The Civic Gateway
Recreation and social connections in downtown Akron
The civic heart of downtown
Located on the northern end of downtown, the Civic Gateway is comprised of a variety of recreational and social amenities, including the Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 2 Park, Lock 3 Park, Lock 4 Park, Cascade Plaza and Main Street.
Design and programming across these assets reimagines the Civic Gateway as the animated civic heart of downtown, connecting thousands of office workers in nearby buildings with downtown residents.
Community Collaborations
To date, the Civic Commons team has collaborated with a wide range of local partners to bring life to these public spaces. The pedestrian bridge over the deconstructed OH-59, downtown’s gateway to Summit Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park was often the place where cyclists and walkers turned around to head back north. New activations provide a more enticing space, with lighting, seating, outdoor art displays and murals guiding folks into downtown.
The space improvements continue into Lock 4 and Lock 2 Parks, with lighting, fire pits, fresh landscaping, moveable seating, wind chimes, and more welcome visitors to stop and spend time. Activations by Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) on Main Street provide an integral connection between the street and canal levels. DAP, along with Lock 3, Akron Civic Theatre and City of Akron, program the spaces year round with music, food, festivals and art.
A reconstruction of Main Street opened the door for more pedestrian activity. Partners are looking to continue momentum in downtown Akron by transforming Lock 3 Park into downtown’s Central Park, making it the perfect destination for everyday use, concerts, programming, and seasonal activities.
Transforming Lock 3 Park
The Lock 3 Vision Plan is a key component of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project that plans to build on the success of Lock 3 Park as a successful event, concert and festival public space and develop a year-round park that is a destination for residents, guests, hikers, and bicyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The redevelopment of Lock 3 Park will include shaded seating, landscaped gardens, artwork, skating areas, and a world-class performance pavilion named in honor of community leader, Phil Maynard. Located in the center of Akron, and along the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail, Lock 3 will be transformed into a premier park that is accessible, equitable and welcoming for residents and visitors.
The Lock 3 Park Project is a $16 million investment in Downtown Akron to create a world-class Central Park for the city’s residents and visitors, supported by funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Summit County Government, Ohio & Erie Canalway, State of Ohio, and individual donors.
The Park’s anticipated completion date is the Fall of 2024. Visit our blog, where we are posting periodic “hard hat” construction updates onsite at Lock 3 Park.
Support the Lock 3 Vision Plan
Naming rights opportunities are available at Lock 3 Park. Learn more about naming rights opportunities at the button to the right. For questions and more information, contact Dan Rice by email or call 330-374-5657.
If you are interested in donating to the Lock 3 Vision Plan, mail in the form found in this document to our offices at 47 W. Exchange Street, Akron OH 44308. Please make all checks payable to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and write "Akron Civic Commons" in the note section. Donations are also accepted through the PayPal button to the right.
