to business, yes to progress, yes to development ... to start out with “yes” and then work on the details. You have got to have good partners and a fully engaged team. Whether it’s a real estate deal, a trail, a park, a winery, everyone has to give time, resources and staff. When that happens, you start to see results.

Q: How do Solon’s venerated public schools play into those partnerships that benefit the whole team?

A: The schools have set the bar of excellence for all of us — for me as mayor, for our businesses, for everything that we do. There’s no compromising with the education and with our students. The administration, teachers, students, parents — it’s a whole ecosystem ... [People] move

Mayor Eddy Kraus has served as Solon’s mayor for nine years.

into our community for the schools. They want the best education for their children.

Q: Could you elaborate on this shared value of excellence that is helping to drive the city’s future?

A: I have a staff that believes in [Solon’s future] strongly and executes our visions. The other great partner is our City Council. All seven elected officials are part of our team. We include our council in everything we do, because you have to have that strong relationship between the administration and City Council. We don’t always agree on everything, but they’re true partners in everything we do.

Photo courtesy of Hurst Design Build Remodel

Switching GEARS

Solon is replacing the US-422/Harper Road cloverleaf with a diverging diamond to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and bike access. By

Ruth Corradi Beach

Solon is partnering with the Ohio Department of Transportation to turn clovers into diamonds for the benefit of commuters and walkers alike. The US-422 interchange at Harper Road (CR-18), which is currently a cloverleaf style with big, wide loops, is being reconfigured into a diverging diamond, a more compact design that encourages a neater traffic flow.

“[The current interchange] is insufficient now just because of how much the commercial industrial area — not only the city of Solon but also the village of Glenwillow — has grown. This is the primary interchange to service those areas,” says John J. Busch, Solon’s city engineer.

City Council did not approve the project at first, because the bids came in higher than anticipated, meaning that grant money from ODOT was not sufficient. The city did qualify, however, for a TRAC grant, which ODOT offers for more expensive, congestion-reduction projects. Solon ultimately received a $7.2 million grant from ODOT, and the project was a go.

In addition to relieving traffic headaches for commuters, the diverging diamond configuration will offer another benefit to residents. Initially, it will increase bikeability and walkability. The city’s ultimate plan is to connect people to the Metroparks at Hawthorn Parkway.

“We [currently] have some sidewalks through there, but it’s not set up for bicycle riding and that kind of activity,” Busch says. “That was one of our main criteria — to design the project to incorporate a multipurpose path.”

In addition, Solon secured $2 million in federal earmark funding from Max Miller. As a result, the city temporarily suspended bids in late February while incorporating this additional federal funding and evaluating the overall project budget.

Parks & Recreation

From tennis, pickleball, and baseball to playgrounds and volleyball, our parks offer something for everyone. Exciting updates are underway, including new paths, pavilions, and an open-air stage, plus Grantwood Golf Course and 1,200 acres of Cleveland Metroparks to explore.

Community Center

Indoor and outdoor pools, gymnasium, jogging track, meeting and banquet rooms, aerobics studio, free weight room, rock climbing wall and a fitness area.

Center

for the Arts

Classes in theater, art and dance, private music lessons, gallery exhibitions, monthly family and adult events, theatrical and orchestral performances.

Solon Business Community Home to over 900 businesses from global headquarters to our favorite mom-and-pop shops and 60 restaurants that satisfy every craving.

Solon’s economy is perfectly suited for new and expanding businesses.

Why Successful Adults Over 50 Train Differently

If you are over 50 and have built a career, a family, or a business, you understand something many people learn later in life. Effort alone does not create results. Strategy does.

After fifty, training is no longer about proving something. It is about preserving your mobility, energy and independence. The ability to travel comfortably, carry what needs carrying, and stay fully engaged in the life you worked hard to build.

Owner Tim Dardis says most new members are surprised by how challenging the sessions feel and how safe they are at the same time. That distinction matters.

Meet Jody

Jody Malsch isn’t interested in slowing down. A former gymnast and dance major at Kent State University, she now works full-time as an administrative assistant and part-time as a licensed massage therapist. “At 63, I’d like to reach my full potential without worrying about the risk of injury. My trainer Christian Lupia is at my side for every rep, pushing me to safely do more than I’d do on my own.”

In just three months, she noticed an improved muscle tone. But what surprised her most was how she felt.

