Your Support In Action
From supporting interpretive programs or events, the difference you make is outstanding. Below are some of our current projects that you are helping us accomplish!
Programming
Ohio & Erie Canal Fishing Derby
Our annual Fishing Derby once again hosted Akron Public School children along the banks of the Ohio & Erie Canal! Two hundred 3rd and 4th graders and their families joined us at Wilbeth Road Trailhead to catch bluegill in the canal. This program promotes sustainable outdoor activity through catch-and-release fishing, as well as stewardship of our natural resources. They were also able to take their poles and tackle home so they can continue fishing on their own.
Summit Bike Share
The Summit Bike Share offers the opportunity to borrow bicycles for free at locations throughout Summit County. We're incredibly proud to offer this program in partnership with City of Akron, City of Barberton, Summit County Public Health, Akron-Summit County Public Libraries, Alpha Phi Alpha Homes. and Lake Anna YMCA.
Link back to our website for information on the Summit Bike Share program.
Akron Civic Commons
Civic Gateway
Three civic asset areas - Downtown Akron (Civic Gateway), Ohio & Erie Canal Park and Summit Lake - along with the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are reimagined and connected to bring economically diverse neighborhoods together, build civic pride and advance environmental sustainability through the Akron Civic Commons.
Lock 3 Park
From an idea over 20 years ago, to a revitalized destination in the heart of our city, welcome to the reimagined Lock 3 Park! The resident-led $17 million redevelopment of Lock 3 Park has transformed the event and concert venue into a 365-day park that is accessible, equitable and welcoming for all residents and visitors along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The park now features shaded seating, benches, landscaped gardens, winding accessible pathways and the world-class Maynard Performance Pavilion named in honor of civic leader and philanthropist Phil Maynard.
We celebrated the completion of Lock 3 Park with reception and ribbon-cutting with the City of Akron, donors and community partners on November 23, 2024. We are incredibly humbled and honored by the support from the City of Akron, the Knight Foundation, Akron residents and all of our donors and partners in making the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 Lock 3 Park Project possible. Fundraising continues for the Lock 3 Endowment and and ongoing Akron Civic Commons initiatives.
Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail
The work of Akron Civic Commons reimagines Summit Lake Park as a platform for activities such as bicycling, canoeing, community gardening and cultural programming to attract area residents and trail users from throughout the region. Summit Lake residents have shared their experiences of living in a neighborhood that has experienced disinvestment and things promised, but not delivered. They have also shared their hopes and visions for the future of Summit Lake. The work of Akron Civic Commons is helping to change that narrative with a resident-led process guiding the way.
In September 2023, the first Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project was completed: The 2.25-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail that links the eastern and western neighborhoods surrounding Summit Lake and connects to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Now, we continue our community-centric work by redeveloping the Summit Lake NorthShore using resident feedback that included a place to gather and increased recreational opportunities.
Summit Lake NorthShore Park
The site work for Phase I of the Summit Lake NorthShore Park Project was completed in fall of 2024, and a contractor was selected to develop the park and its structures for Phase II of construction in 2025. The new park will feature a community pavilion, canoe and kayak rental program, boat launch, and picnic and concession areas. The Summit Lake Trail and NorthShore Park are part of the Summit Lake Vision Plan to create an accessible and welcoming park for neighborhood residents and visitors.
Summit Lake Interpretive Canoe Program
Our Interpretive Canoe Program provides free canoe rides for community members in the summer in conjunction with the Summit Lake Farmers Markets on Tuesday afternoons. In 2024, we provided rides to over 50 community members and students in Akron Recreation and Parks summer camps. The program helps to introduce individuals to recreational opportunities on Summit Lake, and to learn a new skill.
Summit Lake Ambassadors
The 2024 Summit Lake Ambassador program was comprised of 12 youth residents from across Akron and four team leaders. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition employs these young adults to enhance the space around Summit Lake and make it a beautiful recreational place in Akron. Through the Summit Lake Ambassador program, neighborhood youth are learning new skills and gaining employment experience while stewarding Summit Lake Park. Over 10 weeks in the summer, the Summit Lake Ambassadors collected litter, repaired benches, improved the fire pit area by weeding and adding gravel, landscaped, constructed new flower beds, and put their creativity to work re-painting picnic tables and benches.
Every donation made to the 2024 Huntington Towpath Century Ride supports the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition's mission to develop, enhance, and activate the Ohio & Erie Canalway, Towpath Trail, and connector trails.