KNC+NOHEATisl

Project Partner — Keep Norwood Cool

Keep Norwood Cool was initiated in 2018 by Norwood resident Ms. Dana Boll, a designer and life-long environmentalist, to bring awareness to and advocate for healthier microenvironments in Norwood using a community readiness model and innovative designed solutions. Boll recognized that the density of impervious surfaces has increased, and green perimeters decreased, in the City of Norwood over the last three decades. These changes have resulted from urban expansion, urban drought, and loss of tree canopy.

Also concerning, Boll observed that many of Norwood’s five schools are close to highly traveled roads and are surrounded by asphalt playgrounds. Especially during the summer months, these environments have the potential to become heat islands with their own unique high temperature, known as high heat microclimates. Boll quickly identified that emerging cooling strategies exist to reduce the effect of heat islands as well as lower air pollutants that are often associated with them. Boll has since hosted numerous tree planting events and educational charrettes (intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for development.)

Partners in these efforts include the Woven Oak Initiatives, Taking Root 2020, the Wasson Way Project, School Outfitters, the Williams Avenue Elementary School, the Norwood Tree Board, and the Norwood Fire Department’s Community Fun.

Contact name: Dana Boll

Norwood, Ohio

get notified!

We hate spam too! Your e-mail address will not be sold or shared.

Meet Big Sam

Big Sam is a 40-something security guard at the high school Jazzy and Vito attend. Big Sam is worried about his health and recently found out his blood pressure is high. He covers up his worries with jokes. He lives in the apartment above Miss Georgia.

Meet Jazzy

Jazzy is a cheerful younger high school age girl. She is a cheerleader and does gymnastics. She enjoys spending time with older people and loves to bake with Miss Georgia. She has asthma and works hard to control it so she can enjoy her activities.

Meet Cardi

Cardi is a 30-something aerobics teacher at the community center who loves to help people get more fit and healthy but can be a bit too much “in your face” about it. She means well though!

Meet Vito

Vito is a plays-it-cool older high schooler who is sweet-natured at heart. He plays basketball at the community center and is friends with Jazzy. He loves pop and chips and can’t see why eating all he wants of them is a problem.

Meet Pops

Pops is a retired high school science teacher who loves to keep helping people learn about science and health. He likes to check out what everyone is doing or talking about and step in to give his opinion.

Meet Miss Georgia

Miss Georgia is a fun-loving lady in her 50’s who loves to sing, dance, and bake. She is always helping out at community events. She recently found out she has diabetes, and she is learning new ways to cook.