The Farm2Pantry Pilot Initiative was a huge success thanks to the hard work of the project partners, community gardeners and pantry volunteers. In total, the community gardens produced over 1,400 pounds of produce for distribution at two local food pantries. The program resulted in an overall average increase in vegetable consumption by 16.25% as indicated by the pre- and post-program evaluation.

JEWETT PARK

The grand opening event of Jewett Park was held on 07/15/2023. Nearly 200 community members attended the grand opening event. Middlebury residents and individuals from several local community organizations volunteered for event set-up and operations throughout the grand opening event. Jewett Park was filled with children and families celebrating the new community space throughout the duration of the event.

Representatives from LINKS Family and Community Services, Summit County Public Health, Akron Parks Collaborative, the City of Akron, and Middlebury residents facilitated the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Each representative delivered a short speech highlighting the work of the community and the positive impact of Jewett Park in the Middlebury community. At the conclusion of the speaking portion of the ceremony, the representatives participated in the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon. 

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, residents were encouraged to stay and enjoy the park; LINKS Family and Community Services provided a cook-out style lunch and yard games.



Jewett Park continues to receive support through the Friends of Jewett Park group. This group is an open & inclusive group of community members who actively work to steward, improve, and plan programming at Jewett Park.

RUBBER CITY HERATIGE TRAIL

The Rubber City Heritage Trail is a proposed multi-use trail linking the Akron neighborhoods of East Akron, Middlebury, University of Akron, South Akron, Firestone Park, and Kenmore via an abandoned rail line. The trail follows 6-miles of the former ABC rail line that provided service to tire and rubber companies of Akron, including Goodyear, General Tire, BF Goodrich and Firestone. Now, the rail corridor is majority owned by the City of Akron. The Rubber City Heritage Trail is a major component of the City’s growing bicycle network as it allows safe pedestrian travel for all abilities and destinations: recreation, school, work, etc.



The Middlebury Bike'N'Brainstorm, held on September 23, 2023, was one of the first of many community engagement events for the upcoming expansion of the Rubber City Heritage Trail. AMATS, along with several community partners, hosted a bike ride and brainstorm session to activate the voices of the Middlebury residents. This unique event provided an active platform for residents to engage in the planning process. 10 cyclists, 5 e-scooter riders, and 7 non-riders participated, providing feedback regarding safety, accessibility, barriers and desired amenities for the Rubber City Heritage Trail.  

LENDING LIBRARY

The Lending Library recently received a few new items including dumbbells, exercise dice, and resistance bands. The Lending Library provides access to exercise equipment for use at the community members location of choice. Community members have been using the equipment at the Lawton Street Community Center, local parks and private residences.

The planning team is working to continue to promote the program throughout the community. If you would like a digital or print copies of the flyer for distribution, please contact:

Shelby Mills

Summit County Public Health

1867 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313

Phone: (330) 808 6811

Email: smills@schd.org

TOBACCO CESSATION RESOURCE

Know someone trying to quit tobacco products? Be there to listen and offer support. Encourage them to call 1-800-Quit-Now.

For more information about smoking and tobacco cessation resources in Summit County, visit: https://www.scph.org/quit

Mission

Activating community-led solutions to create sustainable change in policies, places, and population health.

Vision

Vibrant Ohio communities where everyone has access to healthy food and opportunities for active living.