Akron Civic Commons

“Akron is Reimagining the Civic Commons because we need to develop and activate equitable and accessible outstanding civic spaces for all residents and visitors.”
–Dan Rice, President and CEO, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

A great civic asset has the ability to make visitors feel welcome, connect neighbors, and allow people to take responsibility for and own our public spaces. Akron 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.

One of five cities selected for a $5 million grant, Akron is currently on a three-year journey to apply this theory to public spaces along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition along with a growing team of partners are working in downtown Akron, Park East, and Summit Lake to reinvigorate public space through civic engagement.