West 117th

Smallest Park in Lakewood?

I picked a terrible time to walk down West 117th Street. It was at the end of my workday, and my stomach was already grumbling in anticipation of dinner. West 117th Street forms the eastern border of Lakewood with Cleveland, and I started at the northern end where it connects with Edgewater. After walking about a block the smell of Chipotle started wafting in my direction. I then proceeded to walk past a Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Rally’s, Taco Bell, KFC and Dunkin’ Donuts. Just as I was starting to think I had passed every chain except Subway, I noticed one near the corner of Madison Avenue.

Then I looked across the intersection to the southwestern corner of Madison and saw an unusual sight. It was a tiny “Lakewood Mini-Park”. I stepped off the dimensions and think the entire park was about 30 x 30. I parked my bike inside for a quick pic and it took up most of the space. I believe this is the smallest park in all of Lakewood.

The other oddity I observed was a lone single family home on the Lakewood side of West 117th Street (the street is divided with Lakewood being on the west side and Cleveland on the east). It was sandwiched between the KFC and a Laser Car Wash. Given the size of the pine tree in the front yard, I bet this home has been here a while. If you wanted to live within walking distance of a dozen quick and easy food choices, this location could not be beat!