Recreation Options Plentiful, Diverse in Akron
Published Apr 10, 2009
The University of Akron Zips football team will move into a new, 30,000-seat stadium in 2009.
Greater Akron offers a bevy of recreational opportunities in all four seasons. Whether your passion is as a participant or a spectator, here are a few things that will keep you active:
King James
Basketball superstar LeBron James is an Akron native and plays in his own backyard for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association.
James also supports the community in a number of ways, including the annual LeBron James King for Kids Bikeathon.
The third-annual event took place in June 2008 and was made possible with the support and cooperation of the city of Akron and several corporate sponsors. The event recognizes and rewards local children who have achieved academic success, improved their physical fitness and made important contributions to the community.
The event, coordinated by the LeBron James Family Foundation, included donations of 400 bicycles to kids and $150,000 to area community groups. James led more than 300 children who received the free bikes on a 1-mile ride through the city before the main ride, which drew some 3,500 participants. Go to www.lebronjamesff.org for more.
Tee It Up
Northeast Ohio is home to more than 300 golf courses, and a signature professional event takes place in the region each year at the famed Firestone Country Club outside Akron.
More than 100,000 golf enthusiasts turn out each year for the Bridgestone Invitational, one of three events in the World Golf Championships sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours. The event attracts the top players in the game, including Tiger Woods, who has won the event six times.
The PGA Tour estimates the tournament has a more than $30 million economic impact in Northeast Ohio.
Play Ball
The Cleveland Browns of the NFL, Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA and Cleveland Indians of baseball’s American League play just a short drive away from downtown Akron. The University of Akron Zips play in the Mid-American Conference, with the football team set to move into a new stadium.
The Double-A Akron Aeros of the Eastern League play their game downtown at Canal Park, a $31 million stadium opened in 1997 that seats 9,100 and includes 25 luxury boxes. Go to www.akronaeros.com for more on the team.
Park It Here
The 8,600-acre Summit County Metro Parks system offers 13 developed parks, a 33.5-mile trail for biking and hiking, and the F.A. Seiberling Naturealm Visitors Center.
More than 15,000 hikers hit the trails for the popular fall hiking spree, which includes at least eight designated trails and runs from September through the end of November.
Photo by Jeff Adkins
Current Weather Conditions In Akron, OH (44308)
Sunny, and 43 ° F. For more details?
Click here...
