Summit Lake Workshop Report

A New Vision for the Summit Lake Neighborhood, Ohio

Summit Lake Workshop Report

A New Vision for the Summit Lake Neighborhood, Ohio

City of AKRON
166 South High Street, Akron, OH 44308 Phone: (330) 375-2770
Prepared by

The Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative

1309 Euclid Ave., Suite #200, Cleveland OH, 44115 Phone: (216) 357-3434

Supported by

The MAstriana endowment/4m company llc

the northern ohio chapter of naiop
The Commerical Real Estate Development Association
November 2010

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is a charrette (aka workshop)?................................................4

1.2 Project history (How did this workshop come about?).... ................5

1.3 Workshop and public presentation schedule....................................5
2 SITE STUDY AND EXISTING CONDITIONS
2.1 History............................................................................................ 6
2.2 Location.......................................................................................... 7
2.3 Existing conditions..........................................................................8
3 SUMMIT LAKE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN
3.1 Overall vision................................................................................ 10
3.2 Narrative vision.............................................................................11
3.3 Green space & connections........................................................... 12
3.4 Education......................................................................................14
3.5 Development................................................................................. 16
3.6 Identity ........................................................................................ 18
3.7 Short term strategies...................................................................... 19
4

NEXT STEPS
4.1 Outline of suggested steps in preparing a detailed plan..................19

APPENDIX
5.1 The charrette team.......................................................................20
5.2 Acknowledgments..........................................................................21
5.3 Design proposal map....................................................................22

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 WHAT IS A CHARRETTE (AKA WORKSHOP)?

The word charrette is the design professions equivalent of the more commonly used
term workshop. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, a charrette
carries the additional meaning of participants generating the work, rather than a leader
teaching the participants a technique. A charrette may be defined as follows:

Gathering feedback from Summit Lake resident

CHARRETTE [shuh-ret]: The word charrette refers to any accelerated

collaborative session in which a group of designers and stakeholders draft a solution to
a design problem. Such charrettes serve as a way of quickly generating a design
solution while integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people.
True to the definition of charrette, the Summit Lake Workshop was a quick design
process undertaken over the course of a weekend (Oct. 16-18, 2010). Students and
staff from Kent State Universitys Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative worked with
residents of Akrons Summit Lake neighborhood, local organizations and the City of
Akrons planning staff to develop recommendations, illustrative design proposals and
overall vision for the neighborhood.

CUDC student quickly renders a plan drawing

4 | Summit Lake Workshop

The charrette followed a cyclical Design Process:

Research > Review > Create > Reflect > Repeat

Opportunities for feedback loops between the Create and Review

steps were incorporated into the design process by scheduling
multiple public review sessions throughout the charrette.

1.2 PROJECT HISTORY (How did this workshop come about?)

Kent State Universitys Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) annually
engages in a design charrette during the fall semester involving both students and
staff of the CUDC throughout the design process. The student roster for the Summit
Lake charrette included not only Kent State University graduates in urban design, but
also undergraduates in the Architectural Studies program and graduate students from
Cleveland State Universitys Masters in Urban Planning, Design and Development
(MUPDD) program. The interdisciplinary backgrounds of the students provided for a
wide range of issues addressed and design proposals developed.
The neighborhood selected for the charrette changes year to year and correspondingly, so
do the topics explored during the charrette. This year, the Summit Lake neighborhood
was selected as the focus area through a series of communications with the City of
Akrons planning department. The neighborhood faces similar challenges in terms of
depopulation and vacancy as some neighborhoods in Cleveland, but can also claim
unique opportunities in terms of geographic location, development potential, social
organizations and cultural history. The neighborhood is emerging as an area of interest
for several planning efforts, yet has not articulated a shared vision, which made the area
an important location for a community engagement process.

