Eufrancia Lash has long heard that Akron families take their young children to parks in neighboring communities.
That’s why he wants Hardesty Park’s playground, part of an open, grass-covered 17-acre space in the Wallhaven neighborhood, to serve as a closer option. And not just for adults and children who live near the west side park.
“We want to change that narrative,” said Lash, who oversees the city’s parks, which encompass approximately 1,500 acres. “And we want to invest in our area and make that a destination for young families and families in general.”
Lash is one of several city leaders who are reimagining Hardesty Park as one of Akron’s destination parks — a gathering spot that encourages fitness, business development and connectivity…