A Day of Community Spirit and Fun
Westlake residents are invited to celebrate the season with a full day of family‑friendly activities on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The City is bringing together recreation, community gardening, and major infrastructure improvements in one memorable Community Day at Recreation Center Park. From early‑morning fishing to a ribbon‑cutting for brand‑new athletic fields and an inclusive playground, there will be something for everyone.
Morning Fishing Derby
The fun begins at 9 a.m. with a Fishing Derby at the Recreation Center pond. Sponsored by the Westlake Recreation Department and the Westlake Kiwanis Club, the derby invites kids aged 12 and under to cast their lines and compete for prizes. According to the Kiwanis event calendar, the derby runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center (28955 Hilliard Blvd) and costs $15 per chil. Participants must bring their own fishing gear, and a parent or guardian must be present. Bait will be provided while supplies last.
Planting Day on Hilliard Boulevard
While the derby is underway, volunteers and local organizations will gather along Hilliard Boulevard for the city’s Annual Flower Box Planting Day. This beloved tradition sees residents filling hundreds of flower boxes with colorful annuals. In past years, the City has praised the dozens of volunteers who tend the boxes, noting that each box is automatically entered in the Westlake in Bloom competition. Many families have cared for these beds for decades. This year’s planting runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Clague Park entrance on Hilliard Boulevard . Participants are encouraged to bring a small shovel and their gardening enthusiasm.
Grand Opening of Recreation Center, Park, Athletic Fields & Playground
At 12 p.m., the community will reconvene at Recreation Center Park for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of major upgrades to the park’s athletic fields and playground. A recent City release notes that the grand opening marks the conclusion of a project funded by a recreation levy approved in 207. The event will include a DJ, inflatables, and refreshments.
Westlake invested in premium surfaces to ensure safety and playability for athletes of all ages. The ballfields feature FieldTurf’s DoublePlay Natural Surface, while the multi‑purpose field is equipped with Vertex CORE with CoolPlay—a topdressing designed to reduce surface temperature by up to 35 degrees. Musco LED sports lighting further enhances playability, making the fields the premier athletic facilities in Westlake. These fields will serve Westlake Youth Soccer, Football, Softball, and Baseball, as well as other athletic programs.
The revamped playground now includes shaded seating areas, accessible pathways, and distinct play zones for children of all ages. Mayor Dennis M. Clough and members of the City Council supported the project, which involved multiple city departments and partners such as Behnke Landscape Architecture, Mr. Excavator, Musco Sports Lighting, Snider Recreation, FieldTurf, and The Vasco Group.
Join the Celebration
Community Day offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet neighbors, and explore Westlake’s newest recreation amenities. Whether you’re casting a line at the fishing derby, planting flowers along Hilliard Boulevard, or cheering at the ribbon cutting, your participation helps foster civic pride and connection. All events are weather‑dependent. For registration details and any last‑minute updates, visit the City of Westlake website or contact the Westlake Recreation Department.
Bring your family, bring your friends, and be part of this milestone celebration of Westlake’s commitment to recreation and community!