1.3 WORKSHOP AND PUBLIC PRESENTATION schedule

SATURDAY, OCT. 16
10am - noon Community meeting #1
Noon - 1:30pm Working lunch with stakeholders, residents and city officials
1:30 - 7pm Student work session
7 - 8pm Community review session #1
CUDC students discussing design strategies

SUNDAY, OCT. 17
9am - 10pm Student and staff work session (CUDC in Cleveland)
2 - 3:30pm Community review session #2 (Community Center in Summit Lake)
MONDAY, OCT. 18
9am - 10pm Student and staff work session (CUDC in Cleveland)
THURSDAY, OCT. 21
7 - 8:30pm Community meeting #2 (OPEN M in Summit Lake)

Public review session on Saturday night

Summit Lake, Ohio | 5

2. Site analysis

2.1 History
Summit Lake, located in southwest Akron, Ohio, used to be a large and well-known
beach attraction. Many current residents remember Summit Lake Beach Park as a
vibrant recreational destination, offering opportunities for picnicking, canoeing,
swimming and rollerskating at the nearby rink. It opened as Akrons Million Dollar
Playground in 1917 and attracted 25,000 people a day. The lake provided a needed
vacation destination for Akrons industrial workers.
As development expanded, the canal entering Summit Lake became a discharge
point for local business and industry. Although point source dumping into the
canal has ceased, the years of discharge has resulted in the lakes sediment becoming
contaminated with PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) and PCHs (Planar Chlorinated
Hydrocarbons). Currently, the lake is on the Ohio EPAs Do Not Swim list.

Summit Lake, 1907

6 | Summit Lake Workshop

Although the growth of local industries caused significant damage to the local
environment, the decline of these same companies also had lasting negative effects on
the neighborhood. Once called the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron experienced
urban abandonment as a side effect of businesses moving south in the 1970s and 1980s.
As rubber companies began to move out of Akron and residents moved to the suburbs
(following a national trend), the population in Akron began to drop. Summit Lakes
population declined as well.

View of northern banks of Summit Lake

Summit Lake is now positioning itself for a rebirth. The tireless work of many community
organizations and city officials has set the stage for progress. Despite many challenges,
including vacancy, lack of school facilities and perception of crime, the neighborhood is
trying to capitalize on recent investments, such as the remarkable floating towpath trail
boardwalk, and preparing for a renewed period of planning and visioning.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs

along the eastern banks of Summit Lake

2.2 location
Summit Lake is located less than a mile away from the University of Akron and
Downtown Akron, but does not have a strong physical connection to either. The Ohio &
Erie Canal Towpath runs through the neighborhood, holding the eastern bank of the lake.
The neighborhood serves as a link along the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Erie
Canal Towpath system, stretching from Lake Erie to New Philadelphia, Ohio.

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Summit Lake Workshop: Regional Map

Primary METRO Bus Routes
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Regional Context Map

Summit Lake, Ohio | 7

The Watlao Siriwathanaram Buddhist Temple is

one of many religious organizations located in
the Summit Lake neighborhood

2.3 Existing conditions

Leading up to the charrette, initial research on the Summit Lake neighborhood was
conducted by students in the Community Development Process course taught by
Kent State University adjunct faculty member Patti Choby. The students used the
following organizing frameworks for their research:
Environment Safety, Natural Resources, Quality of Life
Community Connectedness not Alienation/Isolation
History Perspectives, Policy, Unintended Consequences
Sustainability Making choices for the long-term
Place-making - Neighborhood Characteristics, Amenities
People Relationships, Inclusion, not Inequality
Poverty a lack of relationships, power
Levels of Social Organization micro, meso, macro
Sources of Capital (economic, social, human, cultural, environmental)
Anchor-based Development (school, transit node, large employer, university)
Summit Lake falls within the areas funded by the Neighborhood Stabilization Program
(NSP), providing much needed financial support for property acquisition, new

Summit Lake Community Center

housing development, rehabilitation of property and demolition

of hazardous structures. The neighborhood is also in the borders
of the Enterprise Community Zone for Akron (see map). Some
of the many benefits of this designation include: new business
startup support, resident job training and healthy lifestyle
promotion.
Basic housing statistics for the Summit Lake neighborhood:
1400 total structures
1025 tax delinquent or foreclosed parcels (structures and land)
15 properties currently pending demolition
+35 properties under City of Akron ownership
1 out of 7 properties are boarded/substandard
84% of the population is low income
Over 200 homes are vacant or in substandard condition

Summit Lake is located in the Enterprise Community Zone designated for Akron

8 | Summit Lake Workshop

Several questions were asked throughout the charrette process:

Who are the residents of Summit Lake?
Who do you identify with in the neighborhood?
How do you define local neighborhood boundaries?
What are your community assets?
How do we make physical and people connections?
What do you want to see in your neighborhoods future?
What are the most likely opportunities today?

