Signs of Transformation in University Park
Leggett Elementary School/ CLC Takes Shape
Akron Public Schools, in a partnership with the The City of Akron, and the Ohio School Facilities Commission,
is making good progress in the construction of a new
56,000-square-foot, 400-student elementary school and community
learning center in University Park. With
an overall investment of over
$9 million, the project's expected completion date
is Fall 2010.
Energy Zone is the Place
to Go for Both Healthy
and Delicious
Newly located in the Jean and Milton Cooper Cancer Center lobby on Summa's City Hospital Campus, Energy Zone truly delivers 'fuel for the body & mind.' In addition to a smoothie menu with nearly limitless choices, the on-the-go crowd in UP can choose from a wide variety of nourishing, great-tasting grab & go snacks including energy bars, baked goods, snacks, and probiotic & fruit parfaits. Located on Perkins Street just east of Route 8 in University Park.
More
Sun Sculpture Rises
at City Hospital
Also found in the Jean and Milton Cooper Cancer Center lobby is "Garden of Fantasy", a stunningly beautiful installation by University Park's own Don Drumm. Crafted from 1,400 pounds of cut aluminum and bronze, the piece floats in the air, suspended by barely visible cables; a must see when exploring the large and diverse collection of
public art and art venues in the University Park neighborhood.
University Park Preschool Opens Near City Hospital
University Park Preschool, developed through a partnership between ASCA Headstart, Akron Area YMCA, The University of Akron and University Park Alliance with funding from GAR Foundation, opened on March 9th. An all-day, five-day, full-year preschool, University Park Preschool provides a unique and valuable experience for 4-year-olds in University Park.
The preschool is free to UP families who qualify by income eligibility and provides the highest quality learning environment, exceeding licensing and accreditation standards established by the State of Ohio. The University of Akron's College of Education is serving as a resource for the overall program, tapping into the resources and expertise of many other University departments and programs. University of Akron students will be engaged in service-learning projects within the preschool.
The University Park Advantage: Educational Excellence
University Park Preschool is a component of The University Park Advantage: Educational Excellence,
an initiative to enhance education from preschool on up using the
talents and skills of faculty and students, and other resources of The University of Akron.
University Park Advantage programs help make University Park a
neighborhood of choice for home buyers, businesses and other
investors. The programs provide tremendous educational opportunities
for
existing and new families who live in
University Park.
University Park Advantage programs include annual scholarships for long term residents of University Park to attend The University of Akron and strong partnerships with Mason and Leggett Elementary Schools, the Early College High School, and the new Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) middle school. Also included are learning opportunities through free lectures and presentations on campus, and a variety of high quality public and private schools in or near the University Park neighborhood.
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Our Partners
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With Major Funding By:
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Nancy
L. Zimpher will
deliver the keynote address at the UPA luncheon. Currently serving as
President of
the University of Cincinnati,
Dr. Zimpher will become
Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) System on
June 1,
2009.
Save the Date!
University Park Alliance
Awards Luncheon
Set for May 11
The sixth annual University Park Alliance Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Dominion Foundation, will be held on
Monday, May 11, at 11:30 am in the Student Union Ballroom at The
University of Akron.
Last year, over 500 people attended this sold-out event. Students and student organizations, faculty, businesses, community members and groups, alumni, and others will be honored for their
contributions to the revitalization of the University Park neighborhood. Proceeds will benefit UPA's Scholarship Fund for
long-term residents of University Park.
Our Luncheon Is Going Green
This year's luncheon program
will also showcase UPA's present, planned and potential sustainable urban living projects, focused
particularly around locally grown food. Green and sustainable urban development is a core concept of the neighborhood revitalization efforts led by University Park Alliance. To that end, we are planning our luncheon to be little bit healthier, for you and the environment.
As
in prior years, we expect sell-out
attendance, so watch your email for
reservation information soon.
Save a tree!
Make your reservation right away
when you receive your evite and we won't send you a paper invitation!
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Elves and More Surprises
University Park With 1,000 Bicycles!