“The workouts aren’t easy, but they are effective, and I leave feeling amazing,” she says. “When I was 25, I hated going to the gym, but now it’s a source of confidence. I deserve this.”

Meet William

For 77-year-old William, strength isn’t cosmetic. It’s functional. With advanced osteoarthritis, he’s faced real physical setbacks.

1-on-1 Guided Strength Training

“The first time my back seized up in 2021, I couldn’t walk,” he says. “The imaging of my spine was not good. The doctor told me my T9 vertebra was shot. Six months later it was the T8, then the T7. I could see the writing on the wall and took matters into my own hands, working intensely with a physical therapist and finding MSF Studio Manager Marina Borden to strength train with. She’s been a phenomenal coach.”

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Rails to TRAILS

Former rail lines and reimagined parks will create a connected, community-focused trail and recreation system. By

Ruth Corradi Beach

Solon is a great place to get outside and enjoy the scenery, and several current projects reflect the importance the city places on offering its residents new opportunities to engage with nature.

The Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail is a 10-foot-wide paved trail that gets runners, walkers and cyclists off the busy streets. “The city bought the property decades ago,” Mayor Eddy Kraus says. “We decided that we wanted to build out a nice trail from right in the heart of Solon on SOM Center Road that goes for about 4 miles right into the heart of Chagrin Falls.”

Previously, Kraus notes, the trip was full of dangerous curves, “and you were just spending your entire time being defensive” to avoid traffic. “My goal was to get people off the dangerous streets and reduce those conflicts with vehicles,” he says. “And environmentally, it’s so much better, because you’re not breathing in exhaust fumes next to cars. On the trails, you’re right in the middle of nature.”

That trail is just the beginning of a more ambitious project, Kraus says. In the last quarter of 2025, Solon bought more than seven miles of unused rail corridor from Norfolk Southern that stretches across Cuyahoga, Portage and Geauga Counties. The acquisition sets the stage to create the Headwaters Connector Greenway.

“This one is about 7 miles and goes through multiple counties,” Kraus says. “It starts in Solon in Cuyahoga County and goes all the way through our city, through industrial properties and neighborhoods, through our golf course, and then it enters Geauga County.”

The plan is to upgrade and pave that trail, much like the Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail. “Eventually, we’ll connect the two trails so we’ll have miles and miles of trail systems,” he says.

Headwaters Connector Greenway

While the land belongs to Solon, the city has partnered with the Cleveland Metroparks for the construction and upkeep of the Headwaters Connector Greenway.

“It’s a great partnership,” Kraus says.

“They have such a great expertise in how to build trails and how to maintain them.”

In addition to the physical benefits people will enjoy, the trails benefit the city itself. Kraus notes, “We have about 900 businesses in Solon. We have large industrial companies. Many of those companies have told us that their workforce is changing. It’s a younger workforce. Many of their employees love to run or hike or walk or bike at lunchtime,” Kraus says. “[The businesses] absolutely love these trail systems that could help them recruit talent. So maybe you could say the primary reason is health and wellness, but there’s also a large economic development tool to these trails.”

The trails could also contribute to economic development if businesses

like coffee shops, ice cream stores, breweries and bike shops choose to locate along them.

The Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail and the Headwaters Connector Greenway are the culmination of years of cultivating relationships.

“When I first took over, we did not have a strong partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks,” Kraus says. “We had to build the trust and the relationship. You have to get deals done and you have to work with the group. It takes time, and you have to have proven results.”

“My goal was to get people off the dangerous streets and reduce those conflicts with vehicles. And environmentally, it’s so much better, because you’re not breathing in exhaust fumes next to cars.”

Breathing New Life Into City Parks

Solon residents who want to stay a little closer to home have a lot of new options, too.

Recognizing that the city’s parks were due for an upgrade, the parks and recreation department enlisted the help of planning consultants, community engagement focus groups and community surveys.

“We wanted to learn what people wanted from the parks,” says Rich Parker, Solon’s director of parks and recreation. “One of the main things that we heard, in addition to wanting updates, is that they were looking for community spaces — places to gather and meet their neighbors and to utilize the park.”

People also wanted multiple generations and multiple activities represented. From this feedback, the Solon Community Park transformation initiative took shape.

