TEAM CONTACT
Niraj Naik
Director of Real Estate & Planning
nnaik@midtowncleveland.org
216-391-5080 ext. 109
PROJECT DOCUMENTS
PROVIDE FEEDBACK
PROJECT
TIMELINE
2020 - 2021
Pilot Phase: Opening of temporary green space, weekly resident-led programming begins, annual Children's Day and MidAutumn Festival are launched.
2022-2023
Partner Recruitment: Cleveland Public Library establishes Artbox and begins weekly programming. Gund Foundation makes major park investment.
2024-2025
Preliminary Designs: Worked with the community and Marika Shiori-Clark to envision a permanent park. Major investment and installations through Transformative Arts Fund in partnership with Jordan Wong, Sculpture Center and City of Cleveland.
2026
Fundraising and Finalizing Design: Gain ownership of the park through Mingyue Place development, finalize park designs, and start fundraising for a permanent park.
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The AsiaTown Square Dancing Park is a unique public gathering place that reflects the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Cleveland's AsiaTown neighborhood. What began as a place for elders in AsiaTown to gather, socialize and practice Chinese Square Dancing, has evolved into one of Cleveland’s most vibrant public spaces.
History & Evolution
When MidTown Cleveland began its work in AsiaTown in 2018, one of the most consistent messages from community members was the need for a central gathering space. As outlined in the Imagine AsiaTown plan, residents envisioned a place where neighbors could gather outdoors, celebrate culturally significant holidays, and simply have something that felt like home. At the time, AsiaTown lacked easily accessible green space.
The closure of the former Dave’s Market later that year created an opportunity for MidTown Cleveland to work with residents to reimagine the site as a temporary community greenspace, which opened in 2020.
In 2022, MidTown Cleveland partnered with the Cleveland Public Library to bring the ArtBox and regular programming to the space, further expanding its role as a community destination. Most recently, in 2025, MidTown Cleveland collaborated with Cleveland artist Jordan Wong, the Sculpture Center, and the City of Cleveland’s Transformative Arts Fund to expand the park’s footprint and add public art installations, ping-pong tables, and playful seating.
To date, MTC has secured over $750,000 of investment and welcomed thousands of residents and visitors to the space for a variety of neighborhood celebrations.
OUR APPROACH
what you'll find at the park
Through the City of Cleveland’s Transformative Arts Fund (TAF), artist Jordan Wong reinforced the Square Dancing Park as a vibrant cultural destination and community space through a few different types of beautifully crafted and culturally meaningful installations.
Jordan’s project, For Those Who Call Here Home, includes five distinct artistic elements that celebrate the spirit of AsiaTown and its people:
- Entrance Gate – an interactive gate that welcomes people into a much more permanent park space.
- Lightbox Mural – an illuminated art piece inspired by Chinese folk tales.
- Ping-Pong Tables – designed with custom die-cut patterns and finished in three vibrant colors.
- Playful Seating – versatile furniture featuring brightly colored Asian-inspired icons.
- Decorative Planters - these planters feature artwork from three emerging artists in AsiaTown Nick Lee, Lydia Guan, and Thao Nguyen.
Additional improvements supported by the Gund Foundation include a refinished pergola, outdoor furniture and gathering space, a mobile stage for performances, and a painted basketball court by artist Glen Infante.
A Path to Permanence
The AsiaTown Square Dancing Park began as a temporary greenspace, but thanks to the vision and energy of the community, it is on its way to becoming a permanent home for AsiaTown.
As part of the planned redevelopment of the former Dave's Market site by the NRP Group, MidTown Cleveland will acquire ownership of the park property by the end of 2026. This is a major milestone. Site ownership unlocks new funding opportunities and gives the community the stability needed to invest in the park's long-term future.
Pictured : Dancer at Square Dancing park
Designing What
Comes Next
Throughout 2026, MidTown Cleveland is working with designer Marika Shiori-Clark to finalize a permanent site plan for the park. Once that plan is in place and ownership is secured, MidTown Cleveland will pursue grant funding alongside a broader fundraising effort to bring the full park vision to life.
Future improvements may include:
- 20 cherry blossom trees, expanding the park's green canopy and adding a beloved seasonal landmark to AsiaTown
- Permanent restroom facilities, making the park more accessible and welcoming for longer visits and larger events
- Ground regrading and asphalt removal, replacing hardscape with healthier, greener surfaces
- An expanded basketball court, building on the existing painted court to serve more players and more programs
Pictured : Cherry blossoms in the park
AN EXCEPTIONAL GROUP OF
PROJECT PARTNERS
The ArtBox in AsiaTown is a collaboration between Cleveland Public Library and MidTown Cleveland that brings free library services, educational programming, and creative activities directly into the heart of the neighborhood.
Located within the AsiaTown Park, the ArtBox serves as a community gathering space where residents of all ages can participate in arts and crafts, literacy activities, technology programs, cultural events, and seasonal programming. The space also provides access to library resources and supports community learning, creativity, and connection.
Since opening in 2022, the ArtBox has become an important part of AsiaTown Park's programming ecosystem, helping activate the park with regular family-friendly activities and community events throughout the year. Please visit the calendar for upcoming ArtBox programs and special events.
