Mayor Don Plusquellic has announced plans for
the ceremonial opening of Akron's 13th and newest community center. The
recreation center is on the corner of Western and Shatto avenues between North Hawkins and
Pershing avenues on the city's northwest side. Construction began in August of last year,
and the ribbon will be cut this Saturday, August 10 in a ceremony that will also signal
the opening of the new Ayers Branch Public Library. Attendees will be able to tour both
facilities, though the community center will not begin programming activities until later
this month.Mayor Don Plusquellic said of the new $2.5 million Northwest Family
Recreation Center, "The addition of this community center now means virtually every
segment of our city has access to a neighborhood center that can be used for recreation,
meetings and learning. We are extremely proud of how well received these facilities have
been and know the people in this neighborhood are anxious about this opportunity."
The new center is roughly 12,000 square. It is also home to a new soccer field and
softball field plus tennis courts and will also include a new rubberized asphalt walking
area around the park.
Ward 8 City Councilman Bob Keith said at the news conference, "The people in this
ward have waited a long time for this. Now there will be a place for a variety of
activities such as community meetings, ward meetings, educational programs for children
and senior citizens, and more."
The Akron-Summit County Public Library will join the City to cut the ribbon on the new
Ayers Branch Library and the community center simultaneously Saturday afternoon at 1:45.
Click here for the Recreation Center
Guide (51k pdf)
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