Based on research conducted during the Community Development Process course

and multiple public input sessions during the charrette, the following key issues were
recognized and addressed by the design team:
Lack of neighborhood identity
Unstable soil composition for building construction in some areas
Vacant/abandoned lots
Decline of school enrollment due to depopulation
Lack of neighborhood school facilities
Lack of business and neighborhood retail (banks, gas station, grocery store)
Significant problems of drugs and crime
Perception of crime
Poor lighting along streets and towpath trail

Unmaintained sidewalk near Lincoln School

LA CROIX

A few areas along the lakes edge contain a great

deal of plastic debris and garbage, creating an
unhealthy environment for people and wildlife
RUSS

FULTZ

Inadequate transportation within the community and to surrounding areas

Not pedestrian friendly, lack of crosswalks and well maintained sidewalks
Deteriorating housing conditions
Environmental health concerns surrounding the lake

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Summit Lake Revitalization Community Challenge
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Parcel map generated by the City of Akron showing location of property foreclosures, city owned properties and owner occupied
properties, as well as the boundaries of the Summit Lake Revitalization Area, which defined the main focus area for the charrette

Summit Lake, Ohio | 9

3. Summit lake neighborhood Design

3.1 Overall Vision
The vision for Summit Lake, which emerged during the workshop, is for a thriving,
diverse neighborhood energized by a renewed identity that embraces the lake and
promotes a sense of community among residents and visitors. While recognizing the
lakes current environmental challenges, a primary goal is to make the lake not only
a visual landmark for the area, but also a functional ammenity for activities such as
canoeing and sailing. Improvements within the neighborhood must also be made to
increase the quality of life for current residents and attract new investment. Access to
a quality education and a safe environment for students is a central design objective
connecting multiple goals. The guiding philosophy of transforming a liability into an
asset is expressed in the reutilization of vacant lots for productive purposes, such as
neighborhood pathways, stormwater management and public spaces for neighbors to
gather and build community.

Aerial rendering of proposed

neighborhood vision

10 | Summit Lake Workshop

The charrette team aimed to develop proposals for the community that would not
only address current issues, but also setup the community for continued growth and
prosperity. In order to address these various goals, the charrette team members split up
into five different working groups: green space, education, development, identity, and
short term strategies. Since an enduring vision must recognize the everyday experience of
neighborhood residents, a student team member wrote the following guiding narrative.

3.2 NARRATIVE VISION

Kya, a thirty year old mother of four walks to the corner store for milk. She lives alone,
so she brings along her youngest daughter and meets the three oldest at the bus stop. The
closest school is over two miles from home and she doesnt feel comfortable allowing her
kids to walk over the busy intersection at Old Main. She enters the store, a sorry looking
affair with limited selection and no fresh produce. She buys the milk, wishes there was an
apple or orange for sale and trudges home to another evening of television, keeping an eye
on her kids in the yard and worrying about tomorrow.
The next year Kya walks to meet her kids at school. A new small school of two hundred
has been built as an addition to the nearby community center. Shes able to help in the
class room a day a week and earns money as a lunch aide. Onsite day care makes it easy to
drop off her youngest during the hours she works.
That afternoon is City Fresh day. She takes the minibus to the corner store to pick up
her weekly share of groceries and pays the $10 for next weeks half share. Week to week
she never knows what will be in the box, but shes found that the elderly ladies living in
the new housing development are a great source of recipes for cooking butternut squash,
sweet potatoes and greens.
You remember how to get here, right? Get off the highway when you see three wind
turbines. Yup, thats our Summit Lake exit. OK, see you soon! Its been five years since
Kya saw her old neighbor and cant wait to show her how the neighborhoods changed.
Tomorrow morning, her youngest son will work a couple hours at the Pump House Bike
Shop, learning to fix bicycles, and earning credit towards a new used bike. Later, Kya
plans to take her children and old friend for a paddle on the lake in canoes rented from
the Summit Lake Boat House. She never thought she would enjoy being outside so much,
but with the new bike trail around the lake, bikes and boats to rent and new borderwalks
at the lakes edge, she finds that she looks forward to her moments at the water. The geese,
the light on the water, the breeze, all are a balm to her busy life.

