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, murals, moveable seating, wind chimes, and more welcome visitors to stop and spend time. Activations by Downtown Akron Partnership 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. The redevelopment of Lock 3 Park from June 2023 to November 2024 connected to the reconstructed Main Street corridor for a seamless transition from downtown retail to the park for social gatherings and recreational activities.
