City Council heads back into our regular Monday night meetings this month and as we move into fall, I’m sure we’ll have full agendas through the end of the year. As we wind down summer, there’s a number of projects going on in the Ward, starting with the reconstruction of Wendlng Dr. in the Bathcrest neighborhood off Sand Run Rd. This concrete street has been crumbling for years and the residents will have a new full depth asphalt street and curbs completed by November. The city has also secured funding for patch and match concrete repair throughout the neighborhood in 2027, targeting the worst stretches of Sourek, Balmoral, Pelee and other streets. I requested funds in the capital budget both in 2026 and 2027 and I’m happy to see this work is slated for next year.
Karona Park in Parkway Estates, was the winner of a $150,000 grant in the Akron Parks Challenge in 2025 and is fully under construction. A new multi use asphalt surface area where the crumbled tennis court was now has an a basketball hoop, room to ride bicycles, or skateboards and a new steps, walkway and built in slides to navigate the hill. There will be a zip line added and more, stop by and take a look if you’re in the area. I have to give credit to the neighbors in Parkway estate who worked diligently to plan, survey the neighborhood and work with Akron Parks Collaborative Team in designing a park that works for all residents.
More park news ahead for Hardesty Park as we’ve got plans to make the playground a destination spot for families all over Akron. We presented the proposed design at our August Ward Meeting and we’ve had two community engagement meeting at the park. Both parents and kids alike are excited bout this project and they had the opportunity to to weigh in on design elements of the structure. Looks like we’ll break ground early in 2027.
I hope to see you at our September Ward Meeting this Wednesday, 9/16 from 6-7:30pm at the Northwest Family Recreation Center , 1730 Shatto Ave. as always APD Officer Aaron Brown will kick things off and I’ll host a conversation about Data Centers and the legislation Council passed in July.
Don’t forget the Akron Marathon coming up on Saturday September 26, as it runs right through Ward 8. Here’s a link to the route so you can plan your day accordingly: