Akron
Knitting Together Communities
With investments in three neighborhoods and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that connects them, Akron Civic Commons will knit together isolated communities through collaborative reimagining of public places. Temporary and permanent design features and regular programming will reestablish the 100-acre Summit Lake as a place of civic pride and play, bridge diverse neighborhoods including Park East and foster economic development and public life in Akron’s downtown.
"Akron is Reimagining the Civic Commons because we need to develop and activate equitable and accessible outstanding civic spaces for all residents and visitors."
–Dan Rice, President and CEO, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Reimagining the Civic Commons in Akron
Lock 4 Park
Summit Lake
Cascade Plaza
Park East
Summit Lake
Towpath Trail
Civic Theatre
Park East
civic
engagement
engagement
With new greenery and lighting, Lock 4 Park is being redesigned as a popular retreat that people visit frequently.
At Summit Lake, it’s common to see volunteer groups pitching in on the weekend to keep the lake clean and enjoyable for all.
socioeconomic
mixing
mixing
Cascade Plaza has been redesigned with swings and other changes that are attracting a diverse group of people.
As canoeing, kayaking and other activities grow in popularity at Park East, people are making acquaintances with strangers.
environmental
sustainability
sustainability
Summit Lake is being cleaned up so people of all ages can go kayaking or swimming.
Upgrades to the Towpath Trail are attracting people to bike or walk to work, lowering Akron’s carbon footprint.
value
creation
creation
Investors are seeing the value of renovating adjacent retail and residential buildings near the Civic Theatre. Cafes and outdoor seating are bringing more life to the street.
With more people in Park East, perceptions of safety are going up as residents actively take ownership and demonstrate stewardship of public places.
A Collaborative Effort
CONVENER
- Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
COLLABORATORS
- Akron Civic Theatre
- Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Alpha Phi Alpha Homes
- City of Akron
- Downtown Akron Partnership
- GAR Foundation
- Students with a Goal (SWAG)
- Summit County Government
- Summit Metro Parks
- Trust for Public Land
- The JPB Foundation
- John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
- The Kresge Foundation
- The Rockefeller Foundation