Sixth annual Bike & Hike coincides with grand opening
AKRON — The City of Akron in partnership with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC), Summit Lake residents and donors hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration May 16 for the Summit Lake NorthShore Park at 540 W. South St.
The redevelopment of Summit Lake’s North Shore includes the creation of a large covered pavilion for gatherings, a fishing pier, boat house with concessions and a canoe/kayak share program, accessible canoe/kayak launch, boat launch, lakeside seating, swings and fire pits, and two picnic shelters for the enjoyment of neighborhood residents and visitors along the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The park is adjacent to the 2.25-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail that loops the entire lake.
“Sometimes you see all the pretty pictures and you wonder if it will ever happen … Just to play a small part in something that will be [here] for generations is very humbling,” said Dan Rice, president and CEO of the OECC, who is retiring from his role next week after serving 32 years of leadership with the OECC. “It’s absolutely amazing to sit on those swings that overlook the North Shore of Summit Lake and walk out onto the fishing pier. It’s absolutely a beautiful space.”…