{"id":293056,"date":"2021-06-23T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T04:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knightfoundation.org\/?post_type=article&p=293056"},"modified":"2021-06-22T14:32:40","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T18:32:40","slug":"summit-lake-creating-an-equitable-and-inclusive-public-space-in-partnership-with-residents","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/knightfoundation.org\/articles\/summit-lake-creating-an-equitable-and-inclusive-public-space-in-partnership-with-residents\/","title":{"rendered":"Summit Lake: creating an equitable and inclusive public space in partnership with residents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Akron\u2019s Summit Lake was once neglected, but members of the community came together to ensure the lake served Akronites as an accessible and popular public space. Summit Lake\u2019s transformation includes the construction of a destination park, and most recently, a Nature Center that will open its doors in July.<\/em> <\/em>Knight\u2019s Kyle Kutuchief shares more about the Summit Lake story, and how it helps boost community attachment, below. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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In the heart of Akron lies Summit Lake, a beloved lake where residents and visitors come to canoe, bike, fish and enjoy nature. The lake is a local treasure, which became more evident during the pandemic. \u201cPeople would come down and see grandparents with their grandchildren, and sit under the shelter and play games or cards,\u201d Summit Lake resident and Akron Civic Commons Fellow<\/a> Grace Hudson said. \u201cPeople are still having birthday parties and family gatherings. COVID-19 slowed things down, but people were still using the space.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>

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But Summit Lake, which is Akron\u2019s largest body of water and sits in a racially diverse neighborhood, has been a neglected public space for decades. In fact, it used to be an environmental hazard. Pollution, both from industry and runoff from nearby highways,  made the lake an unsightly hazard and discouraged residents from using the shoreline or water. Black residents, especially, felt detached from the lake because of urban renewal policies. Their neighborhood was separated from downtown Akron and residents were subjected to countless promises of renewals that were not delivered. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Making Summit Lake equitable, inclusive and accessible aligns with Knight Foundation\u2019s goal of strengthening communities by investing in spaces where residents of all backgrounds can develop a shared sense of community. That\u2019s why we joined JBP, Kresge and Rockefeller foundations in 2016<\/a> to invest $5 million in Akron\u2019s Reimagining the Civic Commons project that includes the Summit Lake neighborhood.   <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Akron Civic Commons has worked to co-create public space ideas with residents to improve their public spaces. Temporary prototypes such as plastic adirondack chairs and fire pits led to semi-permanent amenities such as a small beach that set the stage for bigger plans for lasting change. Knight recently committed $4 million to the $10 million plan to transform Summit Lake\u2019s historic north shore to create a destination park<\/a> for area residents and Towpath Trail users, with residents leading the planning.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Last year, Knight commissioned Gehl, a leading urban design firm, to study seven public space projects across the country<\/a> \u2014 including Summit Lake \u2014 and identify what made them successful and draw lessons for designing public spaces that make communities more resilient and inclusive. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Summit Lake\u2019s success centered around shifting decision-making power throughout its development lifecycle, from initial design through governance, to include residents as partners. As a result, its new improvement projects reflected residents\u2019 needs and the historical characteristics of the neighborhood. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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We are also learning that:<\/p>\n<\/div>

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