CLPA Education Programs/Park Tour Guide

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About Cascade Locks Park Association

Location:

248 FERNDALE ST, AKRON, OH 44304, US

Mission Statement

The mission of the Cascade Locks Park Association (CLPA) is to preserve, protect and promote the industrial, commercial and cultural heritage of the Cascade Locks Park along locks 10-16 of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Description

Founded in 1989, the Cascade Locks Park Association works in partnership with the City of Akron, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County and many others to design and develop the Cascade Locks Park on the north end of downtown Akron. The Park is an industrial heritage park, which tells the story of Akron’s birth along the canal and the evolution of industry in Akron. The Cascade Locks Park connects to downtown Akron, providing direct access to nature and recreation along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which stretches into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and will ultimately lead to Cleveland’s lakefront.

The park began with the rehabilitation of the Mustill Store and House and extension of the Towpath Trail to the area. This extensive project was just the beginning for Cascade Locks Park, as its supporters continued to work towards the goals of enhancing the quality of life in and around downtown Akron.

Today, the park has over 106,000 visitors yearly, and the Mustill Store greets over 7,000 visitors each year. CLPA operates the Store, staffed with volunteers, and provides educational programs. Visitation to the Mustill Store and Cascade Locks Park continues to increase as connections are made, and we are able to continue to "Bridge Urban Places with Green Spaces."