Summit Lake, Ohio | 11

3.3 Green Space & Connectivity

Legend

New Summit Lake Towpath Loop

Borderwalks
Lincoln Park
Community Gardens
Urban Farm
Neighborhood Pathways

The playfully named borderwalks create a

variety of new ways to experience the border
between lake and surrounding neighborhood

12 | Summit Lake Workshop

Summit Lake is a neighborhood with a distinctive natural asset, which should be

accessible to the community and utilized to the fullest extent possible. The green
space group took on the task of creating a set of proposals addressing several of the
most fundamental issues in the area, including access to the lake, reestablishing
wetlands and natural hydrological function, and repurposing vacant land. Some of the
recommendations addressing these goals include:
Extending the existing Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail around the lake with new
bridges at the north and south ends
Building borderwalks along the waters edge to provide closer contact with the
natural environment

New paths through vacant lots provide useful

neighborhood connections for residents and
counter the negative perception of vacancy

Public park on the current site of Lincoln Elementary School, if demolished

Restore street tree canopy for rain water absorption and aesthetic enhancement
Reestablish wetlands along southern edge of lake through consevation development
Encourage native plantings in private yards and vacant lots
Use empty lots for pathways, urban agriculture, green space and holding strategies
Consider urban farms as development anchors for new senior housing and Acme site

Accessibility around the lake is an issue, therefore, continuing a towpath loop around the
perimeter of the lake would be beneficial for residents and would create an interesting
route option for frequent visitors of the towpath. As the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources plans to transfer the land at the north end of the lake to the city, there is a
clear opportunity to create a continuous pathway around the lake. Interest in a canoe
or sailboat livery on this site was also expressed by neighborhood stakeholders. A bridge
at the north end of the lake, crossing the canal, could provide a pedestrian/bicycle link
to the future boat house and towpath loop. Summit Lake Boulevard, which runs along
the west edge of the lake, could be used for a length of the proposed towpath loop by
simply painting sharrows on the paved road surface. Reusing the existing roadway would
minimize the cost of implementation and provide a mutually beneficial connection
between the two lakeside neighborhoods.
To provide interaction and a closer contact with the natural environment of the lake,
borderwalks were proposed. The borderwalk concept differs from typical boardwalks
by creating a wider range of experiences of the lake edge, such as views above the lake via
ramped platforms and providing multiple seating options for groups and individuals.

Borderwalk along edge of Summit Lake

An obvious challenge is posed by abandoned, deteriorating housing and the subsequent

vacant lots. The city currently owns many vacant lots, so utilizing those lots strategically
is a key priority. Several ideas are proposed for potential use of the lots as neighborhood
pathways, urban farms & community gardens, pocket parks, and neighborhood
open space amentities, both passive and active. The pathways were drawn to connect
frequently used ammenities, such as the community center and local corner stores.
The former Acme site is a prime candidate for use as an urban farm because of its
large size, high visibility and unused building, which could be shared by multiple local
organizations. Of course, all soils should be tested for contaminants before planting.

