Summer Programming: Q & A with Downtown Akron Partnership
Summer is here (are you hot enough, yet?)! Or should we say summer is back? After being shut inside for most of the past 18 months, Akron is opening back up and we could not be happier. We recently sat down with Downtown Akron Partnership to learn more about what is happening downtown this summer.
Please tell us a little about the DAP summer programming schedule.
The 2021 summer programming schedule is full of fun activities for all, six days a week. The schedule includes free fitness/wellness classes (DrumFIT, FamilyFIT, Exercise Basics, Kickboxing, Line Dancing, Nutrition 101, Pop-up Dance Classes with ArtSparks, POUND, Taiji, Thank Dog! Bootcamp, Yoga, and Zumba), roller-skating parties, walking, scooter and bike tours, live music, Recess on Main and new activity carts called the Downtown Try Cycle. All of these events are free to attend thanks to the generous support of the Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and KeyBank.
Is there anything new planned this summer? What "old favorites" have returned to the schedule?
This year we added several new fitness classes to the lineup, as well as the new Downtown Try Cycles.
These bikes feature a brightly colored storage box (resembling an ice cream bike) filled with books from the Akron-Summit County Public Library, games purchased at Full Grip Games, maracas from Summit Choral Society, art supplies, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more. The Try Cycle is downtown from 11 am-1 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Saturdays during events on Cascade Plaza. The bikes encourage you to “try something new today,” and have activities for all ages.
Our favorite events to return this year are the roller-skating parties. We doubled the fun this year though with two parties a month, June-September! The first Saturday of each month is Family Skate from 3-6 p.m. which features either Kevin Richards or DJ Ness spinning the tunes. On the third Saturday of each month is Skate Night with Phuture Boogie (DJ Forrest Getemgump, Darrell Stout, and Andre Leone). Both parties have drinks and food for sale, lawn games, and of course…roller skating! We even have rental skates available in kids and adult sizes for only $2/pair.
Also, new this year is the Busking in the Green concert series on Saturdays nights in the Northside Green (outside Luigis). These pop-up performances feature the Earthquaker Devices Seismic Station. The Seismic Station is a custom-made cabinet on wheels with a stool, a small chalkboard sign, and a rechargeable, battery-powered amplifier, complete with four EarthQuaker Devices effects pedals. To learn more about the Seismic Station, click here.
What is your favorite aspect of the DAP summer program schedule?
All of the events are so much fun and there really is something for everyone. This is all thanks to the amazing partners we work with to help make these programs possible.
Shout out to AMATS, ArtSparks, Black2Life Fitness Ministry, Christy Leenheer, FitCamp, Gotham Gym and Savage MMA, JustUs Line Dance Crew, Shifu Gary Harris from Center for Body-Mind Harmony, Yoga Squared, and all of the musicians, artists, and businesses that bring downtown to life.
What can people expect when they come to a DAP program? Are there any restrictions that folks should consider if they're planning to attend (COVID policies)?
Our hope is that when people attend a DAP program they feel welcome and have a great time. Because these programs are all outside, there may be times when events have to be canceled and we do our best to share that information through our website and social media. We try to host as many events as we can, rain or shine though. As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.”
In regard to COVID-19, DAP is following CDC, state, and local health orders during all events and continues to make adjustments based on those orders. Currently, we request that all attendees self-monitor and not attend events if they are showing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. While masks are not required at any of our events, those who wish to wear them and social distance are welcome to do so.
Where can people find more information?
The full list of events is available at downtownakron.com/summer. I also recommend following Downtown Akron Partnership on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on all there is to do, see and experience in downtown Akron.
Is registration required for DAP's summer programs?
Registration is not required for any of the programs, but it is encouraged for the fitness classes as some classes have limited space.
Do you have any volunteer opportunities for people looking to get involved in the planning and execution of these events?
Yes, thank you for asking! We are always looking for volunteers to help at events and programs throughout the year. Visit downtownakron.com/about/urban-corps for more information and to sign up.
Anything else you want to share?
The DAP summer programming schedule is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to events and activities in downtown Akron. We encourage everyone to check out the events calendar on our website and take a trip downtown soon. Downtown is open and we are excited to see you!
The staff at Downtown Akron Partnership would like to recognize the hard work, skill, and dedication of Kelli Fetter in the creation of DAP's engagement initiatives and programs. Kelli has moved to a new role at the University of Akron, but anyone who visits downtown will continue to benefit from her expertise and creativity for a long time to come.