The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Lisa King at our Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Club meeting. Appointed in September 2015, King is the seventh director of Summit Metro Parks and the first woman to lead the park. As director she serves as the chief executive and chief financial officer, leading the organization to ensure achievement of its mission, financial viability, growth, and stability.
An employee since 1998, King has also served as the park district’s landscape architect and its chief of planning and development. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University, a state-registered landscape architect, a champion of sustainable design, and a certified parks and recreation professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. View the presentation by clicking here.
What is the mission of Summit Metro Parks (SMP)?
The SMP was created in 1911. The mission is inclusive of Ohio legislative language that created the park system in Ohio. The mission is – “We conserve, sustainably manage and value natural resources for the health and enjoyment of our community and inspire people to connect with nature through clean and safe parks.”
Interesting Facts about the SMP
The SMP consists of:
- 16 Parks.
- 3 Nature Centers
- 150 + miles of Trails covering 15,000 acres.
- 73% voter approval of latest levy request in 2020 during the pandemic.
- Annual attendance averages 5.2 million visits.
Where are the Nature Centers?
- F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm – Akron
- Liberty Park Nature Center – Twinsburg
- Summit Lake Nature Center – Akron – Award winning urban nature center, opened in 2021.
What’s In Store For 2023?
Naturalist – Led Programs
Spree for All:May 1 – June 30
- Hiking event for all abilities
- Hike five trails to earn rewards.
- No minimum distance required.
- Rewards are free for Summit County residents.
Native Plant Festival:May 20, 2023 Munroe Falls Metro Park
- Explore benefits of native plants.
- Learn how to incorporate them at home.
- Browse native plants for sale.
Wild Back Yards
- Take action at home.
- Get tools, resources, and information at bit.ly/wildbackyards.
- Track your progress and earn rewards.
Touch-A-Truck: August 12, 2023, Munroe Falls Metro Park
- Climb on and touch park vehicles.
- Meet local first responders.
- Free activities for the whole family.
Fall Hiking Spree September 1 – November 30, 2023
- Largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation.
- Hike eight trails to earn rewards.
- Free rewards for Summit County residents.
Fall Family Outings: September 30 & October 1, 2023 Munroe Falls Metro Park
- Free family fun
- Lumberjack show is back!
- Hayrides, campfires, snacks, music, and more.
Truck-Or-Treat: Silver Creek (10/21) and Goodyear Heights (10/28)
- Free family fun
- Trucks, treats, activities, and more.
- Costumes encouraged.
Current Projects:
- Restoring and Protecting Sand Run
- Valley View Area – Restoring Land and Water
- Free the Falls – Removing the Gorge Dam
For additional information about Summit Metro Parks and all SMP has to offer, check out their website at www.summitmetroparks.org.
Yours in Rotary Service
Terry Dalton
Akron Club Secretary and Scholarship Program Chair
