Lock 3 Park Update: September 25
Akron Civic Commons will be releasing regular "hard hat" video updates regarding the ongoing construction for the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 Lock 3 Park Project. We are excited for the transformed park to reopen in the Fall of 2024. The redevelopment of Lock 3 Park will include shaded seating, landscaped gardens, artwork, skating areas, and the world-class Maynard Performance Pavilion. Located in the center of Akron, and along the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail, Lock 3 Park will be transformed into a premier park that is accessible, equitable, and welcoming for residents and visitors through the Lock 3 Vision Plan. 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 an 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.
Significant progress has been made at Lock 3 since our last Hard Hat Update. The concrete work for the two ice rinks have been completed; one in front of the Maynard Performance Pavilion when it is not being used for reserved event seating, and the main rink off to the side by the Akron Children’s Museum that will be known as the Swensons Game Patio. The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath Trail sweeps behind the Maynard Performance Pavilion, connecting other areas of downtown and greater Akron to the park. The park will be filled with 101 trees and 35,000 ground cover plants which are being installed, part of which makes up the Cynthia and Landon Knight Hemlock Walk. Benches that line the Frances and Richard Buchholzer Balcony wrapped in wood cladding are being installed for ample seating. The Rogers Family Bloom Garden offers a serene area to relax and enjoy the outdoor space by Lock 4 and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Sod will be installed on the Knight Lawn, perfect for enjoying the company of friends or a concert on summer evenings.
