We all know what a gem Hardesty Park is to both Ward 8 and Akron. Whether it’s for the annual Art Festival, summer Monday night concerts, baseball, soccer or just a walk around the walking path, I think everyone has enjoyed some time in this wonderful park. We have a fantastic opportunity to partner with Akron Parks Collaborative for the first Akron multi-use park with a City Meadow starting this July.
A Meadow is a field of native grasses and wildflowers that provide food and shelter for birds and other local wildlife. The City maintains about 160 parks for public use and enjoyment, including over 500 acres that regular mowing. Here at Hardesty we are ready for a greener transformation, by replacing a portion of the traditional lawn in our park with a meadow filled with native wildflowers. This will create a vibrant space benefiting both nature and the people who visit the park, and offer a more visually appealing alternative to standard grass.
And there’s more benefits to City Meadows;
Cleaner Air as we are not mowing as much
Flood & Erosion Control, plants have deeper roots than grass Biodiversity, as Meadows attract birds, bees, and butterflies
You’ll be able to learn more at our July Ward meeting, as Akron Parks Collaborative’s Executive Director, Bridgett Ambrisco will be on hand with details of this exciting partnership project!