Akron spending hundreds of thousands to improve neighborhood parks
AKRON, Ohio — Derek Stone is fired up about a fire pit under construction at Reservoir Park where he frequently uses a new walking trail in the 16-acre property in Akron’s Goodyear Heights neighborhood.
“Things got stagnant and I think for the community, it’s like new. This is bright. This is exciting,” Stone said.
New playgrounds for toddlers and older children were also built along with a zip line.
Reservoir is among three city parks that received improvements this year through the Akron Parks Challenge, a partnership between the city of Akron, Akron Civic Commons, the John S. Knight and James L. Knight Foundation and the Akron Parks Collaborative.
Chestnut Ridge Park got grills, electricity for events at the amphitheater, an updated playground, a bathroom and a drinking fountain. Cadillac Triangle Park received a brick walkway. A seating area and landscaping are in the works.