Community Programming

The Van Aken District offers has regular programming, especially in the summer, that helps bring people together and build a sense of community. In summer 2023, for example, events included farmers markets, outdoor concerts, fitness classes, family movie nights, kids’ crafts, and local art pop-ups. These activities gave residents reasons to come out and spend time in the district. Families would get ice cream and stay for a movie, people came to listen to live music in the evenings, and neighbors ran into each other at the market.

The programming is organized by the district’s management team, often with support from the city’s parks and recreation and economic development staff. By offering events like these, Van Aken has become more than just a development project. It functions as a gathering place where people connect and spend time together.

The programming at Van Aken is also an example of continued partnership between the city and RMS. While RMS manages many of the events, Shaker Heights’ parks and recreation staff often help organize and promote activities. This shows how redevelopment projects require ongoing collaboration even after construction is finished.