Karl Simonson, Graphic Designer
Award-winning sculptor, designer, craftsman and Akron icon for more than 50 years, Don Drumm is also a loyal fan of Summit Metro Parks.
Because of his love of nature, Mr. Drumm started out as a biology major at Hiram College to become a veterinarian, but took an elective figure study drawing class that changed his life forever. Mr. Drumm then transferred to Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and eventually a Master of Arts.
In 1960, Mr. Drumm opened his own studio and married his wife, Lisa. As their young family grew, so did their love for the parks. The Drumms soon found that Hampton Hills Metro Park was their favorite place to see wildflowers, hike the trails and foot bridges with their dog and let their children have fun.
“We started going to the parks with our kids in the early ’60s and ended up going many Sundays with picnic lunches through the ’60s and ’70s,” recalled Mr. Drumm. “It was inexpensive for a young family and a great way to get out and get involved with the kids.”
Being close to nature and seeing wildlife was important to Mr. Drumm and his family, and he treasures memories of the time they spent together in the Metro Parks. He especially enjoyed watching his children giggle as they rolled down grassy hills.
“The Metro Parks are a great value for the cost — they’re one of the joys of living in this area,” stated Mr. Drumm. “We are blessed to live here being surrounded by the parks.”
Mr. Drumm and SMP collaborated in 2018 and 2019 on two pieces of custom pewter art. These ornaments are for sale at Maple Leaf Gifts in the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm.
For more great 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.