Acme site revitalized as an urban farm and

hub for community organizations

Urban farm in Detroit, MI

View of Summit Lake from Miller Ave

Rain garden

Summit Lake, Ohio | 13

3.4 Education

Legend

Community Learning Center

Kenmore Annex
YMCA Branch

The City of Akron, like many urban areas, is experiencing a decline in population,
which in turn leads to low enrollment in local schools. Between 1994 and 2010,
Akron Public Schools (APS) lost 27% of its student population, dropping from 31,800
to 23,3001. The existing school stock is old and costly to rehabilitate. One of the
highest priorities for the community mentioned during the charrette is the need for a
neighborhood school.
New Learning Landscape created between
Community Learning Center addition and
Kenmore Annex reutilization

14 | Summit Lake Workshop

1 Akron Public Schools Community Learning Centers website: http://www.imagineakronschools.com/content/fmp.htm

New Community Learning Center addition to the

existing Summit Lake Community Center

Library and Performing Arts Center as part of

the Community Learning Center addition

New outdoor amphitheater along Lake Shore

Blvd., near Kenmore Annex

Existing Lincoln School shown with proposed

glass elevator on the exterior of the building,
providing required ADA accessibility and
exciting visual contrast.

Currently, Lincoln Elementary School is used as a temporary location while McEbright

Elementary School is being renovated. Once the renovation is complete, Lincoln
Elementary is planned to close, because the cost of required renovations to bring the old
building up to ADA codes is cost prohobitive. The planned closure will leave children
living in Summit Lake without a neighborhood school.
Based on an idea presented at the charrette by APSs superintendent, a smaller and
leaner Community Learning Center model may be an option for the neighborhood.
This models reduced school size of roughly 200 students and a streamlined staff
lead by teachers, with no principal, may keep operational costs low enough to make
a neighborhood school feasible. In order to further reduce the cost of capital and
operational expenses, the charrette team proposes building the new, energy efficient
Learning Center adjacent to the existing Summit Lake Community Center. This site
would be ideal for a combined Community Learning Center, because the current
Community Centers gymnasium, parking, playground, and open space could be used
by the school, rather than investing in new facilities. The school addition could include
a local library and provide adult education courses in the evenings, further offsetting
the operational costs. The current Community Center may be in need of physical
improvement, but it provides a much needed sense of permanence to a neighborhood
that has lost many assets including stores and schools. A school addition would leverage
the Summit Lake Community Centers strong presence in the neighborhood and
attractive location along the lakes edge. The school could also focus on environmental
education or create a sustainability center, which could be developed in collaboration
with the site of the proposed boathouse at the north end of the lake. This would help
educate the local youth and adults about environmental issues and how to be good
stewards of the lake.
Lincoln School is a possible revitalization effort that would convert the front building
into mixed income housing, supported by a branch location of a non-profit entity, such
as OPEN-M, the Urban League or the YMCA, taking advantage of the existing pool in
the rear building. The Kenmore Annex could also serve as a vocational learning and nonprofit incubator, benefiting groups such as Youth Build, Lets Grow Akron, and T.R.Y
(Truly Reaching You). This type of facility would consolidate these organizations into
one location for administration, meeting, shop and storage space.
Summit Lake, Ohio | 15

3.5 Development

Legend

Pump House Bike Shop

Boat House & Event Center
Main Street Retail Development
Elderly Housing
Multi-Family Housing & Town Center
Conservation Development Housing
Office Park

Adaptive reuse of the vacant Pump House as a

bike rental/repair shop and coffee shop serving
the neighborhood and towpath visitors.

16 | Summit Lake Workshop

The Summit Lake neighborhood is a forgotten pocket within the City of Akron and
is cut-off by the freeway to the north, the industrial zone to the south, South Main
Street to the east, and the lake to the west. While these features may be seen as barriers,
they can also be leveraged as assets to attract new development. The freeway provides
high traffic visibility, the industrial past can be woven into a reimagined identity,
South Main Street may once again provide for the retail needs of residents and the
lake can once again draw visitors as a regional recreation attraction. The residents
of Summit Lake pointed out that there are no banks, gas stations or grocery stores

New Boat House along the northern banks of Summit

Lake provides an easily accessible launch site for sail
boats and an event center with great views of the lake

