July 2026 Newsletter

Written By Kathy Berta

ROADS REPORT

If there’s one issue I hear about more than any other, it’s our roads.

That’s why I’m pleased that this year’s city budget includes over $4 million dedicated to road improvements—one of the largest annual investments in our city’s streets in recent memory. The majority of that funding supports the annual resurfacing program, which is improving dozens of streets throughout the city this construction season.

Beyond scheduled paving projects, our Street Department crews are also making repairs throughout the summer. Recent work includes significant pavement repairs on 7th Street, 9th Street, Maplewood, Prior Drive, and the Hudson Drive/Front Street intersection. Crews continue to respond to potholes and other roadway repairs as they arise.

Beginning in mid-July, the City will also begin its annual crack-sealing program. While it may not be the most noticeable type of road work, sealing cracks before they become larger problems is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of our streets and protect taxpayers’ investment.

Road improvements don’t happen overnight, but we’re making meaningful progress. I’ll continue sharing updates in future newsletters so you know where work is happening and what’s coming next.

Wondering whether your street is included in this year’s resurfacing program? View the list: https://www.cityofcf.com/2026-street-resurfacing-list

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE: SIDEWALKS, TRAILS & BIKEWAYS

Whether you’re walking your dog, riding a bike, pushing a stroller, or simply crossing the street, getting around safely matters.

Recently, Cuyahoga Falls received one of the strongest bikeability scores in Northeast Ohio in the national PeopleForBikes City Ratings, reflecting years of investment in trails, neighborhood connections, and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. That’s something our community can be proud of—but there’s still more work to do.

The City is now working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to develop an Active Transportation Plan to help guide future investments in sidewalks, trails, bicycle connections, and pedestrian safety throughout the community. The project is currently in the data collection and public engagement phase, and team members have been at community events to gather resident feedback. Additional opportunities for residents to provide input are planned throughout the year.

Whether it’s a missing sidewalk, a difficult intersection, or a trail connection you’d like to see improved, your experiences and ideas will help shape future recommendations. Please take the survey, and I’ll be sure to share upcoming opportunities to participate as the planning process moves forward: https://www.cityofcf.com/active-transportation-plan

WELCOME OFFICER MAIORANO

Congratulations and welcome to new Cuyahoga Falls police officer Joseph Maiorano. Recruiting and retaining outstanding police officers is one of the City’s priorities, and we’re grateful Officer Maiorano has chosen to serve our community.

VALLEY VISTA UPDATE

I’ve heard from many residents asking about the status of improvements at Valley Vista Park. While progress hasn’t always been visible, work is continuing.

The first phase of the project required replacing the waterline beneath Valley Road before many of the park improvements could move forward. With that work completed, attention is now shifting to the next phase of the project.

Planned improvements include a new splash pad, accessible restroom facilities, and inclusive playground equipment that will make the park more welcoming for children and families of all abilities. Future phases also include new pickleball and basketball courts, along with improvements to walking paths and parking.

I know many residents are eager to see visible progress, and I’ll continue sharing updates as additional phases move forward this summer.

2026 STATE OF THE CITY

Earlier this spring, Mayor Don Walters delivered the 2026 State of the City address, highlighting major projects underway across Cuyahoga Falls, including road improvements, RiverLoop, public safety investments, and plans to strengthen connections between our neighborhoods.

I am so proud every day to work with Mayor Walters, my Council colleagues, and you to make Cuyahoga Falls a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am excited about where this city is headed and hope you’ll watch the presentation or read the full recap: https://www.cityofcf.com/news/stateofthecity2026

SUMMER IN THE FALLS

Download the brand-new Summer 2026 Fridge Friends, a comprehensive schedule of warm-weather activities in Cuyahoga Falls: https://www.cityofcf.com/sites/default/files/editor/ParksRec/Clear%20-%20SUMMER%20Fridge%20Friends%202026-1.pdf It’s filled with fresh ways to stay active, engaged, and inspired! From family activities to adult and senior programs, there’s something fun for everyone to enjoy.

Want to stay informed all year long? You can also sign up for the Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Recreation monthly newsletter: https://www.cityofcf.com/departments/parks-recreation/subscribe-newsletter

FRONT STREET LIVE

Don’t miss out on the great musical line-up this year at Front Street Live. Performances are from 6:00-7:30pm at the Paddle Park Stage, located at Portage Trail and Front Street, and the Fountain Stage, located at Stow Avenue and Front Street.

  • Friday, July 24 — Fountain Stage: Guy Randall / Paddle Park: Jonathan Andrew Kurz

  • Friday, July 31 — Fountain Stage: Wave Magnetik / Paddle Park: Ben Gage

  • Friday, August 7 — Fountain Stage: Wave Magnetik / Paddle Park: Babies in Black (Stop by and meet me at Pav’s Creamery before the show!)

  • Friday, August 14 — Fountain Stage: Guy Randall / Paddle Park: Jonathan Andrew Kurz

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!

Congratulations to the graduates of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Woodridge High School, and all of the students in our community celebrating this important milestone. Whether you’re headed to college, a trade or technical program, military service, or beginning your career, you’ve already made your families and our community proud. We wish you every success as you take this next step, and we hope you’ll always know that Cuyahoga Falls is cheering you on.

In each newsletter and on my social media, I will be highlighting great things and people in the Falls. Do you know a person, organization, or business that your neighbors need to know about? Please send your suggestions to rbalthis@cityofcf.com.

JOIN ME AT OFFICE HOURS

On Saturday, June 20th, I held community office hours with Ward 7 Councilmember Marie Willis-Guarneri at Lyla’s Restaurant on Bailey Road. My next office hours will be:

  • Saturday, July 18, from 2:00-3:30pm at Yada Yada Coffee, 1884 Front Street

  • Friday, August 7, from 5:00-6:00pm (right before Front Street Live!) at Pav’s Creamery, 2162 Front Street

  • Thursday, September 3, from 5:30-7:00pm at Dunkin Donuts, 1760 State Road

No RSVP is required—these are casual, drop-in opportunities for you to ask any questions you have about the City. The coffee and ice cream are on me. Hope to see you there.

COME TO A COUNCIL MEETING

Please join me and my Cuyahoga Falls City Council colleagues for our weekly meetings. Meetings are held at the Natatorium, 2345 4th Street, on the first, second, third, and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m., except in August. If a meeting falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place at the same time on the next business day. Ample parking is available in the Natatorium parking lot.

Have something to say but can’t join? You can also submit your comments on pending legislation to publiccomment@cityofcf.com at least 12 hours in advance of a meeting.

REPORT AN ISSUE

Cuyahoga Falls is proud to provide top-notch services to its residents. However, if you have a concern we should know about, please contact Mayor Don Walters at mayor@cityofcf.com or 330-971-8000, me at rbalthis@cityofcf.com, your City Council member (contact info here: https://www.cityofcf.com/city-council/your-council-contacts), or report it online:

Check out the City’s Front Street Live webcams: https://www.cityofcf.com/webcams

Kathy Berta
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