To receive a link\, please registe r online\, in person\, or by phone at 330.745.6126.
\nOnce called the "Million-Dollar Playground\," amusement parks have existed at S ummit Lake since the 1880s. In its heyday\, the Summit Beach Amusement Par k hosted the Crystal Pool\, then the largest tile pool in the world. Wiste ria Ballroom was touted as the world's largest dance floor and could handl e 5\,000 people.
\nA place of revelry and fun\, the beach also had b oat docks\, slot machines\, a carousel\, Merry-Go-Round\, a Ferris wheel\, picnic pavilions\, a roller rink\, and \;The Skyrocket roller coaster . But the park was not immune from controversy and discrimination\, partic ularly in the 1950s\, when Akron was segregated. Societal changes\, includ ing urban restructuring and the rise of television and the automobile\, gr adually led to the closing of the park in the late 1950s.
\nIn the f ollowing years\, Summit Lake saw very dark times and was plagued by pollut ion and misuse. But thanks to the community support and the work of the Su mmit Metro Parks\, the lake is now cleaner\, and the amusement park has be en replaced by a nature center\, which opened in July 2021. Residents can hike\, fish\, boat\, attend programs and farmers' markets at this local ge m.
\nJoin Naturalist Woody as he explores the natural and historical changes at Summit Lake. An Akron local\, Matthew "Woody" Woodyard\, is a recent non-traditional graduate from Kent State University with a bachelor 's degree in environmental studies and a minor in geography. He has intern ed and worked for both Summit Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park\, having recently accepted a full-time position with the Summit Metr o Parks. \;
\nThis program will be held in person at the Kenmore Branch Library\, with the option to participate virtually via Zoo m.
\nA webcam and microphone may be necessary for participa tion in this interactive event. If you have one or neither of these\, your level of participation will be limited. If you do not have an email addre ss\, please contact the Kenmore Branch to learn how to participate in this program via phone.
\nhttps://akronlibrary.libnet.info/event/7449394 URL;VALUE=URI:https://akronlibrary.libnet.info/event/7449394 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR