Seventh-grader Emanuel Romero watched hand-drawn concepts he helped to create transform into digital renderings that reimagined a vacant swath of grass beside Jennings Community Learning Center, located in Akron’s North Hill.
He was one of several middle school students who gathered last week at his school to celebrate as Akron Public Schools and Trust for Public Land unveiled plans to construct a community schoolyard. The $300,000 project features:
- A soccer pitch and bleachers in the center with landscaping surrounding it
- A walking trail connected to a paved courtyard with a small pavilion
- Tables where students can gather before and after school
- A nearby mural wall
“It’s honestly great knowing that what I’m doing, what my team is doing, is going to have an impact,” said Emanuel, 13.
The design for the vacant lot — dubbed “The Bowl” due to its grading compared to the nearby street — was conceptualized through input from community members and seventh graders from Jennings CLC, who embraced the opportunity to create something that will outlast their time at the middle school…