The Eastwood Swim Park in Akron’s Goodyear Heights neighborhood was a popular destination for local families for decades. Now, the family member who owns it is asking for a conditional-use permit to rezone the land for commercial use as a defense education training facility.
The 12-acre property, which is currently owned by David Walker and has been in his family since 1954, would be used by local fire and police departments, EMS and SWAT teams, individuals and community groups for fitness training and team-building activities. Walker plans to partner with Achilles Heel Tactical for the training classes.
That isn’t sitting well with many of the neighbors who live nearby — directly across Eastwood Avenue to the north is a residential neighborhood with single-family homes. To the south, the former swim park abuts Goodyear Metro Park…