Akron Reporter

Akron, Ohio — On October 12, Mayor Horrigan and other city officials broke ground at Patterson Park Community Center (800 Patterson Ave.) to celebrate the beginning of construction on the center renovation. After renovations, the community center will boast new meeting rooms, a multipurpose room, game room, art/gardening room, a new outdoor playground, and more. Construction is expected to total $7.8M and be complete by late 2024/early 2025.

“Revitalizing our public spaces is vital to our city’s future and I’m proud to break ground today on this latest investment into our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Horrigan. “I know the renovations being done here will make this center more accessible to residents and will become a cherished community asset for many years to come.”

The existing 8,300 square foot building will be replaced with a 12,400 sq ft footprint. The larger building will accommodate more recreational opportunities such as indoor volleyball, pickleball, and basketball. The community rooms will allow for more groups to meet at the center and utilize the space to fit their needs. The facility will be one level, with a new ADA accessible entry from a new parking area off of Patterson Ave.  

Community engagement has been vital to these investments. In 2019, the City of Akron Recreation and Parks Bureau presented the results of a community needs survey as well as a Strategic Plan to Akron City Council. The survey had over 1,500 responses from community members. That plan prioritized upgrading community centers, playgrounds, and both outdoor pools.  Community outreach was performed in 2020 with a survey which had over 500 total responses emphasizing Patterson Park as one of the three community centers in need of repair.

The construction is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The next center slated for renovations will be Reservoir Park Community Center (1735 Hillside Terrace).  

Original source can be found here.