A major renovation project that will greatly enlarge and improve the Patterson Park Community Center on on North Hill is now officially underway, after a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning.

The project, which will be paid for with federal funds, will cost $7.8 million dollars, and is expected to be complete by late 2024, or early 2025.

Our morning Show Host, Ray Horner, talked to Mayor Dan Horrigan about the project. Listen now:

In a press release, City officials explain that the existing 8,300 square foot building at 800 Patterson Avenue, will be replaced with a 12,400 sq ft footprint. The larger building will accommodate more recreational opportunities such as indoor volleyball, pickleball, and basketball. The community rooms will allow for more groups to meet at the center and utilize the space to fit their needs. The facility will be one level, with a new ADA accessible entry from a new parking area off of Patterson Ave. 

Community engagement has been vital to these investments. In 2019, the City of Akron Recreation and Parks Bureau presented the results of a community needs survey as well as a Strategic Plan to Akron City Council. The survey had over 1,500 responses from community members. That plan prioritized upgrading community centers, playgrounds, and both outdoor pools.  Community outreach was performed in 2020 with a survey which had over 500 total responses emphasizing Patterson Park as one of the three community centers in need of repair.

The construction is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.  The next center slated for renovations will be Reservoir Park Community Center (1735 Hillside Terrace) with bids expected to go out in early 2024.