May 2023

NeoSTEM visited the remarkable Summit Lake Nature Center, now a thriving space along the Akron lakeshore. This location was previously an outdated pump station and eyesore for residents. New life poured into the site through collaboration between the city, community gardens, the Knight Foundation, the Ohio Canalway, ODNR, and youth groups. We toured the new welcoming facilities along the water, learning how focused community organizations and funding transformed once-abandoned infrastructure into an inclusive asset drawing in schools, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Between exploring interactive exhibits, we discussed the power of uplifting underutilized local spaces to spark curiosity, stewardship, and intergenerational connections.