The Rotary Club of Akron had the opportunity to learn about the Akron Parks Collaborative during our Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Club luncheon meeting. Our guest speaker was Bridget Ambrisco, Executive Director of the Akron Parks Collaborative. View the presentation by clicking here.
The Akron Parks Collaborative is a nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2018 in partnership with the City of Akron. Previously, Bridget was Executive Director of Friends of Metro Parks from 2011 to 2022, the Director of Volunteer Programs with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park from 2008 to 2011 and Executive Director of Cascade Locks Park Association from 2001 to 2008. She has served on the boards of Torchbearers and Rotary Camp and on the Interpretation Subcommittee for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association.
What is Akron Parks Collaborative?
Akron Parks Collaborative (APC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to engage the community around the creation and sustainability of vibrant public spaces within the City of Akron (Ohio) parks. As a spin-off organization of Friends of Metro Parks, APC fosters and supports friends’ groups around single city parks.
Why a Parks Collaborative?
There is magic in the shared world of a public park. Akron’s Neighborhood parks have the power to improve neighborhood health and vitality. APC works to ensure that all Akron residents have quality spaces for health, wellness, and neighborhood vibrancy.
Safe quality parks are important to:
- play, grow and learn
- relax and enjoy nature and beauty
- exercise, stay active and be outside
- connect with other neighbors in ways that build community
- address climate change and cool our city
- stimulate neighborhood pride and vitality
How does the APC go about improving 161 Akron City Parks?
APC has implemented the Akron Parks Challenge. The Akron Parks Challenge invites neighborhood residents, leaders, and organizations alike to pitch their vision for their favorite park and how they can partner to achieve the change they wish to see. To apply, all you need is a great idea for how to invest in an Akron Park, and a plan for engaging the community to help make it a reality. Applications typically open in April and selections are made in June of each year.
How does the Application process work?
Process:
1) Application and Selection
2) Work with Community.
3) Engage the larger Community.
4) Use data to make decisions within allotted budget.
5) Work with the community to decide details.
6) Construction
7) Ongoing stewardship
Over the past four years a total of $2,092,000 has been invested in City Park improvements and programs. This dollar amount includes City funds of $1,215,000 and Private funds of $877,000.
What is the vision for Akron’s Neighborhood Parks going forward?
APC’s 2023-225 Strategic Priorities consist of the following:
- Build organizational capacity to better serve Akron’s parks.
- Communicate the benefits of Akron’s parks and the value they provide.
- Create a neighborhood parks alliance to lift-up neighborhood voices.
- Grow and develop the Parks Challenge program.
- Strengthen the City of Akron partnership in support of a plan for equitable investment.
To learn more about the Akron Parks Collaborative, check out their website at www.akronparks.org. Check out this week’s Rotary recording to view before and after slides of Akron parks that have been rehabilitated over the past four years.
Yours in Service,
Terry Dalton
Akron Rotary Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
