AKRON, Ohio — Thanks to a generous donation from the Richard S. and Alita Rogers Family Foundation, Akron's Lock 3 downtown venue is once again growing.
The City of Akron announced on Thursday that the Rogers Family Foundation has donated $1 million to the Lock 3 Vision plan, which focuses on the expansion of the Civic Commons, as well as the venture to provide easy access to parks, trails, and other public works.
“As leaders, we know that accessible and beautiful public space is an essential component to civic health, community wellbeing, and economic vitality. Lock 3 is a place where residents and visitors gather for entertainment and recreation, and to take in the beauty and activity of downtown from a center stage view,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “Thanks to the support and commitment of public and private partners, including the Knight Foundation and Rick and Alita Rogers, we will soon transform Lock 3 into an even more attractive destination and resource for all of Akron to enjoy.”
Lock 3 currently serves as a major venue for community events, concerts, and festivals with its prime location in the center of downtown Akron. Through the Lock 3 Vision plan, the city will be able to redevelop the locale into a featured element of the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
“As children our parents would bring us downtown for shopping, special occasions, and dining. We have fond memories of an exciting urban landscape full of people and wonder. The Lock 3 garden park, designed by internationally renowned Olin architects, will help restore the essence and function of a dynamic urban core,” said Rick and Alita Rogers. “We are fortunate and delighted to be able to help realize this garden gem in the heart of Akron.”
The $1 million donation from the Rick and Alita Rogers Foundation helps to support the first phase of the $10 million plan to rejuvenate and redevelop the Akron location.
“We are extremely grateful to Rick and Alita Rogers for their generous donation to the Lock 3 Vision Plan,” said Dan Rice, president and CEO of Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, lead organization of Akron Civic Commons. “Through their incredible generosity, Lock 3 Park will become a regional and national destination along the Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail.”