– MAYOR EDDY KRAUS

The park project is divided into phases. The first phase included some upgrades to Cisar Field at Russo Ballpark and the construction of Sebastian’s Playground, named for the son of Solon residents Kip Botirius and Kelly Baylog. Sebastian died at age 4 in 2022 from a rare genetic disorder. Sebastian’s Playground is inclusive for all to enjoy, regardless of ability.

“[Sebastian’s parents] partnered with us and made a donation to name the playground after him,” Parker says. “Together, we worked with the playground designer and came up with an inclusive place that can serve a wide range of populations — those with physical disabilities, with visual disabilities — for a wide range of age levels. It’s just fantastic.”

So fantastic, in fact, that its construction was phase one “because we knew that it was just a really important part and would have a huge impact when it was complete,” Parker says.

Phase two of the Solon Community Park transformation is set to be completed by mid-summer 2026. That phase includes

courts for the fastest-growing sport in the world — pickleball. “We’ll also add support facilities like restrooms, a concession building and some maintenance buildings,” Parker says.

Perhaps the central focus of phase two of the new Solon Community Park is the amphitheater. “We use the term amphitheater very loosely,” Parker says. “It’s an outdoor stage space. For many years we just rented stages and when we took a look, we could see this becoming such a big part of our special events and how we celebrate, so it was included in the designs.”

The community lawn in front of the approximately 30-by-30-foot stage has been expanded to increase gathering space. “All the [community survey] responses centered around it being the place where neighbors would go to meet each other and spend some time together engaged in a variety of activities,” Parker says.

Whether you want to hike the trails, swing at Sebastian’s Playground or enjoy music under the stars, Solon has you covered.

Your Story. Our City.

United in DIVERSITY

City leaders and residents come together to celebrate the cultures that shape and strengthen the community. By

Ruth Corradi Beach

The city of Solon is home to residents of many cultures and beliefs, as well as people who have come to Solon from all over the world. In Mayor Eddy Kraus’s opinion, that diversity is part of the city’s strength. “What’s interesting about Solon is that … anywhere from 25% to 30% of our population was born in a foreign country,” he says. “It’s huge. We have large Chinese and Indian populations — those are probably our two largest.”

Kraus attributes this substantial foreign-born population to Solon’s public schools.

“People move here in large part because of the excellence of the schools, and they, in turn, drive that excellence,” he says.

the city’s director of parks and recreation.

“When Mayor Kraus took office, one of his priorities was hosting events that were culturally diverse and reflected what Solon has become [culturally],” Parker says. “That was work that we began immediately in the planning and developing of events.”

“Everyone’s identity and tradition is welcome and will be reflected in our celebrations.”

Solon hosts a number of celebrations throughout the year that shine light on various segments of the community. These events celebrate the culture and history of numerous subgroups, offering a familiar and joyous day to people of each specific population, while also educating the Solon community about its neighbors. As Kraus says, the people of Solon drive its excellence — not only in education, but in understanding.

— RICH PARKER, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION

These cultural events are relatively new, with the longest-running Lunar New Year and Juneteenth celebrations both in their fifth year. The events bring life to an early vision of the mayor’s, says Rich Parker,

These celebratory events send a message to Solon residents: “everyone’s identity and tradition is welcome and will be reflected in our celebrations,” says Parker.

And the welcoming nature of these events means there’s plenty of room for more. Groups who do not yet have a representative celebration on Solon’s calendar are welcome to the planning table.

“We always love to hear from people,” says Tracy Sullivan, Solon’s director of community and cultural enrichment. “Reach out to us. That’s the starting point, and then we work through what they’re interested in and how that fits into the event itself.”

There’s even a special events email monitored by Sullivan’s team: specialevents@solonohio.org.

“There’s a lot more diversity in Solon than perhaps you may have seen in the past,” says Parker. “It’s only natural that we change to meet and serve those many different residents, and to celebrate them.”

Here’s a look at four cultural events that are now on Solon’s yearly calendar. All events are free, and everyone is welcome.

Lunar New Year Celebration

City of Solon Spring Festival

Presented by Swagelok and sponsored by Universal Windows Direct

WHEN: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Solon Community Center

The annual Spring Festival got its start in 2024 and celebrates the energy, traditions and cultures of South Asia. Attendees can sample flavorful dishes, learn about and interact with local South Asian groups and shop local vendors. There are also hands-on experiences like make-and-take crafts and henna artists who can demonstrate the centuries-old art. Guests can even get a henna tattoo! (Also known as mehndi, the plant-based designs are both beautiful and temporary.) The Spring Festival is a vibrant celebration that includes music and dance performances.