Proposed Boat House

in the neighborhood. Though the AMHA housing

is fairly new and in very good condition, there are
many abandoned housing and empty lots. Based on
these observations, the development proposals for the
neighborhood include:
Adaptive reuse of the empty Pump House, just south
of the AMHA housing and adjacent to the towpath
trail, as a bike rental and repair shop, also including a
neighborhood coffee shop
New boat house at the northern end of Summit Lake, providing an easily accessible
boat launch and attractive event venue with marvelous views of the lake
Sustainability Learning Center connecting the new boat house development with the
proposed school at the Summit Lake Community Center, capitalizing on the open space
with solar panels and the high winds with vertical wind turbines next to the freeway
Strategic renovation and infill retail development along South Main Street near the
highest concentrations of neighborhood housing (W. Crosier St. and W. Miller Ave.)
Building new housing with a focus on the elderly and single parent homes close to
current nodes of community activity (Open M)
New market rate housing introduced along the lake using prinicples of conservation
development; protecting sensitive wetlands and creating public open space along lake
Office park development at intersection of Princeton St. and Ira Ave.
There are several suggested types of development for the Summit Lake neighborhood
including a redesign of the Shaefer Street block as senior citizen housing. Units would be
only two blocks from the bus stop at South Main Street. The senior housing units could
be organzed around a central urban farm and garden oasis, providing a community
building space literally at the front doorstep of residents. It would also be within easy
walking distance of OPEN M, one of the community service anchors.

Proposed Town Square park and new multifamily housing development at intersection
of Miller Ave. and Princeton St.

A second proposed development is at the corner of Miller Avenue and Princeton Street.
Each quadrant of the intersection would have a unique outdoor public space; the
northern half with seating and gardens incorporating the sloped topography and the
southern half with a pergola on one side and basketball court on the other. Further back
on each quadrant, extending into the block, would be new housing. The west side of
Princeton would have town houses and the east side with apartments.

Proposed Town Square park at intersection of

Miller Ave. and Princeton St.

Summit Lake, Ohio | 17

The team also proposed new housing development along the southern end of
Lakeshore Boulevard. As this site is close to the lake and adjacent to existing wetlands,
it should be designed as a conservation development, providing residential amenities
while also protecting sensitive environmental features.

Orenco Station townhomes, Portland, OR

City Fresh pickup spot, Cleveland, OH

New neighborhood logo on signage

Public art and banners along towpath

Gateway at South Main St. & Miller Ave.

18 | Summit Lake Workshop

A more broad proposed iniative is the support of local corner stores in expanding their
products and upgrading their premises. Onsite physical improvements to the corner
stores can be made which recognizes the unique opportunities of each location. Some
stores may benefit from outdoor seating, some from an adjacent community garden,
etc. Some could even be the site of weekly farmers markets and events. Small towns
and city neighborhoods in Europe and South America have local markets once or
twice a week. Some of these sell food, other sell the full range of household goods and
clothing. Another option is initiating a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
program in which people pay for a weekly share in groceries. The food is locally
grown, fresh and supports local farmers. City Fresh is a popular CSA program in
Cleveland, which has stops in many neighborhoods throughout the city. Though the
concept of buying a surprise basket of fresh produce can take some getting used to,
it cant be beat for farm to table freshness and low cost. In making the current stores
the local pickup site, the owner would benefit from increased traffic and the program
would reuse a location familiar with local residents.

3.6 Identity
Historically, Summit Lake was known as a destination for outdoor recreation and
connection to nature. The community also has strong values placed on family and
investing in its youth. These desireable identities should play a major role in the
future development and character of the neighborhood. The current expression of
this neighborhood identity feels invisible and ignored. Creating gateways into the
area should be created make passers-by aware of the neighborhood and the natural
environment in an inviting manner. Making those values visible in a community
logo and signage would enhance the sense of neighborhood identity for residents and
youth. Incorporating artful wayfinding signage throughout the area and establishing
memorable public spaces would foster a sense of community identity and pride, as well
as help visitors find their way. Recommendations for the community include:
Developing a logo and color scheme to be used on banners, street signs and local
organizations printed materials
Marking the gateways at the north and south entrance to the neighborhood

welcoming towpath visitors
New neighborhood gateway at the corner of Broadway St. and Miller Ave. inspired
by the lake and surrounding natural environment, perhaps using tall, native
wetland grasses and local stones
Develop new public spaces within the neighborhood, at the proposed boat house
and along the towpath, which include engaging public art installations

