Laura Esposito, Park Manager
When Summit Metro Parks started exploring the idea of hosting community gardens, Goodyear Heights Metro Park in Akron was determined to be the perfect location for this project. The site has a large, open space for the garden, access to water, restrooms, picnic tables and even a nearby lodge for programs and meetings.
But another reason why Goodyear Heights was chosen has to do with the history of the area — it’s the location of a former “Victory Garden.” Both Goodyear and Firestone rubber companies worked with the park district during WWII to offer land for workers and their families. This played an important role during a time of hardship by giving families the opportunity to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables.
By honoring these historical ties and promoting the myriad of benefits that community gardens provide, we hope to bring together many generations of people, of all abilities, around the activity of growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Sign up to be a part of our first community garden! Summit County residents have until April 15, 2018 to reserve a plot.
Call 330 865–8065 to register, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
- Target opening date for the gardens is Memorial Day
- Plot sizes are 4’ x 10’ and there are 24 plots. Additionally, there are 4 ADA accessible plots available.
- All plots are $20 per year plus a $10 clean-up fee which will be applied towards your next year’s plot fee. Fees are non-refundable.
- Plots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.