AKRON, Ohio — Officials in Akron gathered for an official groundbreaking celebration at Lock 3 Park that marked the beginning of the Lock 3 Vision Plan.
The Lock 3 Vision Plan is part of the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project led by residents. The vision aims to "build on the success of Lock 3 Park as a successful event, concert and festival public space and develop a year-round park that is a destination for residents, guests, hikers, and bicyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail," according to event officials.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video at the top of the story previously aired on 3News on July 29, 2022.
The following spoke at the event and participated in a groundbreaking ceremony:
- Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan
- Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville
- Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro
- Knight Foundation Program Director Kyle Kutuchief
- President and CEO of Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Dan Rice
- Downtown residents
Last March, Mayor Horrigan announced that $3.5 million from Akron's American Rescue Plan will help implement the Lock 3 Vision Plan. Additionally, the Knight Foundation is investing $3.5 million toward the project.
Plans are underway to create a 365 day-a year-park that includes, shaded seating, landscaped gardens, walkways along the Ohio and Erie Canal and a world-class performance pavilion.
The goal of the plan is to forge a stronger connection between residents, visitors, and the park in the heart of downtown Akron.
PHOTOS: Renderings of Akron's Lock 3 Vision Plan
The full announcement of the changes coming to Lock 3 in Akron can be viewed below:
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 1, 2022.