Solon Pride Day

Sponsored by Swagelok & Universal Windows Direct

WHEN: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Solon Senior Center parking lot (adjacent to the Solon Community Center)

This colorful outdoor event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and brings people together in the spirit of inclusion and pride. It’s a family-friendly event that brings food trucks and inflatables to the Senior Center parking lot, as well as crafts, games and entertainment (stick around for a lively performance by the Cleveland Pride Band). There are also vendors, supportive resources offered by local groups and, of course, a triumphant Pride Walk. This year’s Solon Pride Day is the fourth annual.

Celebrate Juneteenth

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Solon Bicentennial Park

Celebrate Juneteenth recognizes the day in 1865 — June 19 — when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after this first step toward the abolition of slavery was signed. The annual, lively celebration centers around the meaning and importance of Juneteenth and features live entertainment, traditional food, vendors and community organizations. This evening gathering shines a spotlight on Black culture, resilience and achievements while offering time and space to reflect, learn and celebrate. This year’s Juneteenth celebration (held on the 18th) will be Solon’s fifth.

DON’T MISS THESE 2026 EVENTS

For details and a full event list, visit solonohio.gov/1433/ community-events

April 12: Spring Festival presented by Swagelok, sponsored by Universal Windows Direct

April 25: Earth Day

May 7: Solon Job Fair

May 9: Spring & Shop Handmade Market

June 5: Solon Community Band Concert

June 14: Solon Pride Day

June 18: Celebrate Juneteenth

June 28: Splash Bash

July 2: Fireworks and Community Band Concert

July 17: Solon Community Band Concert

July 25: Solon Police Night Out and Movie in the Park

July 25-26: Summer Festival presented by Swagelok

Aug. 16: Bike with a Mayor

Aug. 22: Pop-Up in the Park

Aug. 22: Movie in the Park

Sept. 19: Grantwood Golf Outing and Clambake

Sept. 24: A Conversation with the Mayor

Oct. 8: Fire Department Open House

Oct. 10: Fall Festival presented by Swagelok

Oct. 24: Trick-or-Treat Trail

Nov. 25: Winter Festival presented by Swagelok

Dec. 12: Hometown Holiday Market

Faces of SOLON

Get to know Police Chief Courtenay Perkins and Fire Chief Shawn Toth. By Ann-Marie

Vazzano

POLICE CHIEF COURTENAY PERKINS

Courtenay Perkins was hired in September to lead Solon’s police department after 15 years on the force. We talked with him about his inspiration, what he loves about Solon, family life and more.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT. When he’s not Chief Perkins, he’s Coach Perkins, leading his sons’ football teams — a sport he’s loved since playing at Aurora High School. And when he’s not on the field, you might find him teaching in the police academies at Youngstown State or Kent State universities. He also wears his “dad” badge proudly. With seven kids at home, including a baby the family is fostering, Perkins jokes, “I guess I don’t get that much sleep!”

TO THE BATMOBILE! (ER, I MEAN CRUISER). “I was a big superhero fan growing up … but Batman was always the one I liked the most, because Batman was a human being,” Perkins says. “And anytime the

Bat-Signal went up, he knew he had to jump into action and go help somebody. I thought that was cool, and being a police officer, to me, is almost like Batman in real life — without the cape.”

THE DEFINITION OF GOOD POLICING. For Perkins, good policing means getting back to the foundational roots of being public servants with the goal of preserving peace. “One of the things we always talk about is having proficiency and professionalism to an excellent level, so that we’re able to perform in any situation we face,” he adds. “We’re ready for the challenge, and we'll do the best we can to serve the community … I want people to feel safe and at peace when they’re here in our city.”

GRATITUDE. “I always want to reiterate my thanks to our Solon police family. I'm happy to be a part of this team, and I’m thankful for our entire community and the support they’ve given us over the years.”

“I want people to feel safe and at peace when they’re here in our city.”

— COURTENAY PERKINS, POLICE CHIEF

FIRE CHIEF SHAWN TOTH

This past June, Shawn Toth was sworn in as the city’s fire chief. But Toth is no stranger to Solon, where he’s been part of the Fire and Rescue team for more than two decades.

