A great civic asset - like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail - has the ability to make visitors feel welcome, connect neighbors, and allow people to own their public spaces.
Reimagining the Civic Commons is a national initiative focused on the idea that a connected set of civic assets - a civic commons - can generate more equitably shared prosperity across cities and neighborhoods. Akron is currently on a multi-year journey to apply this theory to public spaces along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, impacting our communities for generations to come. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and a growing team of partners are working in downtown Akron, Ohio & Erie Canal Park (formerly Park East), and Summit Lake to reinvigorate public space.
Reimagining the Civic Commons
Akron Civic Commons is part of the national initiative Reimagining the Civic Commons, which focuses on transforming shared civic assets to foster engagement, equity, environmental sustainability and economic development in cities across the country.
Visit Reimagining the Civic Commons
Ohio & Erie Canal Park
Located between downtown Akron and Summit Lake neighborhoods, Ohio & Erie Canal Park is the connective tissue between Akron’s Civic Commons. Historically, the park has been anything but for the diverse residents within the neighborhood, housing for which includes condos for homeowners, subsidized housing, and senior living.
With the help of neighborhood residents and partners, Civic Commons is seeking to break down barriers to create shared spaces within the park for gathering and greater understanding of one another.
Pickleball in the Park 2025
Register now for the April 5 or May 3 pickleball demonstrations or the May 24 community exhibition at the link below! Contact Ramahn Wilder for questions or registration assistance at (330) 374-5657 or rwilder@ohioeriecanal.org.
Support the future of public space
Akron Civic Commons is on a journey to create beautiful and equitable public spaces throughout Akron, through the redevelopment of Summit Lake's north shore and Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron.
But we need your help. Become a Civic Champion today by supporting our $22 million fundraising campaign in support of these projects.
Naming Rights Opportunities
Naming rights opportunities are available at Summit Lake. Learn more about naming rights opportunities by clicking the buttons below. For questions and more information, contact Dan Rice by email or call 330-374-5657.
Summit Lake Naming Rights Opportunities
To donate for Naming Rights Opportunities for seating and trees, please click the button below. To donate for Naming Rights Opportunities on other features of Lock 3 and Summit Lake Parks, please contact Dan Rice by email or call 330-374-5657.
Lock 3 Vision Plan
The Lock 3 Vision Plan is a key component of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project that plans to build on the success of Lock 3 Park as a successful event, concert and festival public space and develop a year-round park that is a destination for residents, guests, hikers, and bicyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Some of the elements that residents have identified as priorities for Lock 3 moving forward are shaded seating, landscaped gardens, artwork, skating areas and a world-class performance pavilion.
If you are interested in donating to the Lock 3 Vision Plan, donate through Paypal using the button at the bottom of the page or mail in the form found in this document to our offices at:
47 W. Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44308
Please make all checks payable to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and write "Akron Civic Commons" in the note section.
Maynard Performance Pavilion
The Maynard Performance Pavilion will serve as the main stage at events that take place at Lock 3, with another smaller stage located behind it.
If you are interested in donating to the Maynard Performance Pavilion, donate through Paypal using the button below or mail in the form found in this document to our offices at:
47 W. Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44308
Please make all checks payable to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and write "Akron Civic Commons" in the note section.
Summit Lake Vision Plan
The Summit Lake Vision Plan is a key component of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project to create an accessible, equitable and welcoming park for all residents and visitors. The resident-led Summit Lake Vision Plan includes a bicycling and walking trail around Summit Lake, a pavilion for family gatherings, shaded seating and swing, a canoe and kayak share, boat launch ramp and a concession stand to enjoy an ice cream cone, sandwich, or cup of coffee.
If you are interested in donating to the Summit Lake Vision Plan, donate through Paypal using the button at the bottom of the page or mail in the form found in this document to our offices at:
47 W. Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44308
Please make all checks payable to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and write "Akron Civic Commons" in the note section.
General Akron Civic Commons Support
Work in downtown Akron, Summit Lake, and Ohio & Erie Canal Park doesn't just include with the two projects mentioned above. Programs, events, maintenance, and other activities take place year-round, which means steady and consistent support is always needed.
If you are interested in donating to Akron Civic Commons, donate through Paypal at the bottom of the page or mail in the form found in this document to our offices at:
47 W. Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44308
Please make all checks payable to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and write "Akron Civic Commons" in the note section.
