Meet the Coventry PEACE Park Landscape Architect

Sargeant leads the "Find Your Favorite" station at the Coventry PEACE Park Design Jam in June 2021.

This July, construction will begin on the Coventry PEACE Park renovation. The renovation includes a new 30 ft. long "Big Slide," a 20 ft. high cardinal play structure, a toddler play area, a performance stage, half-court basketball, an accessible walking path, and over 100 new trees and plants. Andrew (Drew) Sargeant's PEACE Park design stems from community engagement and a vision for the future. He began working with Heights Libraries on the Coventry PEACE Park Renovation in 2021. Sargeant's design includes collaboration with Jim McKnight, the landscape architect for the 1993 playground build and subsequent renovation efforts.

Sargeant is the director of open space and planning at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, is a lecturer at universities like Kent State, Cleveland State University and the Ohio State University and has served on boards and steering committees for projects like the Downtown lakefront plan. He was recently appointed to the City of Cleveland Planning Commission. Sargeant is also working on projects in the Hough Neighborhood and at the Heights Libraries Noble Neighborhood Branch renovation.

"This project represents not only my professional growth but also a commitment to honoring the legacy of those who came before me." -Drew Sargeant

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Q & A with Drew Sargeant

What has it meant to you to work on the Coventry PEACE Park renovation?

Working on the PEACE Park has been a profound and deeply personal experience for me. As a young African-American designer, born the year of the park's initial construction, the opportunity to contribute to its new iteration 30 years later is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Being involved in the transformation of this space holds a special significance, considering the historical context of when it was first built. It's not just a project for me; it's a connection to the past and a bridge to the future. It's an opportunity to infuse new life into a space that has witnessed the evolution of the area and the library. 

What makes this project unique?

We are striving to become the civic hub that binds our community together, with the library serving as a pivotal anchor. Our efforts extend beyond mere physical enhancements; we have strategically improved the site to resonate with a diverse range of demographics while fostering a seamless synergy with the vibrant commercial corridor on Coventry Rd.

Our vision revolves around creating a destination park, and the inclusion of distinctive elements, such as the impressive 20 ft. cardinal bird play feature, sets our playground apart, positioning it as a potential contender for the best in Northeast Ohio, if not the entire region. This deliberate focus on creating a standout recreational space is not just about providing a place for leisure; it's about catalyzing positive change and serving as a driver for increased investment and visitation to the area.

The park's enhanced features, coupled with its strategic location along the commercial corridor, are poised to generate a ripple effect, encouraging more community engagement, economic growth, and a renewed sense of pride in our shared space. 

What have you learned while working on this project?

Working on this project has been an invaluable learning experience for me. One of the key insights I've gained is the nuanced difference in community engagement between revitalizing a generational space and undertaking a completely new project. Unlike a brand-new initiative, a project like this involves engaging with the community's history and collective memory, which requires a unique and thoughtful approach.

I've come to understand that community engagement should be a continuous and deliberate process. It's not a one-time effort but an ongoing dialogue that necessitates careful consideration of the community's evolving needs and aspirations. This project has taught me the importance of maintaining an open line of communication, ensuring that the community remains an active participant in the transformation of their familiar space.