Akron Parks Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that works closely with the City of Akron has sponsored the Akron Parks Challenge, for the past 7 years. Local neighborhood organizations and residents can apply for $150,000.00 of improvements for their favorite Akron park. This year, the residents of Parkway Estates applied and were one of two Akron Parks to win, and Karona Park is the first Ward 8 park to be chosen for this award.
Kudos go out to the whole neighborhood, as over 70 people turned out to meet with Akron Parks Collaborative Board in May to share their vision of an updated Karona Park. Karona’s last major improvement was in 2002 is heavily used by by this tight knit neighborhood, and sits between Sand Run Metro Park and the Towpath Trail. Special thanks to Parkway Estates resident and organizer, Carolyn George, who rallied her neighbors to get behind this project, and remarked;
“Karona Park winning the Akron Parks Challenge is a testament to the wonderful, diverse, and genuine community we have in Parkway Estates.”
Planning is underway, and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to help, as we look at new play equipment, benches, landscaping, tennis/pickleball courts and more. I can’t wait to help and see how we transform Karona into a bright vibrant space for all Parkway Estates families to enjoy!