The people in North Hill no longer have to imagine what it would be like if their Akron, Ohio neighborhood was a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly place with lots of shopping, dining and family activities. They got to see and experience it this month.
May 15-17, neighbors, city organizations, businesses, nonprofit groups and the city of Akron brought both Better Block and Open Streets to North Hill with the support of Knight Foundation.
Better Block Akron created a pop-up version of what the North Main Street block at Cuyahoga Falls Avenue would look like if all the storefronts were filled and lots of people showed up to shop and dine there.
Open Streets closed a 2.8-mile section of North Main Street from Downtown Akron up to and including the Better Block area. The street was open to pedestrians and bicyclists from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17. Intended to inspire people to get out of their cars and enjoy the neighborhood, Open Streets will also offer lots of family- and pet-friendly activities.