Summit Lake
Reimagining a former “million-dollar playground”
The lake with a legacy
Once the “million-dollar playground,” Summit Lake Park is reimagined as a platform for activities such as bicycling, canoeing, community gardening and cultural programming to attract area residents and trail users from throughout the region. These investments shift perceptions about and increase the use of the lake while improving ecological conditions, all of which generate new value for the area.
Community Collaborations
Community residents and partners throughout Summit Lake lead Akron Civic Commons efforts in the neighborhood, ensuring that programming and park improvements are needed or wanted by those who use the resources most directly. Space development began with basic amenities, including benches facing the lake, fire pits, and grills. Portions of the lake bank were cleared to provide more access to the water. Fences were removed from around the playground to make the space more inviting, while a nature play center was installed by Summit Metro Parks.
Programming remains diverse and provided by a wide array of partners. Let’s Grow Akron offers diversified canning and nutrition classes, and community gardening. At Let’s Grow Akron’s summertime farmer’s markets, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition provides free guided canoe trips. Students with a Goal (SWAG) offers photography apprentice programing through Leaven Lenses. Summit Metro Parks engages neighborhood residents in the creation and leading of programming, including fishing, crafting, children’s activities, volunteer opportunities, and more. Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance provides programming throughout the heart of their neighbor, and is actively working with partners to connect Kenmore residents with Summit Lake residents to break down perceptions and work together for a better future together.
After more than three years of testing ideas with the community, permanent improvements are taking shape. Summit Metro Parks is placing a permanent stake within the neighborhood with the transformation of a former tire factory pump house into a full nature center highlighting the history, people, and ecology of Summit Lake. A trail connecting the Summit Lake and Kenmore neighborhoods is in development, with additional high-quality amenities planned for the north shore of the lake.
Space Activation in Action
Summer Farmer’s Market
The Summit Lake Farmer’s Market, thanks to partners including Let’s Grow Akron, is offered once per week in the summer at the Summit Lake Community Center with affordable, fresh, and locally grown produce and products.
Summit Lake Assessment
Current test results show that water quality of the lake has improved over the last few decades, which means the lake is naturally cleaning itself. Skin contact with the water and the occasional tipping and falling into the water does not pose a health concern, and is safe.
