Release Date: November 7,2024
City of Akron to Host Grand Reopening Celebration for Lock 3 on Friday, November 29
Welcome Santa Parade kicks off Lock 3’s Winter Season
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 7, 2024 — Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced the grand reopening celebration for downtown’s Lock 3. The celebration will take place on Friday, November 29 immediately following the City’s Welcome Santa Parade. The parade begins downtown at 6:00 pm and features colorful floats, marching groups, stilt walkers, costumed characters and more. The festivities will continue in the newly renovated Lock 3 with music, a ribbon cutting with speakers, and a spectacular drone show at 7 pm. There will be ice carving with a live demonstration, and residents will see The Grinch, Santa and other costumed characters on site for photo opportunities. Ice skating will be available from 11am until 11pm for the grand opening.
The newly redeveloped Lock 3 now includes shaded seating in the warmer months, landscaped gardens, artwork, 2 skating areas, and the world-class Maynard Performance Pavilion. The Frances and Richard Buchholzer Balcony is a wonderful gathering space and serves as a patio or extension of Lock 3 with the connection to the sidewalk on Main Street. There will be moveable seating in spring, summer and fall to welcome downtown residents, workers and University of Akron students. The Maynard Performance Pavilion is a world-class, one-of-a-kind facility. It has 3 sides for performances including the lawn view for concerts and events totaling 3,000 – 3,500 guests, the Swensons Game Patio view, for 500 – 1,000 person events and the Canal view, for 250 – 500 person events.
Located in the center of Akron, and along the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail, Lock 3 has been transformed into a premier park that is accessible, equitable and welcoming for residents and visitors. As part of the project, 35,500 plants and over 100 trees were planted in the park. All are native species.
The Lock 3 Vision Plan is a key component of the resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 project that builds on the success of Lock 3 as a successful event, concert and festival public space and has now developed a year-round park that is a destination for residents, guests, hikers, and bicyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Akron Civic Commons 2.0 is coordinated by Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, in partnership with the City of Akron, and they serve as the fiscal agent and project manager for Lock 3 Park and the Summit Lake Vision Plan.
“We are ushering in a new era for downtown Akron with the transformation of Lock 3,” said Mayor Malik. “This park represents the collaborative work and passion of so many Akron residents, organizations, and donors to create a true destination spot right in the heart of our downtown corridor. Together, we’ve transformed Lock 3 from a summertime festival and concert venue to a 365-day park where anyone can come enjoy the space at any time of the year.”
“I’m beyond excited to cut the ribbon on the newly redeveloped Lock 3,” said Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition President and CEO Dan Rice. “With the reopening celebration, we honor our commitment to the residents of Akron and to the co-creation, co-design and co-stewarding of outstanding parks, trails and open spaces with residents at the center of our work. All residents, regardless of their race, income, education, gender, and experience deserve high-quality trails, parks, and public spaces because they are essential to our physical, emotional and mental health.”
The redevelopment cost $17M with the City of Akron funding $6.5M, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation contributing $5.5M, and the remaining $5M is from generous organizations and individual donors. Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and the City of Akron thank all of the donors, including:
Akron Children’s Hospital
Akron Community Foundation
City of Akron
Congressional Community Project Funding
FirstEnergy Foundation
GAR Foundation
Individual Donors
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Ohio & Erie Canalway
Richard and Alita Rogers Family
State of Ohio
Summit County Government
WINTER SEASON
This year’s Lock 3 Winter season promises an exciting lineup of winter activities that will delight visitors of all ages, including ice skating, thrilling ice bumper cars, cozy outdoor igloos for relaxing gatherings, and much more. Check out the brochure for a full list of activities, pricing, and hours.
The Winter season kicks off with the Welcome Santa Parade on Friday. Nov. 29. The parade begins at 6:00 pm at Cedar and S. Main and continues north down S. Main to W. Bowery. The grand reopening celebration follows the parade in Lock 3.
LOCK 3 WINTER HOURS
Wed/Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri/Sat 11 am-11pm
Sun. 11am-6pm
ICE SKATING
Ice Skating includes Skate Rental - $10 SKATE SIZES: Child 9 thru Adult 13
Skating with Own Skates - $5
Skating with double blade buckle skates. - $8
RENT THE RINK: Want a one-of-a-kind birthday party or corporate event? Rent the small rink – $250 for 2 hours or the large rink–$500 for 4 hours. Call Kim at 330-212-8699 or email at kreese-glover@akronohio.gov for full details.
IGLOO RENTALS: Wednesday – Sunday $50 for 2 hours. Reservations online.
ICE BUMPER CARS: Wednesday – Sunday are $12 for 10 minutes. Reservations online.
To reserve your spot for igloos and ice bumper cars, please visit Lock3Live.com.
LOCK STOP CAFE: Our Lock Stop Cafe offers Whitey’s Chili, crispy fries, hot soup and more. Kids monster meals will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Hot chocolate, as well as adult beverages are available all day.
ARCHIE THE TALKING SNOWMAN!
Talk to Archie and take a walk through Miller’s Party Rental Holiday Lane to enjoy displays from the former O’Neils and Polsky’s Department Stores displayed in the former O’Neils Basement (enter near Skate Rental). New this season are fun selfie stations. Free admission.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Sat., Dec. 14th and 21st | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AND Sun., Dec. 15th and 22nd | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The event includes breakfast from the BREAKFAST BOX, entry to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, ice bumper car ride, and photo opportunities with Santa. Presale tickets are available for $15 online beginning November 8th (children two and under are free with paid adult).
DINNER WITH THE GRINCH
Sat., Dec. 14th | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy the night with the Grinch and a catered dinner by a local restaurant, dessert, ice skating, ice bumper car ride and photos with the Grinch. Presale tickets are available for $15 online beginning November 8th (children two and under are free with paid adult).
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY (AND SUNDAY!)
November 30 from 11 am -7 pm and December 1 from 11 am – 5 pm.
Let’s start the season off with supporting our small businesses! Downtown Akron Partnership has a whole weekend planned for you to explore Downtown Akron. Begin your journey at Northside Marketplace and over 100+ local vendors and then hop on our free shuttle (that will make stops all along the way) as you jingle your way through downtown with drink and food specials, make and take projects, Akron Holiday Bazaar, Missing Falls Brewery Bazaar and more! Check DowntownAkron.com for details.
For a complete list of attractions, calendar, and hours of operation, visit lock3live.com. For group sales, party packages, private rentals, and fundraising opportunities at www.lock3live.com call 330.375.2877 or e-mail inquiries to lock3@akronohio.gov.