AKRON, Ohio — City officials broke ground Saturday for an estimated $11.5 million renovation of the Ed Davis Community Center in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood, just outside downtown.
The facility is one of three Akron community centers that will be renovated using American Rescued Plan Act money, the city said in a release.
The Davis Center's upgrades include a new gym, an indoor walking track, a teen room, a multipurpose room, an upgraded playground and an exterior upgrade, the city said.
The work is planned to be completed in spring 2024.
“American Rescue Plan Act funding has enabled us to make once-in-a-generation investments into our community that will create lasting growth and positive change,” said Mayor Dan Horrigan. “When the ribbon on the new community center is cut next spring, it’ll celebrate much needed improvements and I can’t wait to see the end result.”
In 2019, the Akron Recreation and Parks Bureau circulated a community-needs survey with the goal of developing a strategic plan for improving community centers and recreation programming.
Based on more than 1,500 responses from the community, the plan presented to City Council prioritized upgrading community centers, playgrounds and both outdoor pools, the city said.
In 2020, the city launched a community-wide survey, asking residents what centers were in greatest need of repair.
As a result, along with the Davis Center, community centers at Patterson Park in North Hill and Reservoir Park in Goodyear Heights will also be renovated, the city said.
“The community’s feedback was vital in the planning process, and we’ve taken that feedback and are ensuring the updates reflect the residents’ needs,” said City Council President Margo Sommerville. “Akron deserves fun, safe and accessible public spaces and this is a big step in making that a reality.”
Perkins Woods Pool, which is adjacent to the Ed Davis Center, is currently undergoing a $5.5 million renovation, the city said. The pool is anticipated to reopen this summer.