Ohio & Erie Canal Park
Creating a shared, connected space
The connection of neighbors and neighborhoods
Located between downtown Akron and Summit Lake neighborhoods, Ohio & Erie Canal Park is the connective tissue between Akron’s Civic Commons. Historically, the park has been anything but for the diverse residents within the neighborhood, housing for which includes condos for homeowners, subsidized housing, and senior living.
With the help of neighborhood residents and partners, Civic Commons is seeking to break down barriers to create shared spaces within the park for gathering and greater understanding of one another.
Community Collaborations
Through the creation of a neighborhood steering committee made up of diverse residents and partners from around the community, work began to unite community members in a shared vision for the Ohio & Erie Canal Park neighborhood. Work began by recognizing the history of a neighborhood identity forced upon them: originally called Canal Park, the neighborhood’s name was changed to Park East when the baseball stadium opened in downtown Akron.
While the conversation continued to determine an identity and new name for the neighborhood, so too did work to reactivate the space. Projects have included installation of a Fit Trail in partnership with Torchbearers, a new mural designed by Lizzi Aronhalt with input from the neighborhood, underpass improvements through Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition’s Adopt-A-Trail program, and the building of a brand new, high quality playground for kids – and adults – of all ages. Ongoing programming includes outdoor concerts provided by Alpha Phi Alpha Homes. The organization fully supported the building on a picnic shelter outside of Callis Towers for, among other activities, these concerts to be held. An ambassador program, led by neighborhood resident John Rucker, welcomes visitors to the park area, cleans up trash, and reports any issues within the park.
Now renamed Ohio & Erie Canal Park, residents and partners are excited to establish their own narrative in the greater Akron community, and see the park as a place to play, connect, and build community.