The new Shady Hollow Lodge is taking shape in the woods of Akron’s Sand Run Metro Park, and it will look completely different to those who remember the building before the flames.
The previous facility — a small, cabin-styled structure built in 1988 — was lost to an accidental fire last year. With help from its nonprofit foundation, Summit Metro Parks is building the new, reservable facility with a number of upgrades including larger windows, vaulted ceilings, air conditioning, a patio and more. It will be ready to host reunions, bridal showers and other events in early 2018. Park naturalists will use the space for public programs, too.
The Summit Metro Parks Foundation is making the improvements possible, according to Jen Harvey, fund development manager and grant writer. “We didn’t want to rebuild the same building,” Harvey said. “We wanted a better experience for guests and a design that reflects the beauty of Sand Run Metro Park.”
Designed by Peninsula Architects, the updated lodge (1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron) is on track to be completed by year’s end. Harvey said anyone can support the foundation and its Rebuilding Shady Hollow Lodge campaign with an online donation, at bitly.com/SMPFoundation. Contributions are tax deductible.
Harvey noted that even small donations can add up. “We’ve had a wonderful response from the community already,” she said.
The district is currently taking reservations to use the lodge in February and beyond. The rate for Summit County residents is $120 weekdays, and $165 on weekends and holidays. The cost is $170 for out-of-county residents on weekdays, and $200 on weekends and holidays. Summit County residents pay less because the park district is funded by a county real estate tax.
At just under 1,000 acres, Sand Run Metro Park is the park district’s most-visited park, with about 2 million annual visits. Sand Run’s other reservable facility is Mingo Lodge, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
For information about lodges, open-air shelters and more, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330–867–5511.