Parma, Ohio

Parma, Ohio
JSmetana · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Parma, Ohio
Settlement type	City

Parma, Ohio is a city located in Cuyahoga County, approximately 10 miles south of Cleveland. The city is situated near the Cuyahoga River and is part of the Cleveland-Elyria metropolitan area, which includes neighboring cities such as Lakewood, Brook Park, and Middleburg Heights. Parma is also close to the Rocky River and the West Creek Reservation, a Cleveland Metroparks preserve. The city is home to the Parma City School District, which serves students from Parma and surrounding areas, including Seven Hills and Brook Park.

Geography

The city of Parma is located at an elevation of approximately 850 feet above sea level, near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio and Erie Canal. The city's terrain is generally flat, with some rolling hills and wooded areas, including the West Creek Reservation and the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Parma is bordered by the cities of Cleveland, Brook Park, Middleburg Heights, and Seven Hills, as well as the village of Linndale. The city is also near the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and the Interstate 71 and Interstate 80 highways, which provide access to nearby cities such as Akron, Toledo, and Columbus.

History

The area now known as Parma was first settled in the early 19th century by European-American pioneers, including John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources, including the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio and Erie Canal. The city was officially incorporated in 1924 and was named after Parma, Italy, the hometown of many of the city's early settlers, including Italians and Slovaks. During World War II, Parma played an important role in the war effort, with many of its residents working at nearby General Motors and Ford Motor Company factories, which produced military vehicles and aircraft for the United States Army and the United States Navy. The city is also home to the Ukrainian Museum-Archives, which showcases the history and culture of Ukrainians in the United States, including Cleveland and New York City.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Parma had a population of approximately 80,000 people, with a diverse mix of European-American, African American, and Asian American residents, including Italians, Poles, and Slovaks. The city has a median household income of around $50,000 and a median home value of approximately $120,000, with many residents commuting to nearby cities such as Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo for work, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University. Parma is also home to a large Ukrainian American community, with many residents attending St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and participating in Ukrainian festivals and events, including the Ukrainian Independence Day celebration.

Economy

The economy of Parma is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, with many residents working at nearby Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and General Motors factories, which produce automobiles and medical devices for companies such as Ford Motor Company and Johnson & Johnson. The city is also home to a number of small businesses and startups, including restaurants, shops, and services, such as Walmart, Target Corporation, and Home Depot. Parma is located near the Interstate 71 and Interstate 80 highways, making it an attractive location for logistics and distribution companies, including UPS and FedEx.

Education

The city of Parma is served by the Parma City School District, which operates several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including Parma Senior High School and Normandy High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement and vocational training courses, and its extracurricular activities, such as sports and music programs. Parma is also home to several private schools, including St. Bridget of Kildare School and Holy Family School, which are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

Government

The city of Parma is governed by a mayor-council government, with a mayor and a city council composed of seven members, who are elected by the residents of Parma to represent their interests and make decisions on behalf of the city. The city is also served by a number of government agencies, including the Parma Police Department and the Parma Fire Department, which provide public safety services to the community, including emergency medical services and fire protection. Parma is located in Cuyahoga County and is part of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, which are represented by Democrats and Republicans from the Cleveland area, including Marcy Kaptur and Jim Jordan.