The Commons Community: Crystal Ann Williams Costa
Akron Civic Commons is highlighting the neighbors and partners that make our work in downtown Akron, Ohio & Erie Canal Park, and Summit Lake possible. This week, we’re highlighting Crystal Ann Costa, Ohio & Erie Canal Park Resident, loving grandmother, entrepreneur, and community advocate.
Tell us a little about yourself
I am a licensed Funeral Director, and I work with my twin brother, Sterling. We own and operate the family business, Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Homes in Warren and Youngstown. I married Malcolm J. Costa 32 years ago and moved to Akron a year later, with my son, Jeremiah, and daughter, Cryshanna, and gained three stepchildren, Treschelle, Marier, and Tara. I really enjoy being a grandmother (of 8!), and I have been love-sitting for my grandson Clayton on my days off, ever since he was born.
Can you tell us about your neighborhood and how long you’ve been living there?
I have been living in downtown Akron for the past 18 years. My husband and I built a condo at the Town Homes at Canal Park, just off the Towpath Trail. We have wonderful neighbors, beautiful landscaping, and peace and quiet. From my patio, you can look over and see the canal that runs through the Ohio Erie Canal Park (Park East). Akron is truly a wonderful city to live in, and I am glad I choose to be here.
What is your favorite thing to do in your community?
My favorite thing to do in my community is to take my 8-year-old grandson to the park and walk around the canal. In the summer, there are free Saturday concerts behind Callus Tower. We can also walk or ride our bikes past the baseball stadium, Lock 3, and stop at a restaurant. If you go in the other direction past Summit Lake and the new Nature Center, the views are spectacular.
What would you like people to know about your community?
I would like people to know that our neighborhood is safe, the park is beautiful with chairs, basketball and tennis courts, walking trails, a climbing wall and a fantastic playground for children of all ages. The area is perfect for families and children of all ages. You have to discover it for yourself!
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with Akron Civic Commons?
I am a member of the Ohio & Erie Canal Park Steering Committee. This is a great group of people from our community where everyone wants the same thing: to improve our neighborhoods and give the community a wonderful place to live. Dan Rice has been an exceptional leader in helping us through this process.
How has Akron Civic Commons impacted your neighborhood along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail?
One of the projects that give me the greatest sense of pride is the playground and renaming of the Ohio & Erie Canal Park. My grandson, Clayton, attended some of the playground meetings and was so excited to see the playground come together. This is our favorite thing to do! There are so many wonderful things in the area: Summit Lake Nature Center, exercise stations, volleyball courts, walking and bike trails, green space, etc. As I said before, come and discover this area for yourself and bring the family!