Summit Lake Vision Plan
Creating an equitable, accessible and welcoming park for everyone
Reconnecting residents and visitors to Summit Lake by creating an attractive civic commons space that is accessible, equitable and welcoming to all
March 11, 2025: The second phase of the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 Summit Lake NorthShore Park Project has begun! For the safety of all residents and area visitors, the 2.25-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail will be temporarily rerouted for the duration of the construction. The Summit Lake NorthShore Park is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026. The Summit Lake NorthShore bridge will be accessible to view the exciting park progress underway, however, to access the west side of the NorthShore, trail users should follow the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail north to W. South Street, turn left onto W. South Street and continue for about a quarter mile until the designated reconnection to the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail. To ensure everyone's safety, we request that all hikers and bicyclists follow the designated Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail reroute.
For questions, please contact the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition at (330) 374-5657.
It all starts with a vision.
In 2018, the Akron Civic Commons completed the community-led Summit Lake Vision Plan.
The Summit Lake Vision Plan is a key element of the Akron Civic Commons initiative along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail from Summit Lake, to the Park East neighborhood and downtown Akron. Through the generous support of national and local funders, including the Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, JPB Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Knight Foundation and William Penn Foundation, Akron Civic Commons seeks to create great civic commons spaces along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that are welcoming, accessible and equitable for all residents and visitors.
Early Action Components of the Plan
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The northern portion of Summit Lake has been neglected in terms of vegetative upkeep. Removing the dense underbrush, invasive species and selected trees will allow for directed views, improved visibility and an enhancement of safety.
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Two projects identified in the plan and prioritized by the community include the creation of a 2.25-mile trail around Summit Lake connected to the Towpath and development of the northern shore of the lake (North Shore).
The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail was piloted during the summer of 2019 using mowed paths and signage.
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Discussions between the City of Akron and Ohio Department of Natural Resources should work toward an alternative and cooperative use for the northern portion of land at Summit Lake to allow future proposed improvements.
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Removal of buildings along the northern shore of Summit Lake to improve public access and viewsheds.
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Improvements to the Summit Lake North Shore will include a covered pavilion, seating, concession areas, canoe/kayak rental area and boat ramp.
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A fountain can act as a gateway feature not only for Summit Lake but for Akron. Over 100,000 cars a day travel past this often-overlooked feature of Akron and an attractive fountain would provide s much-improved impression of Akron and the Summit Lake community.
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Renaming South Street to Summit Lake Parkway will provide the opportunity to place an exit sign on Interstate 76 / 77, further highlighting Summit Lake.
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Integrating public art in the northern portion of Summit Lake and in particular the art associated with the Marble Overlook will provide a unique identity, stimulating public interest and contributing to a unique sense of place.
Progress at Summit Lake 2022-2023
Summit Lake Trail Groundbreaking on October 25, 2022
Grace Hudson speaks at the Summit Lake Trail Groundbreaking
Summit Lake Trail construction begins in the spring of 2023
Summit Lake Trail North Shore Bridge setting on June 2, 2023
Creation of the floating bridge connecting the Summit Lake Trail to the Ohio & Erie Canal floating Towpath in July 2023
Summit Lake Trail and North Shore Bridge Ribbon-cutting on September 26, 2023
Community members attending the Summit Lake Trail Ribbon-cutting enjoy the views from the new North Shore Bridge (Talia Hodge)
View of Summit Lake from the North Shore Bridge
Early use of the newly opened North Shore Bridge along the Summit Lake Trail
Completed Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail in the fall
First organized recreational activity on the Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail in November 2023
Summit Lake North Shore Project
Summit Lake North Shore Pump House, before and after demolition.
The North Shore project is estimated to cost $7.5 million and is currently under implementation. The North Shore will feature a picnic pavilion, boat launch, kayak storage facility, professional team offices and concession stand and will provide a dramatic view of the lake.
Kenmore Construction completed the civil site work at the Summit Lake North Shore in Fall 2024. The second phase of the project to build the structures has been bid and a contract awarded.
Visit our Stories blog page for regular hard hat video updates of the North Shore construction beginning in spring 2025!
