POPULATION/demographics U.S. Census 2000 population: 56,646. This figure represents -5.1% change from 1990 figures. Lakewood is the 14th largest city in Ohio, second largest suburb in Cuyahoga County (after Parma). 21% of Lakewood's population is under age 18. In racial/ethnic categories Census figures show: 52,723 White; 1,116 Black; 139 American Indian; 815 Asian; 349 other; 1,504 multi-racial; 1,269 Hispanic. RELIGIOUSinstitutes 35 churches represent 14 different denominations. Visit the Lakewood Faiths page for information about these churches and denominations. EDUCATION The 14 public schools include 1 high school, 3 middle schools and 8 elementary schools with an enrollment of 7,860 and a student/teacher ratio of 24/1. Special programs offered within the school system include vocational education, adult education and recreation, and programs for learning disabled, gifted, honors, advanced and hearing-impaired students. RECREATION Lakewood offers more than 69 acres of parks, indoor/outdoor ice skating rinks, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, miniature golf, baseball and softball diamonds, year-round youth and adult programs, soccer field, and a new YMCA. A boat launch and a Metro Parks reservation are adjacent to the city. BUSINESS Lakewood is home to approximately 1,000 businesses and government agencies employing over 21,000 people. A downtown 72,000 square foot City Center is home base to 15 retail stores. Unique specialty and antique shops are located along the major avenues of Madison and Detroit. See Lakewood Businesses on the Web. CULTURAL Beck Center for the Arts offers professional theater, musical programs, an art gallery, and art, drama, music and dance classes. The Old Stone House Historical Museum, Historic Nicholson House, Irish Music Academy of Cleveland, 2 public libraries, and outdoor Summer Band Concerts help to enhance the city. Lakewood is also home to the nationally-recognized Lakewood Arts Festival as well as an annual Community Festival. ORGANIZATIONS Among the many local groups are the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, Elks, Garden Club, Historical Society, Junior Women's Club, Jaycees, League of Women Voters, Democratic and Republican Clubs, Art Coalition, Art League, scouts and many senior and youth organizations. HEALTHcare Lakewood Hospital is a 385 bed acute care facility including emergency and express care: (216) 521-4200 DAYcare The Division of Early Childhood, (216) 521-0001, offers resources and referral for child care. Local facilities include 11 day cares, 10 pre-schools, 2 Head Start programs, and many home-care providers. Adult care is available at A New Day Care Center, (216) 226-7776, for persons with Alzheimer's and dementia-related disorders. TRANSPORTATION Lakewood is 5 miles from Hopkins International Airport and 5.5 miles from Burke Lakefront Airport. Transportation is available from the Regional Transit Authority, Westlake and Yellow Cab. Senior citizens and disabled persons may receive transportation through the Division of Aging, (216) 521-1288. Lakewood can be accessed by routes I-90 east and west, I-71 and I-77 north and south. |