River access at Valley View to blossom with native plants

As construction continues to create public access to the Cuyahoga River at the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, another transformation is taking place simultaneously. With grant support from Akron Garden Club, a new public space alongside the Cuyahoga River will soon blossom with nearly 6,000 native plants.

AGC members, park staff and volunteers began planting thousands of native plants at the site in April. The new garden will feature accent areas that consist of meadows filled with native blooms, evoking a natural landscape with vivid bursts of color and intricate textures.

Celebrating 100 years in 2024, AGC chose Summit Metro Parks as the recipient of its centennial gift to the Akron community. This project was selected because it underscores the importance of native plants in supporting ecosystems and creating enduring natural spaces. The grant provides up to $100,000 for the project design, development, materials, installation and a portion of the first year’s maintenance.

New amenities near the Cuyahoga River at the Valley View Area will open to public this summer, including kayak and canoe access, gathering spaces, a scenic overlook, nature play area, restrooms and three new trails.

While visitors await the opening of the park district’s newest space, they can consider the Wild Back Yards program, which encourages individuals to make simple yet impactful changes in their own outdoor spaces to support local wildlife. Learn more at bit.ly/wildbackyards. ∞