Between 11:00am and 1:30pm each week day, (Monday-Friday) Lock 3 will be open for play. The open expanse of grass at Lock 3 already provides an ideal space to fly a kite, play catch, or throw a Frisbee

"Because workers don’t often have their ‘play’ equipment with them," says Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth, "Lock 3 will have staff available in one of our cottages every day to lend Frisbees, balls and gloves, and kites."

New this summer are two new play areas: The Grotto at Lock 3 and Lock 3 Landing.

The new "Grotto" area - under the State Street Bridge - was improved in late 2008 by a coalition of landscape professionals through the "Project Evergreen" program. Two bocce (BAH chee) courts, two courts to play the game Cornhole, and two marbles rings were created by the landscapers. All are available for use by employees of Downtown businesses each weekday during the summer. Bocce balls, Cornhole bags, and marbles will also be available for borrowing.

Akron’s Division of Public Works staff is preparing the new "Lock 3 Landing" area with two sand-volleyball courts, the first such recreation facilities in the city. Akron’s Recreation Bureau will offer league volleyball and open play at times to be scheduled.

Also new this summer will be "The Market at Lock 3," beginning Friday, June 5 and open every Friday 11:00am - 1:30pm through September 25. An assortment of fresh produce, farm products, art, and etcetera will be available for purchase from approved vendors. Specialty hot dogs will be available at Lock 3's grille wagon. The traditional Friday market at Cascade Plaza is being re-located to Lock 3 in 2009.

The new sand Volleyball courts will also be made available to downtown entertainment spots as part of a late-night schedule of games to enhance the total downtown recreation experience.

The experiment to offer free trolleys during Friday lunch hours proved so successful in February, March and April that the City will continue the every-Friday Main Street Trolley rides through the balance of 2009. Each Friday, office workers at the north end of town are riding as far south as Spaghetti Warehouse, and employees in Canal Place are using the trolley to get to Luigi’s at Northside for lunch, with many stopping off at places in between.

On board the trolley, the Downtown Akron Partnership offers coupons to riders for restaurant discounts, and Downtown’s venerable Peanut Shoppe offers snacks for purchase.