Summit Lake NorthShore Park is located in the heart of the City of Akron and the center of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area and 101-mile Towpath Trail. This new City of Akron Park (May 2026) is an amenity for neighborhood residents, 2.5 million hikers and bicyclists utilizing the Towpath Trail, and visitors to the area. From its early beginnings as a glacial lake and water source for the Ohio & Erie Canal, Summit Lake has been a destination for recreation and family gatherings.
Summit Lake is a 100-acre lake, owned by the City of Akron and Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Summit Lake NorthShore Park is a City of Akron Park created in partnership with residents and Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. All of the components of the park were the result of input from residents of the Summit Lake neighborhoods from 2015 to 2026.
The park features a 2.25-mile loop trail (Summit Lake Trail) for walking or bicycling, which connects the neighborhoods of Summit Lake and Kenmore to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The trail can be accessed from various points around the lake, including the Summit Lake Community Center, REACH Opportunity Center, Summit Lake Nature Center, Kenmore neighborhood and Let's Grow Akron.
Park Location and Operations
Location
540 W. South Street, Akron 44314
Hours of Operation
This is a City of Akron park open from dawn to dusk.
Parking lot hours:
- Memorial Day to Labor Day: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Current hours (through Memorial Day): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Vehicles must exit the parking lot by the time of closing. Additional parking is available at the Summit Lake Community Center located at 380 W. Crosier Street, Akron 44311. Cross the bridge to access Summit Lake NorthShore Park.
For questions about Summit Lake NorthShore Park operations, please contact (330) 375-2311 or (330) 375-2856.
Park Rules
Park rules are posted to help ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. Please respect this beautiful space! For a full list of regulations, please see the button below.
Park Amenities
Public amenities include outdoor grills, indoor restrooms (seasonal) and water fountain. Additional features include lakeside seating, swings, two accessible fishing piers, a boat launch, kayak launch, ADA kayak launch and ADA fire pit area.
Park visitors can bring their own boat, canoe or kayak to launch in the lake. There are no kayak or canoe rentals, but visitors can sign up for Summit Metro Parks' paddling programs offered at the Summit Lake Nature Center and Silver Creek Metro Park.
Summit Bike Share
Summit Bike Share is Summit County’s free bicycle share system operated by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Bike Share stations are conveniently located in the heart of Akron, all within a short distance to shops, restaurants, businesses, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Summit Bike Share provides an accessible, eco-friendly, and healthy method of transportation for residents and visitors of Summit County. The program is offered at Summit Lake NorthShore Park, Reach Opportunity Center and Mustill Store Museum in Akron. Ride, return and repeat!
- NorthShore Park Bike Share currently operates 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7 days a week.
- Participants must have a valid photo ID and cell phone.
- There are 5 adult bikes available for use on a typical day.
- Participants must wear a helmet.
- Bikes can be borrowed for up to three hours, and must be returned by 4:00 p.m. or earlier.
- For inquiries about the Summit Bike Share, please call (330) 374-5657.
- Please contact specific Summit Bike Share sites about their operating hours, as they vary.
Shelter Rentals and Gatherings
The park may be used for community events through a permit application with the City of Akron. See the button below to be directed to more information, or contact Laurie Chenevey at (330) 375-2854 or LChenevey@akronohio.gov.
City of Akron Community Event Information
The John S. and James L. Knight Pavilion at the Summit Lake NorthShore Park can be enjoyed on a first-come, first-served basis unless it has been reserved as indicated with signage. It will be available to rented for a fee at a to-be-determined date. Rent the East Wing or West Wing for your special gatherings by visiting the Akron Rec Desk website below.
- Capacity: Approximately 24-30 people per wing (48-60 under entire shelter)
- Cost: $150 per wing (includes access to restrooms, electricity and picnic tables underneath the shelter in respective wing)
Akron Rec Desk Pavilion and Shelter Rules
Two picnic shelters are available for public enjoyment at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis and are equipped with picnic tables and electricity. Please be respectful of these spaces and leave them in the condition that they were in when you arrived!
Your Park Hosts
Park Hosts are onsite during Operational Hours to welcome you, answer any questions and ensure park regulations are respected.
Marcus Saulsberry is the Lead Park Host at Summit Lake NorthShore Park. A Summit Lake resident, he became involved with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition by attending community meetings as part of the Akron Civic Commons initiative back in 2016-2017. He became employed with the organization in June 2020 helping with the Summit Lake Youth Ambassadors, and later transitioned to a full-time Placemaker to engage with the community and steward the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Maundrio Roper is a lifelong Summit Lake resident employed as a full-time Park Host at Summit Lake NorthShore Park, who also owns his own web and brand development business. A graduate of Kenmore High School, Maundrio spent many years playing recreational basketball at the Summit Lake Community Center. He enjoys giving back to his community and stewarding public parks and spaces.
To read their full bios, visit ohioeriecanal.org/staff.