A PASSION FOR SERVICE. “I realized early on that I wanted to pursue a career in the fire service after joining a volunteer fire department while on active duty in the Marine Corps,” says Toth. “I started in 1999, and that experience kind of sealed it for me.”

MEANINGFUL MOMENTS. Toth says there are plenty of calls that have stuck with him, but one of his most memorable moments was at a school event where kids had a chance to see the inside of an ambulance and fire truck. One family, whose child had a medical condition that prevented him from getting out and about much, was able to see the ambulance and snap a photo with Toth. “The family left, went to a store, had the photo developed, and the child wrote a note

on the back. They came back before the event was over just to give it to me,” Toth says. “It reminded me that what we do isn’t just about emergencies — it’s about connection, trust and the impact we can have on people’s lives, sometimes in very simple ways.”

STAYING GROUNDED. When he’s not at work, you’ll find Toth spending time with his family and cheering his kids on at their sporting events. “I enjoy being outdoors, especially hunting,” he adds. “It’s a good way to slow things down and recharge.”

WHEN YOU SEE A SOLON FIRE TRUCK… “I hope residents feel reassured that help is close and that the people responding are prepared and committed to this community,” Toth says. “I take this role seriously and feel a deep responsibility to both the community and the men and women of the department. I believe in transparency, teamwork and continuous improvement, and I’m deeply committed to this city and our mission.”

“...What we do isn’t just about emergencies — it’s about connection, trust and the impact we can have on people’s lives, sometimes in very simple ways.”

— SHAWN TOTH, FIRE CHIEF

DOWNTOWN Reimagined

Progress continues on Solon’s vision to transform its city core for the future. By Kathie Taylor

After years of planning, public engagement and investment, Solon continues to move forward with revitalizing its downtown core along Aurora Road. Anchored by the Solon Connects plan, the town center is shifting from an auto-oriented commercial corridor to a vibrant, mixed-use district shaped around resident quality of life and long-term economic development.

“The way people live, work and move is changing,” says Director of Planning and Community Development Michael Ionna. “We are cultivating a district that meets the evolving expectations of a next-generation community, while positioning the city to remain competitive for decades to come.”

Since the demolition of the long-vacant Liberty Ford site in October 2024, progress has been happening behind the scenes on the plan’s flagship project. Site preparation has cleared the way for environmental testing, engineering and other work to build the apartments, retail space, food hall, hotel and other exciting elements of the block.

The Downtown Solon Core will also tie into the new Headwaters Connector Greenway, an allpurpose, paved path that will span 7 miles along a former rail line through three Ohio counties.

A collaboration between the city of Solon, the city of Aurora, Bainbridge Township, Cleveland Metroparks and others will allow bikers and walkers to enjoy the safe, scenic link that extends to the Towpath Trail and Cleveland Emerald Necklace.

Beyond offering Solon residents recreation, Ionna says the trail will bring more visitors and economic benefits. Nationally, trail-oriented districts have increased property values and helped local retailers thrive.

“We are designing a downtown for people — not just cars,” he says. “This plan brings walkability and public spaces to the forefront: hallmarks of the most successful cities in the country.”

At the same time, Solon will begin designing public improvements that enhance both mobility and aesthetics along downtown streets. These will include sidewalks, crossings, lighting, landscaping and navigation that support a modern, pedestrian-friendly experience.

“This transformation isn’t just physical — it’s cultural,” says Ionna. “We’re developing a downtown that invites people to slow down, explore, connect and experience Solon in a completely new way.”

Solon Connects: A Framework for a People-First City

Solon Connects is a transportation plan for reshaping the community into an accessible, connected and experience-rich environment. The planning process began in January 2020, when the city was awarded funding through a competitive grant from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. In 2021, Solon Connects won an award for Best Small Jurisdiction Plan.

The plan aims to construct a unified network of safe, convenient connections that offer recreational opportunities and alternative options for getting around while elevating health, well-being and economic activity.

Building stronger pedestrian and bicycle connections between existing civic, commercial and open spaces will enable active transportation options for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

A defining feature is the Headwaters Connector Greenway, operating as downtown’s “energy spine,” Ionna says, drawing residents and visitors into the city’s core and supporting trailfront dining and retail.

“This transformation isn’t just physical — it’s cultural.”

— MICHAEL IONNA, AICP DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT