The Trust for Public Land and Knight Foundation announce new community-led initiative to revitalize Summit Lake

Summit Lake will have a clean and fun-filled future if Akron residents and two major nonprofit organizations get their way.

On January 25, at the Summit Lake Community Center, representatives from The Trust for Public Land and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will host neighborhood advocates and community stakeholders to launch a new initiative which aims to revitalize Summit Lake, increase access to parks, playgrounds, and other recreational opportunities, and promote reinvestment and economic development in surrounding areas. The project also supports the goals of Akron Civic Commons, a project that seeks to better connect and activate civic assets, like Summit Lake and its surrounding greenspace, while fostering social inclusion for people of all backgrounds.

Knight Foundation has committed $195,300 for the initial phases of the initiative, with The Trust for Public Land serving as program manager. The gathering on January 25 is the first step in a process in which residents will outline their priorities for restoring the lake and the areas around it, including open spaces, bike paths and walking trails. Attendees of all ages are welcome to attend the event, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Funding provided by Knight Foundation will also be used to assess the environmental condition of the lake and plan for its clean-up and restoration.

“It’s a rare and wonderful thing to have a historic lake located in the center of a major city like this,” said Matt Schmidt, program director at The Trust for Public Land. “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Akron residents and Knight Foundation to restore this resource to its historic glory.”

“Parks are the backbones of successful neighborhoods. They bring people together, attract businesses and encourage deeper community connections,” said Kyle Kutuchief, Knight Foundation program director for Akron. “With this in mind, the restoration of Summit Lake is an important part of building a more successful Akron.”

The Summit Lake kick-off event will occur at 5:30 p.m. at the Summit Lake Community Center, 380 West Crosier Street in Akron. Parking is available on-site. Refreshments will be provided.

Matt Schmidt, The Trust for Public Land
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