New signage along highway announcing

picnic area, parking and towpath
trailhead in Summit Lake

Debris catchers reduce the amount of

litter entering the lake

Native plantings on vacant lots require

very little maintenance once established,
increase soil permeability for rain water,
provide habitat for beneficial birds
& insects, and improve beautify the
neighborhood

Picnicing encouraged for residents and

visitors by adding new signage, picnic
tables and secure bike racks

3.7 Short term strategies

Since many of the projects proposed will take at least a few years if not longer to realize,
the team found it important to suggest a few short term strategies, which could be
implemented in less than a year. Recommendations include the following:
Street light maintenance and improved lighting along towpath trail
Community shuttle
Lake pollution awareness campaign
Installation of debris catchers at storm drains
Additional trashcans located throughout neighborhood
Picnic tables installed along towpath near Summit Lake Community Center
Summit Lake signage along freeway announcing picnic areas and towpath trailhead
Encourage the use of native plantings on private property and public spaces
Along with the community suffering from issues that were mentioned in each of the
design proposals, Summit Lake is affected by drugs and crime. In an effort to change
the environment to deter crime, several recommendations included upgraded and
improved street lighting and a community shuttle to link major destinations that would
provide traffic and eyes on the street like a Giant Carpool. As a result of the lake being
contaminated by remnants from nearby factories and other sediments, it cannot be
encountered by bare skin. Debris catchers can be placed at the outflows of storm drains
to prevent trash and other pollutants from entering the lake. For the towpath, picnic
areas would be implemented as well as biking amenities for users. Ideas for the vacant lot
improvements would be raised garden beds to start revitalization efforts until more long
term plans are ready to be set in place.

4.1 NEXT STEPS

The charrette process has outlined an overall framework for development of Summit
Lake and a series of possible strategies for implementing the teams recommendations.
It is important to recognize that this is NOT a plan. It is only a collection of possible
development ideas that will help to focus continuing community debate, leading to
concensus on a detailed plan of action for the future. To move forward from this initial
step, we recommend the following priorities:
Identify collaborators
Asset mapping
Identify funding opportunities
Prioritize short term strategies to support long term initiatives
The most important next step, however, is to build support for the planning effort. To
begin this process, we hope this summary of the charrette proceedings will be circulated,
with comments and suggestions solicited from as wide an audience as possible.
Summit Lake, Ohio | 19

5. Appendix

Student and staff design team in Summit Lake

5.1 The Charrette team

Staff of the Cleveland Urban Design Center:
Terry Schwarz, Director
David Jurca, Urban Designer
Gauri Torgalkar, Urban Designer
Annie Lynch, Urban Design Intern
Community Development Process Course Instructor:
Patti Choby, Principal, The Cobalt Group, Inc.
Undergraduate and Graduate Student Participants:
Dustin Baker
Utkarsh Kankariya
Rhiannon Bitting
Kat Keller
Kristen Buckland
Wade Kratzer
Marissa Butts
Michael Langelier
Juleian Curtis
Carmen Licate
Philip Erb
Joseph Palmieri
Victoria Hampton
Krysta Pesarchick
Mitch Hoyt
Haley Rice
Alex Johnson
Arthur Schmidt IV

20 | Summit Lake Workshop

Brent Schriefer
Nicholas Skowron
Mathew Spencer
John Stouffer III
Jesse Sweigart
Heather Ways
Tempestt Ziegler

5.2 acknowledgements
The CUDC staff and students of the Graduate Program in Urban Design at Kent State
University would like to thank those that made the workshop possible, particulary
John O. Moore, Director, City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban

Development
Thomas A. Tatum, City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development

and the staff and public officials from the City of Akron
Michael Starks, Community Organizer, Summit Lake Neighborhood Association
Cazzell Smith, Summit County Council Member, District 5
Kenneth Jones, Akron City Council, Ward 5
Malcolm Costa, CEO, Akron Summit County Action Agency
and the many individuals and organizations who participated in the Summit Lake
Workshop.

Summit Lake, Ohio | 21