One hundred years ago during Akron’s centennial celebration, the young Akron Metropolitan Park District, then just four years old, received its first land donation from local farmer Joseph Courtney. The parcel of land, located at what is now the corner of North Portage Path and Merriman Road, was marked with a boulder that can still be visited today.
In the one hundred years that followed, the park district, now known as Summit Metro Parks, became intertwined with the city of Akron, opening several parks that highlight the hills, valleys, waterways and forests in and around the city.
Summit Metro Parks is proud to join Akron in celebration of its bicentennial and wishes the community enduring connections with nature for generations to come.
Our shared history
1921
Park district founded: Under the leadership of Goodyear Tire & Rubber founder F.A. Seiberling, the Akron Metropolitan Park District was established.
1929
Sand Run Metro Park established: Comprised of 700 acres when it first opened, Sand Run Metro Park is the oldest and most visited park in the park district.
1930
Goodyear Heights Metro Park and Gorge Metro Park established: Swiftly growing, the park district opened three new parks this year, including these two with land in Akron.
1941
Firestone Metro Park established: With several Summit Metro Parks open in central and northern Summit County, Firestone Metro Park realized the park district’s goal of opening a park in the growing area of south Akron.
1966
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm and Hampton Hills Metro Park established: Another busy year, the park district opened three more parks, including these two with land in Akron. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm also included the opening of the park district’s first nature center.
1981
Cascade Valley Metro Park established: This park is home to several Akron icons, including the Signal Tree and a scenic overlook high above the Cuyahoga River.
2013
Freedom Trail established: Named for the Freedom Secondary Rail line of the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, this multipurpose trail bridges the east-west gap between Portage County and downtown Akron.
2021
Summit Lake Nature Center opens: Located south of downtown Akron, this nature center opened during the park district’s own centennial celebration, once again tying Akron’s history to Summit Metro Parks.
For even more highlights from a century of memories, visit our history page.
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.