Welcome to Ward 8
Ward 8 covers most of Northwest Akron including parts of the Merriman Valley, Wallhaven and Fairlawn Heights. With parks like Sand Run Metro Park, Hardesty Park and Portage County Club, Ward 8 one of the greenest areas in Akron. It’s also home to the nationally-renowned Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and portions of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, making it the perfect intersection of culture and nature.
But there’s more to Ward 8 than just the great outdoors! Some of the City’s great local restaurants and businesses are here as well. For running and fitness enthusiasts, Second Sole offers expert advice and world-class shoes and equipment. Shop smart at Happy Tails Thrift Shop, where you can support the Summit County Humane Society while giving a new life to secondhand furniture, décor, and more. Ward 8 also boasts a range of eateries, from laid-back bites at The Merchant, Noisy Oyster, Michael’s AM and more in the Valley, to fine dining at Ken Stewart’s Grille in Wallhaven.
Ward 8 Councilman Bruce Bolden
Bruce Bolden is an experienced public servant, unanimously appointed by Akron City Council on July 29, 2024, to fill the vacant Ward 8 Council Seat. Bruce previously served as Akron’s Ward 1 Councilman from 1991-1998 and spent over 20 years on Akrons’s Board of Appeals. He brings years of experience and a deep commitment to providing Ward 8 with the leadership it deserves.
A lifelong resident of Akron, Bruce is a product of Akron Public Schools, and holds a BA in Communications from The University of Akron. His leadership style is characterized by open communications and a focus on addressing the needs of all Ward 8 residents.
Bruce’s commitment to the community extends beyond public service. He is a member and former chair of the Board of Trustees at Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ and a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Signature Class 15. He has also served on the boards of Keep Akron Beautiful, Summit Akron Solid Waste Management Authority (now ReWorks), and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit county.
Bruce and his wife, Desiree, have lived in Ward 8 since 2002, raising their now-adult children; Cate and Ian, in the family home where Desiree grew up. He is a fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, the University of Akron, Ohio State and University of Tennessee sports. Bruce enjoys reading and playing guitar and is passionate about fostering a vibrant and inclusive community in Ward 8 and Akron.
Contact Bruce Bolden
Councilman Bruce Bolden prides himself on being accessible to his constituents and has many methods he can be contacted.