Nearly 1,000 children living in the University Park neighborhood had smiles on their faces this past holiday season, when the organization Elves & More of Northeast Ohio made a surprise visit bearing gifts. Every child between the ages of four and seventeen that arrived at Mason Community Learning Center was given a brand new bicycle. Children under age four were presented with a tricycle or gift box. This marks the 3rd year that Elves & More delivered bicycles to an unsuspecting Akron neighborhood. The exact location of the gift deliveries was top secret until Sunday, December 21st, when the bikes and gift boxes were distributed to the children. UPA partner Summa Health System was the primary sponsor of this year's event along with UPA as a secondary sponsor. Other UPA partners contributed their efforts too. The City of Akron donated space for bike building and storage and provided emergency vehicles complete with flashing lights and blarring sirens to lead the caravan of bicycle-laden trucks and volunteers into the neighborhood. Several City of Akron police officers donated their time to assist with delivery of the bikes. Thanks to UPA partner Akron Public Schools, the bikes were distributed through one of Akron's newest Community Learning Centers, Mason CLC in University Park. Akron Children's Hospital provided a helmet to every child who received a bike and will also host a bike safety rodeo in the spring. Elves and More provided a gift for every child in the neighborhood. No one was left out! Smiles and collective play among children spread good cheer throughout the neighborhood, and make University Park a more pleasant community. Elves and More of Northeast Ohio founders say bicycles give children the ability to get to places like after school programs and community centers, which helps to improve the overall quality of life in the neighborhood. For more information about Elves and More, go to elvesandmoreneo.org.  |
UPA Offering Funding To Selected Community Partners to
Manage Community Discussions
and Monitor Street Lighting
Through its Subgrants Committee, UPA is requesting funding proposals for work to help transform the University Park neighborhood. Going forward, University Park Alliance (UPA) will be looking for partners to assist with improving the public realm, building community capacity, and managing communications and special events in the University Park neighborhood. We are currently seeking proposals from local non-profit and civic organizations to help with: Managing Community Discussions
And
Monitoring Street Lighting
You can download a copy of the RFP here. Please contact UPA Project Manager, Lois Smith via email or by phone at 330-972-8859 if you have additional questions.
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University Park Business Association Hosts Quarterly Meeting
The University Park Business Association (UPBA), under the direction of Jack Bird, Branch Manager, National City Bank on East Exchange Street in University Park, hosted a quarterly meeting on February 26th at Hattie's Cafe. Nearly 30 business owners attended.
The
University Park Business Association (UPBA) works on
behalf of the University Park neighborhood's local business community, including property owners and
developers, retail, service, medical and manufacturing businesses, Summa Health System and The University of Akron.
Acting officers including Jack Bird, Katie Wojno Lancianese of Wojno Development and David Brown of Brown
Investment Group LLC presented information about future plans and
opportunities for the membership of the business association. Ken Stapleton, Senior Economic Development Advisor and Executive Director, University Park Alliance, and Bob Bowman, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development shared information about recent and planned developments in the University Park neighborhood. The next quarterly meeting of UPBA is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 5:30. The location is to be determined. Please contact Jack Bird for more information about UPBA.
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 The Stage Door Opens
in University Park
E. J. 's backstage has been transformed into an intimate setting to create the perfect
space to experience a new, innovative blend of entertainment. To compliment the evening performances lightfare, beverages and a cash bar are available.
Check out Ry Cunningham on March 26 and the Blackpack on April 2. Parking is available free of charge in the North Campus Parking Deck.
All seats are general admission and are $10 for the general public and $5 for UA Students. Look for the blue door on Hill Street!
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About University Park Alliance
The mission of University Park Alliance (UPA) is to revitalize and transform the diverse University Park neighborhood, a 50-block area immediately surrounding The University of Akron, through engaging the community and leveraging real estate & business investment. UPA was established through a major grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and is comprised of partners including The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Akron Public Schools, the Greater Akron Chamber, and the University Park Development Corporation.
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