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📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

📰 Local News: 💦 Mentor Advances $10 Million Civic Center Aquatic Project With Splash Pad Update

🎙️ Mentor Main Stage Sponsorships Sold Out as 2026 Event Season Nears

📋 Spring FYI: Mentor Provides Key Tips and Resources for Residents

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Event Spotlight: 🐰 Easter Bunny Returns with Photos, Dance Parties and Family Fun

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Guardians Prospects Turn Heads Early in Spring Training

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115

Mentor City Council approved a change order Feb. 17 that will help move the city’s new Civic Center Splash Pad project toward completion while refining how key infrastructure will support the facility.

City officials explained that the splash pad is part of a larger Civic Center aquatic improvement project that includes a new water slide and supporting buildings. The work is being completed through four coordinated contracts: the purchase of the slide itself, Zerby Construction’s installation of the slide, Action Contractors’ work on the primary buildings, and the splash pad construction contract awarded last November.

One of the key design questions involved how the water systems for the splash pad and slide would operate. Early in the planning process, the city explored whether the two attractions could share a single pumping system and potentially use underground storage to capture and reuse treated water.

As the final splash pad design was completed, engineers determined that approach would not work. Instead, the project will require two separate pump stations — one serving the splash pad and the other serving the water slide. While the systems will operate independently, both will connect to the same electrical service within the complex.

Originally, each pump station would have been housed in its own small enclosure. City officials said the approved change order allows the city to consolidate those structures into one larger building that better matches the architectural style of the Civic Center improvements. The structure will also create an additional small seating area for families.

The change order totals about $280,000, primarily covering concrete work, site adjustments, and construction of the larger enclosure. Officials said the overall Civic Center aquatic project is currently estimated at about $10 million as construction continues.

Source: cityofmentor.com

2026 City of Mentor Event Sponsorship Opportunities – Update

The City of Mentor has announced an update on its 2026 event sponsorship opportunities. Mentor Main Stage sponsorships are sold out, but limited spots remain for the Mentor Cruise-In, Tunes at the Lagoons, Mentor Farmers Market, and Cultural Arts events at the Wildwood Cultural Center.

Mentor’s family-friendly events draw strong community participation, with more than 150,000 people attending free city events last year. Remaining sponsorship opportunities allow businesses to connect with a large and engaged local audience.

Interested organizations can review the updated 2026 Mentor Event Sponsorship Packet. Sponsorships are available first-come, first-served, with requests due by April 15, 2026.

For more information or to reserve a sponsorship, contact Communications Officer Ante Logarusic at (440) 974-5794 or [email protected]

As spring arrives, the City of Mentor is reminding residents of several important guidelines and services designed to keep the community safe, organized, and informed.

Garage Sales
Residents planning a garage sale should note that the city does not require a permit. However, there are specific rules regarding signage. Signs are allowed only on the property where the sale is taking place. Posting signs at street corners, on tree lawns, or on utility poles is prohibited. Any signs placed in unauthorized locations may be removed by city staff without warning.

Power Outages
In the event of a power outage, residents are encouraged to contact the Illuminating Company’s automated outage reporting line at (888) 544-4877. Reporting outages through this system helps the utility company monitor service disruptions and restore electricity more efficiently. Emergency services should only be contacted if there is a true emergency situation.

Rental Inspection Program
Mentor operates a rental inspection program to help ensure that rental housing within the city remains safe and livable. The program focuses on verifying that rental properties meet the city’s Property Maintenance Codes and are properly maintained for the wellbeing of residents.

Safety Assurance Programs
The city also offers several safety assurance programs for residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies. These programs are designed to provide extra support and preparedness resources for individuals who require special care or attention during unexpected situations.

Source: cityofmentor.com

Families can celebrate the season with Photos and Visits with the Easter Bunny from February 27 through April 4 in the Dillard’s Concourse. The festive “Bunny Garden” photo experience offers a fun way to capture spring memories—whether it’s a child’s first Easter or a family tradition. Special pet-friendly dates are also available for those who want to include their furry friends. 🐰📸

New this year is the KIDZ BOP Dance Party, held every hour on the hour. Kids can dance along to upbeat KIDZ BOP hits with the Easter Bunny before taking their photos, adding even more fun to the experience.

Guests who book their photo session online in advance can skip the line and receive a free three-month trial of Crayola’s Scribble Scrubbie Pets app, a creative digital activity that encourages empathy and kindness.

The Bunny Garden set was designed and built by talented students from Auburn Career Center.

Hours vary by date, with weekday afternoon sessions through March 15 and expanded daytime hours beginning March 16. 🌸

See the Bunny’s hours at mentorlocalbuzz.com. All buy advanced tickets or see daily event updates on their Facebook page using “More Details” link on our site.

The Cleveland Guardians continue to see encouraging signs from their farm system, as several young hitters have stood out early in spring training.

While outfielder Chase DeLauter has drawn attention and is expected to open the season in the big leagues, four other prospects are making strong early impressions: Angel Genao, Ralphy Velazquez, Jaison Chourio and Kahlil Watson.

Genao, Cleveland’s No. 3 prospect, is a 21-year-old switch-hitting shortstop known for his excellent contact skills, speed and strong defense. His well-rounded game gives him the potential to become the club’s future starter at shortstop.

Velazquez, ranked No. 4 in the system, brings significant left-handed power. The 2023 first-round pick has shown impressive plate discipline and hard contact this spring while continuing to improve defensively at first base.

Chourio, a 20-year-old outfielder, stands out for his speed, defense and consistent contact hitting, making him a potential top-of-the-order threat.

Watson, a former first-round pick acquired from Miami, adds athleticism, power and speed to the outfield mix.

Together, the group highlights the Guardians’ growing pipeline of young offensive talent poised to impact the organization in the coming years. ⚾

Source: forbes.com