Cleveland votes to create standalone parks and rec department

• The department will also manage Public Auditorium, the West Side Market, Highland Park Golf Course, and Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Why it matters: City officials have argued the change will streamline services, facilitate new funding opportunities, and demonstrate the city's commitment to equitable parks access.

• Mayor Justin Bibb has supported a standalone parks department since the early days of his mayoral transition.

Catch up quick: Since 2010, parks and recreation operations have been housed under the unwieldy Public Works Department, which already handles waste collection, street repair, and special events, among other things.

Between the lines: Council members Jenny Spencer and Charles Slife sponsored an amendment to create a division of urban forestry within the new Parks and Recreation Department devoted to the preservation and growth of the city's tree canopy.

What they're saying: In a video posted to social media, Spencer noted this new tree focus arrives at an opportune moment, as the city just received a $3.4 million award from the USDA's Urban and Community Forestry Program.

• That grant will fund a Community Forestry Corps pilot project aiming to reduce urban heat islands and "prioritize equitable canopy solutions."

What's next: The city plans to hire a director of the new parks department in the coming weeks. Per the job description, the position will pay $150,000-$175,000 annually.